Hollywood is no stranger to actors bouncing between franchises, but Jenna Ortega appears to be shutting the door on one genre entirely. While she’s become one of the industry’s most sought-after young stars, there’s one cinematic universe you won’t see her in anytime soon.
At just 22, Ortega has already built an enviable career, seamlessly transitioning from child actor to horror icon to critically acclaimed leading lady. While many of her peers have been scooped up by Marvel Studios, she’s steering clear of the superhero blockbuster machine—despite already having a foot in the door.
From Child Star to Hollywood Powerhouse
Ortega first gained recognition in family-friendly fare like Jane the Virgin and Disney Channel’s Stuck in the Middle, but it wasn’t until her chilling performance in Netflix’s You that she really turned heads. Then came 2022—a breakout year that cemented her as a modern scream queen, thanks to back-to-back roles in Scream and Ti West’s X.
Her career hit stratospheric levels with Wednesday, Tim Burton’s Netflix series that reimagined the Addams Family’s beloved daughter. The show became a phenomenon, earning Ortega a Golden Globe nomination and turning her into a household name. Since then, she’s balanced franchise roles with auteur-driven projects, including Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) and A24’s upcoming Death of a Unicorn alongside Paul Rudd.
Jenna Ortega Rejects the MCU—Again
While many assumed Marvel would come knocking, Ortega has made it clear she’s not interested. In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, she reflected on her brief stint in the MCU over a decade ago and dismissed any interest in a return.
“I did it once,” she said, referring to her small role in Iron Man 3 (2013). “But it was one of the first jobs I ever did, and they took all my lines out. They even took my name away. I’m really, I’m just, I count that, and I move on.”
Though she didn’t share screen time with Robert Downey Jr., Ortega played the daughter of the vice president (Miguel Ferrer), a character whose part was pivotal to the film’s villainous plot. But the experience clearly didn’t leave a lasting impression on her.
The Internet’s Latest MCU Casting Rumors
Ortega’s rising star status naturally fuels speculation about her next big move. Recently, fans have been buzzing about rumors that Marvel wants her for the role of Kitty Pryde, aka Shadowcat, a fan-favorite X-Men character who has the ability to phase through solid objects.
But despite the endless stream of casting rumors, Ortega’s public dismissal of Marvel makes this one feel unlikely. Of course, actors often deny involvement in the MCU right up until an official announcement, so anything is possible. Still, with her already packed schedule—including Wednesday season two and more high-profile films on the way—it’s safe to say she won’t be suiting up for a Marvel project anytime soon.
Would you want to see Jenna Ortega in the MCU? Or is she right to steer clear of the franchise?
