Malaika Aman
Since earlier this week, writers in Hollywood decided to strike in order to improve working conditions. We are all aware that there have been numerous issues raised in recent years, particularly as the media has shifted towards a more streamlined distribution model, but this also means that companies have left writers in the dust.
So it’s no surprise that writers on strike pounced on Jenna Ortega after she mentioned how she had to rewrite a lot of things while playing the titular character on Wednesday. Some of the things written in the script, in her words, did not align with the character, and she could not in good conscience agree with them. While viewers enjoyed Jenna Ortega’s deadpan delivery, writers were less than pleased with her statement.
There were times on that set where I almost became unprofessional in a sense, where I just started changing lines. The script supervisor thought that I was like, going with something, and then I would have to sit down with the writers and they would be like, ‘Wait, what happened to this scene?’ And I would have to go through and explain why I couldn’t do certain things.
Jenna Ortega
Jenna Ortega also talked about how hectic the schedule was while filming Wednesday.
While the actress was nominated for an Emmy for her outstanding performance, it was not without difficulty. She allegedly worked 12 to 14 hours a day for more than eight months, which would be exhausting for anyone. This is what she had to say about the entire situation.
I did not get any sleep. I pulled my hair out. There’s so many FaceTime calls that my dad answered of me hysterically crying.
Jenna Ortega
However, writers have mocked the actor, and several tweets have been sent directly at Jenna Ortega.
According to Nick Adams, the writer of BoJack Horseman “Jenna Ortega had better return from New York for her afternoon picket line shift.” The Bear writer Karen Joseph Adcock tweeted “Rewriting is writing! Jenna, I’ll see you at the line, Jenna.” Everybody had an opinion.
However, many Twitter users believe she is being chastised for something in which she should not be included. After all, these are labour issues, and she should not be blamed.