Could Jenna Ortega take on Joan of Arc in Baz Luhrmann's new biopic?

Baz Luhrmann has officially revealed plans for his next Warner Bros. film, with working titles Jehanne or Jehanne d'Arc. 

The movie will chronicle the legendary life of Joan of Arc, the teen peasant who led French forces during the Hundred Years' War. According to Deadline, Luhrmann's biopic is in the early stages of casting, seeking a young actress to embody what the casting breakdown describes as “the ultimate teenage girl coming-of-age story, set in the Hundred Years' War."

One name that's already generating buzz for the role is Jenna Ortega. The Wednesday star has expressed admiration for the historical figure in a recent interview with Letterboxd. 

Ortega, while promoting Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, listed The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928) as one of her favorite films, praising Renée Falconetti’s performance as "absolutely insane." Ortega added, “I feel like a dream character for me would be Joan Of Arc.”

Though the film is still in the casting phase, Ortega’s track record of playing strong, complex teen roles could make her a perfect fit for the role of the 15th-century heroine. 

Should she land the part, it could mark a significant turning point in her career, especially given Luhrmann’s success with historical dramas. His previous film, Elvis (2022), earned multiple nominations across the Academy Awards, BAFTAs, Golden Globes, and SAG Awards.

As interest in Joan of Arc continues to influence fashion and culture, from Zendaya’s Met Gala homage to Chappell Roan’s VMA performance, Ortega may be one step closer to bringing her dream role to life.