Why Jenna Ortega Left Scream.

With each passing year, Jenna Ortega is becoming increasingly popular, despite her young age. She once starred in the successful franchise 'Scream'. However, after 2 updated parts, Jenna Ortega left Scream. Fans immediately wondered why Jenna Ortega would no longer appear in Scream. 

Later, when the first rumors surfaced, it became known that Jenna Ortega had left the Scream set and would not return (meaning she left permanently). And to this day, there is no exact reason why the actress left the project. She simply did not attend the shoots and did not comment much on the situation. 

Path to Fame 

Jenna Marie Ortega is a name that has become familiar to millions of movie and TV fans around the world in recent years. She was born on September 27, 2002, in California, USA, and from an early age, showed an interest in acting. By the age of 9, she began appearing in commercials, and soon she was noticed in Hollywood. Despite her young age, Jenna quickly gained recognition thanks to her charisma, unusual appearance, and acting talent.

The first notable role she received was in the series 'Jane the Virgin', where she played the younger version of the main character. This role did not bring her great success, but it was then that directors and casting directors began to pay attention to her. Then came work in the series 'You', where Ortega felt more confident on screen. Later, she participated in Disney projects, starred in 'Long Live King Julien!' and even voiced animated characters.

Breakthrough: 'Wednesday'

The real breakthrough happened in 2022, when Netflix presented the series 'Wednesday', in which Jenna played the lead role. The complex, dark image of Gomez and Morticia Addams' daughter became iconic for her. She managed to infuse the classic character with new depth while maintaining its recognizability. The role of Wednesday brought the actress tremendous fame, millions of fans, nominations for awards, and a sharp rise in status in the industry.

Interestingly, Ortega was actively involved in creating the character's image - from small details to refusing to use stunt doubles in scenes involving the cello or fencing. Thanks to her role as Wednesday, she is referred to as the new icon of Generation Z and the future film star of the decade.

Participation in the Horror Franchise 'Scream'

At the same Time that Netflix was promoting the series about Wednesday, Jenna appeared in the fifth part of the cult horror 'Scream', released in 2022. She played Tara Carpenter, the younger sister of the main character, who found herself at the center of events related to the legendary masked killer.

Her appearance in the franchise was received very positively. Fans noted that the actress fit well into the film's atmosphere, and her character became one of the most interesting and lively in the new cast of characters. Producers immediately gave the green light for a continuation featuring Jenna - thus, in 2023, 'Scream 6' was released, where her role was expanded and became even more significant.

Ortega's participation in the reboot of 'Scream' gave the franchise a second wind, and her duet with Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter) became key to the new storyline.

Why Did Jenna Ortega Leave 'Scream 7'?

Fans were shocked when it became known in November 2023 that Jenna would not participate in the filming of the seventh part of 'Scream'. Initially, it was explained by scheduling conflicts: the actress was too busy filming the second season of 'Wednesday' and would not be able to balance work on two major projects.

However, after several months, Ortega herself shed light on the true reason for her departure. In an interview in April 2025, she revealed that her decision was not related to scheduling or money, but to creative and ethical considerations.

The main reason was the firing of Melissa Barrera, who played her on-screen sister Sam. Barrera was removed from the project due to her political statements regarding the situation in the Middle East. Jenna, it became clear, disagreed with this decision made by the producers and believed that the franchise was losing its soul without the key cast and regular directors. After all, along with Melissa, the project also lost directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, who directed the previous two parts.

'I felt that this was no longer the 'Scream' I fell in love with. Without the team that built it, and without Barrera - I just saw no point in returning,' the actress said in an interview.

Thus, the decision was ethical and demonstrates the principles that Jenna follows in her career. For her, the atmosphere, the people, and the integrity of the team matter just as much as the project's popularity.

Where is Jenna Ortega Filming Now?

Despite leaving 'Scream', Jenna is not suffering from a lack of offers. She is currently actively filming the second season of 'Wednesday', which has become one of Netflix’s most anticipated projects in 2025. The production of the series was delayed due to actors' strikes, but now filming has resumed, and the premiere is scheduled for the end of the year.

Also, the actress is involved in a new Tim Burton film 'Beetlejuice 2' - a sequel to the cult film from the late 80s. She will play the daughter of Lydia Deetz (the character played by Winona Ryder) and will interact with Michael Keaton's character. The film promises to be dark, stylish, and aesthetically similar to 'Wednesday', which perfectly aligns with Jenna's image.

Additionally, Ortega has signed on for several new projects, including a drama with the director of 'The Florida Project' and an indie film about coming of age in Los Angeles. She is also preparing to debut as a producer and already plans to develop projects where she can have more control over the creative aspect.