Jenna Ortega at SXSW: Death of a Unicorn Premiere & Wednesday Season 2 Tease

Written by Published

Jenna Ortega has been keeping incredibly busy, and her latest stop? Austin, Texas, where she joined the world premiere of her highly anticipated A24 film, Death of a Unicorn, at SXSW. The movie, written and directed by Alex Scharfman, pairs her alongside the ever-charismatic Paul Rudd in a darkly comedic story about a father-daughter duo who, while on their way to a mini-retreat, accidentally hit a unicorn. Yes, you read that right—a unicorn. If that premise alone doesn’t pique your curiosity, what will?

While Ortega’s latest film is making waves, her involvement in Wednesday continues to be a massive talking point. The Netflix series became an overnight sensation, and with Season 2 already wrapped up by the end of 2024, fans are on edge waiting for what’s next. Adding to the buzz, the one and only Lady Gaga has joined the cast in an undisclosed role. Details remain tightly under wraps, but speculations are running wild about whether her appearance will be a full-fledged character or just a thrilling cameo. Either way, fans can’t wait to see what’s in store.

Speaking about working alongside Gaga, Ortega couldn’t contain her excitement. “It’s the best,” she told IndieWire. “She’s the best—definitely one of the most talented individuals I’ve ever worked with. It was just a really, really special environment to be there with her and Tim [Burton], two people that I respect and have been inspired by so much.”

For those who remember Ortega’s now-iconic dance scene in Wednesday Season 1—yes, the one set to Lady Gaga’s 2011 hit Bloody Mary—there was one burning question: did she and Gaga ever talk about it? Surprisingly, Ortega admitted that they never actually discussed it. “No, actually, we didn’t. I don’t think we did. We should have. Actually, I can’t remember. Maybe I just saw an interview clip of her talking about it because I feel like I’m fabricating this story in my head,” she said with a laugh. “But I think honestly, on that day, we all were just so lucky that she came to do the show that we kept it as normal as we could.”

Gaga, on the other hand, played it equally coy when asked about her involvement in Wednesday Season 2. “I don’t want to give away anything about being part of the show,” she told Entertainment Weekly. “I want to keep it extra secret—but, I love Jenna, and I really had an amazing time!” That’s enough to keep fans on their toes, eagerly waiting for the big reveal.

While Wednesday Season 1 made history as Netflix’s most-watched English-language series—only behind Squid Game—the upcoming season promises even more thrills. Ortega has hinted that Season 2 will embrace its horror elements even further, with each episode feeling like a mini-movie. With Tim Burton returning to the director’s chair, there’s no doubt that the show will lean into its dark, eerie aesthetic more than ever.

But back to Death of a Unicorn, which hits theaters on March 28. With a unique premise, an A-list cast, and the backing of A24, expectations are sky-high. The film’s trailer has already generated plenty of buzz, and with Ortega’s rising star power, it’s shaping up to be a must-watch. Whether you’re a fan of dark comedies, surreal storytelling, or just want to see Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega tackle the bizarre concept of a unicorn accident, this movie is bound to be a ride worth taking.

Ortega is proving time and time again that she’s not just a rising star—she’s a force to be reckoned with. From dominating Netflix with Wednesday to bringing fresh and unique projects like Death of a Unicorn to life, she’s cementing her place as one of Hollywood’s most exciting young talents. With so many exciting projects on her plate, it’s safe to say that 2024 and beyond belong to Jenna Ortega.

And if Wednesday Season 2 and Death of a Unicorn weren’t enough, you can bet there’s more up her sleeve. Whether it’s another high-profile collaboration, a surprise role, or yet another viral moment, Ortega is showing no signs of slowing down. If anything, she’s just getting started.