Jenna Ortega recently shared insights about her involvement in the upcoming film Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and her journey into the world of horror roles during an appearance on the TODAY show. As fans gathered outside the studio to catch a glimpse of her, she reflected on how she secured her role in the movie.
Ortega expressed her initial reaction, mentioning that it was a swift decision. Though she experienced a brief moment of uncertainty, she was taken aback when Tim Burton presented her with the opportunity. After receiving the script, she promptly pulled over to read it and, within two hours, contacted her team to share her excitement about collaborating with Burton once again.
She took a moment to express her admiration for her co-stars, stating that she never imagined working alongside talents like Michael Keaton, Monica Bellucci, Winona Ryder, and Willem Dafoe. The chance to collaborate with such remarkable individuals and to witness Keaton embodying Beetlejuice in person was nothing short of surreal for her.
Additionally, Ortega delved deeper into her evolution into a horror icon, revealing that during her childhood, she was fearful of many things, including the dark and the characters from classic horror films. Despite her fear of the gremlins, she found herself drawn to them, which left her feeling conflicted. However, as she matured, she began to understand that the thrill she felt was often intertwined with fear. By reframing her perspective, she learned to channel her apprehension into excitement, which helped her navigate her emotions more effectively.
In the full interview, which is available for viewing, Ortega also highlighted the pivotal role her family, especially her mother, has played in supporting her career and helping her maintain a sense of humility. The much-anticipated Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is set to hit theaters on September 6.