Creators and writers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar have shared their thoughts on Jenna Ortega’s controversial remarks regarding the scripts for season 1 of “Wednesday.” The show, which premiered on Netflix in 2022, stars Ortega as the iconic Addams Family member, navigating her new life at Nevermore Academy amidst a perilous mystery. The first season was a resounding success, leading to a swift confirmation of a second season. However, Ortega faced backlash after revealing on Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast that she often disagreed with various script elements and sought changes in dialogues and storylines.
In a recent interview with THR to promote “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” a project Ortega is also part of, screenwriters Gough and Millar addressed Ortega’s public criticism of “Wednesday” season 1 scripts. Both writers offered considerate responses, with Gough empathizing with the challenges young stars face as they rise to fame, acknowledging that missteps like Ortega’s are bound to occur:
GOUGH: It’s tough. We’ve worked on several shows, like “Smallville,” which was an instant hit. Suddenly, these young stars find themselves in the limelight. They will make mistakes and say things. It’s important to offer them grace and understand that these things happen. Although it’s unpleasant, it’s part of the journey. We’ve reached a point where the internet will do what it does. The key is not to fuel the fire.
Millar, showing no resentment towards Ortega, highlighted the opportunity to work more closely with her now that she serves as a producer for season 2:
MILLAR: We have a very close working relationship with Jenna on the show. Our collaboration with her on “Beetlejuice” was equally rewarding. It’s always an incredibly cooperative and enjoyable experience. We are immensely proud of her work and have welcomed her as a producer on the show this year. She is one of the most hardworking and talented young actresses in the industry, and we feel fortunate to have her on our team. The chatter surrounding a show of this magnitude is inevitable, but it doesn’t reflect our reality or hers.
Tim Burton, director of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” is an executive producer on “Wednesday” and directed four episodes of the first season.
Implications of Gough & Millar’s Comments for Wednesday Season 2
Ortega’s Response to the Situation
While creative disagreements are commonplace in the entertainment industry, Ortega faced criticism for voicing her concerns so publicly. Her comments gained traction as they surfaced just two months before the WGA strike, which spotlighted Hollywood writers’ demands for fair compensation and protection against AI. Writers from shows like “The Bear,” “BoJack Horseman,” and “Daredevil” jestingly invited Ortega to join their strike efforts due to her input on “Wednesday’s” scripts.
10 Problems Wednesday Season 2 Must Overcome To Match Netflix's Huge Season 1 Success
In an interview with Vanity Fair in August 2024, Ortega addressed the controversy, defending her dedication to the character while conceding, “I probably could have used my words better.” With her new role as a producer on “Wednesday” season 2, Ortega will have greater influence over her character, and Gough and Millar appear supportive of this development. It seems the three key creatives involved in the show are moving forward without lingering resentment.
Our Perspective on Ortega’s Wednesday Controversy
The Writers Strike Intensified the Situation
Ortega’s words would have stirred reactions regardless, but the WGA strike magnified them, making her a target. Though Ortega seemed to express her passion for the Addams Family character and the script, it was perceived as a slight to the writers. Likely, Ortega will choose her words more carefully in the future. Gough and Millar’s comments underscore the difficulties young stars face in navigating fame, especially when associated with a hit show like “Wednesday.”
Source: THR
Wednesday
- Comedy
- Fantasy
- Supernatural
Netflix’s Addams Family series takes place at Nevermore Academy, a school that nurtures outcasts, freaks, and monsters. The Tim Burton-directed series follows Wednesday Addams as she tries to master her emerging psychic powers and solve the supernatural mystery surrounding her family history. Jenna Ortega stars in the popular series, which originally aired on Netflix on November 23, 2022.