The “Wednesday” star reveals her excitement and disappointment after auditioning for a role in Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic at just 15 years old

Jenna Ortega, the rising star of the hit series “Wednesday,” recently opened up about her audition for Denis Villeneuve’s acclaimed sci-fi film Dune. In an interview with BuzzFeed, Ortega shared her experience of auditioning for the role of Chani, the character that eventually went to Zendaya. At the time of her audition, Ortega was only 15 years old, and she described the process as highly secretive, with little information provided about the role she was auditioning for.

Ortega expressed her excitement at the prospect of working with Villeneuve, one of her favourite filmmakers. “I was really excited,” she recalled. “But they weren’t saying that [it was for Chani]—everything was very secret.” Despite not landing the role, Ortega’s enthusiasm for the project was evident, and she acknowledged the significance of even being considered for such a major production at a young age.

Dune, based on the first half of Frank Herbert’s classic novel, premiered in 2021 to widespread critical acclaim. The film’s success led to the release of Dune: Part Two in March 2024, which has since grossed an impressive $711.8 million worldwide. The popularity of the first two instalments has prompted Warner Bros. to greenlight a third film, Dune Messiah, which is slated for release on December 18, 2026.

As for Ortega, her career has continued to soar despite missing out on the Dune role. She is set to star in the highly anticipated Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a sequel to the cult classic directed by Tim Burton. Ortega will play Astrid, the daughter of Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder), alongside returning stars Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse and Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz. In a recent interview, Keaton praised the sequel’s stronger character development and storyline, hinting that the new film may surpass its predecessor.

Ortega has also had a busy year with other projects, including the controversial thriller Miller’s Girl, where she starred alongside Martin Freeman, and the romantic drama Winter Spring Summer or Fall. She is also set to reprise her role as Wednesday Addams in the upcoming second season of Netflix’s Wednesday, which is currently in production.

Despite the missed opportunity with Dune, Ortega’s career trajectory remains on an upward path, with her versatility and talent continuing to make her one of Hollywood’s most promising young stars.

Analysis:

Political Perspective:
Ortega’s candid reflection on her failed Dune audition highlights the often opaque and highly competitive nature of Hollywood’s casting process. The secrecy surrounding major film projects like Dune is not uncommon, as studios and directors seek to maintain control over the narrative and prevent leaks. This level of confidentiality can be seen as a reflection of the broader power dynamics within the entertainment industry, where information is tightly controlled by a select few. The political aspect of this secrecy can be linked to the industry’s gatekeeping practices, which often leave young and emerging talents like Ortega navigating a complex and uncertain landscape.

Social Perspective:
Ortega’s experience sheds light on the pressures faced by young actors in Hollywood, particularly those who enter the industry at a young age. Auditioning for a major role at just 15 years old, Ortega was exposed to the high stakes and intense competition that define the film industry. This situation mirrors the broader societal expectations placed on young people to achieve success early in their careers, often leading to significant stress and pressure. Ortega’s openness about her disappointment and subsequent career achievements serves as a reminder that rejection is a common and sometimes necessary part of growth, not just in Hollywood but in life.

Racial Perspective:
Ortega, a Latina actress, has been an important figure in the push for more diversity and representation in Hollywood. Her audition for a major role in Dune, a film with a predominantly white cast, underscores the ongoing challenges that actors of colour face in securing leading roles in big-budget films. While Zendaya, a biracial actress, ultimately won the role of Chani, Ortega’s involvement in the audition process highlights the industry’s slow but progressing efforts to include more diverse voices. This moment can be seen as part of a broader conversation about the need for more inclusive casting practices that reflect the diverse audiences consuming these films.

Gender Perspective:
Ortega’s audition experience also touches on the unique challenges faced by young women in Hollywood. At 15, she was already being considered for a role in a major film, illustrating the industry’s tendency to thrust young actresses into high-pressure situations at an early age. The expectation for young actresses to compete for roles typically goes hand-in-hand with scrutiny over their appearance and maturity, aspects that male actors often face less intensely. Ortega’s ability to navigate these challenges and continue building her career is a testament to her resilience and talent. However, it also points to the need for more supportive environments for young actresses, where their development as artists can be prioritized over immediate success.

Economic Perspective:
The secrecy surrounding the casting process of Dune is not just about narrative control but also economic strategy. Major film studios like Warner Bros. invest millions in blockbuster films and are keenly aware of the financial implications of casting decisions. The choice to cast Zendaya, a well-established star, in the role of Chani likely had significant economic considerations, including her proven box office draw and global fanbase. Ortega’s missed opportunity, while disappointing, was part of a broader economic calculation that studios make when assembling a cast. For young actors like Ortega, such experiences are part of the industry’s economic ecosystem, where even auditioning for a major role can open doors to future opportunities, as it did with her subsequent casting in other high-profile projects.