Jenna Ortega reflects on fear of Beetlejuice as a child: ‘I was scared of everything’

Jenna Ortega, the rising star known for her roles in darker films, recently opened up about her childhood fears and how they shaped her current career. 

During an appearance on the Today show on August 19, Ortega revealed a surprising fact: as a child, she was terrified of the original Beetlejuice movie, despite its iconic status.

Now 21 years old, Ortega recalled how the horror genre was not always her favorite. “I was scared of everything,” she admitted to host Hoda Kotb, adding that her reaction to movies like Beetlejuice was a mix of fascination and fear. 

“I loved the Gremlins but I hated them at the same time," she shared, highlighting her complex relationship with scary films.

As she grew older, Ortega found a way to manage her fears by reinterpreting them. She explained, "When I'm scared, I can just tell myself I'm excited," a mindset shift that has allowed her to embrace experiences that once frightened her. 

This newfound perspective played a crucial role in her decision to join the upcoming Beetlejuice sequel.

Ortega, who gained widespread recognition for her role as Wednesday Addams in Netflix's Wednesday, was initially apprehensive when she received the script for the new Beetlejuice film from director Tim Burton. 

However, her excitement quickly overcame her nerves. “I called my team within two hours and said, ‘I can’t tell you what this is about, but just know I’m doing another job with Tim [Burton],’” she recalled.

The sequel, which is set to be released on September 6, 2024, will see Ortega joining returning cast members Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder, along with new faces like Monica Bellucci and Willem Dafoe. 

Ortega expressed her enthusiasm about working with such an accomplished cast and witnessing Keaton's iconic portrayal of Beetlejuice in person.

As the release date approaches, Beetlejuice fans are eager to see how the sequel will blend old and new elements. 

Ortega’s journey from a fearful child to a leading actress in horror films is a testament to personal growth and the power of facing one’s fears head-on.