Ortega frames the hiatus as an artistic evolution, insisting that 'what I’m meant to do will come and find me' after wrapping her iconic role as Wednesday Addams.
Insiders whisper this isn't just a break; it's a pattern. After walking away from Scream due to production drama, Ortega is showing Netflix who really holds the cards in her contract negotiations.
On the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast, Ortega stated, 'I think after Wednesday, I’ll probably be off the TV for a while.' She also revealed she went 'all day' without food or water as a child actor.
Jenna Ortega is done being Netflix’s golden goose. If she wants out of the TV grind, she’s taking the entire franchise with her.
Grab your popcorn, because Jenna Ortega just dropped a career bombshell that has Netflix executives sweating. During a recent appearance on Josh Horowitz’s "Happy Sad Confused" podcast, the 24-year-old star of "Wednesday" made it crystal clear that her tenure in television is nearing its end. "I actually haven’t had a lot of franchise conversations," Ortega revealed, before dropping the hammer: "I think after 'Wednesday,' I’ll probably be off the TV for a while." She cited a need to escape the relentless cycle of being "bouncing from show to show" as a kid, a routine that has clearly taken its toll on the young actress.
This announcement comes at a precarious time for Netflix, which is currently sitting on a massive investment. Production on "Wednesday" Season 3 officially concluded in September 2026, with the streamer having announced the start of filming back in February. The new season features the return of Tim Burton behind the camera, alongside heavyweights like Winona Ryder and Eva Green joining the cast.
With the show slated for release in 2027, Netflix is banking on Ortega’s star power to deliver another Emmy-winning hit. Yet, her comments suggest she is already mentally checking out of the Addams Family mansion. Ortega’s desire to step away from the small screen isn't a sudden whim; it’s a consistent trend in her recent career moves.
Fans will recall her high-profile exit from the "Scream" franchise after starring in the 2022 and 2023 installments. In a candid 2025 interview with The Cut, Ortega admitted she left the horror series because her on-screen sister, Melissa Barrera, was fired for expressing support for Palestine, and because original directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin weren’t returning for "Scream VII." "It didn’t seem like the right move for me in my career at the time," she explained, proving she prioritizes creative integrity over franchise longevity.
The emotional weight behind her decision is rooted in a turbulent childhood in Hollywood. Ortega has been open about the grueling conditions she faced as a child star, confessing earlier this year that she frequently went "all day" without eating or drinking while on set. This vulnerability was further highlighted when she spoke with her "X" co-star Kid Cudi, revealing she almost quit acting entirely before landing her role on "You." With four Emmys already under the "Wednesday" belt and Ortega’s nomination pending, the question isn't just when she leaves, but whether Netflix can keep her on for any future spin-offs or if she’s truly ready to trade the soundstage for a quieter life.
