Jenna Ortega, star of "Beetlejuice 2," shares her insights on the profound impact movies can have on viewers, comparing them to a "religious experience" that offers hope, escapism, and personal growth.
Jenna Ortega, the rising Hollywood star known for her roles in "Beetlejuice 2" and "Wednesday," recently spoke to Fox News Digital about the transformative power of movies. Reflecting on Winona Ryder's comment that movies can be a "religious experience," Ortega expressed her agreement, stating that films have the ability to bring hope and provide a form of escapism, allowing viewers to forget their worries and problems.
"Something religion can bring to people is hope, and that's what film does as well... It can be a form of escapism; you can forget your worries and problems," Ortega said. "Or you can watch something and take whatever it is that the character's learned and apply it into your own life."
Jenna Ortega on the Transformative Power of Movies: A 'Religious Experience'
Ortega's perspective aligns with other Hollywood figures who have voiced concerns about the trend of gender-swapping roles in film remakes. When asked about the possibility of a gender-swapped "Edward Scissorhands" sequel, Ortega emphasized the importance of creating original female-led stories rather than simply rehashing old concepts with a gender flip.
"I love that there's a lot more female leads nowadays, I think that's so special. But we should have our own. I don't like it when it's like a spin off," she said. "I don't want to see a 'Jamie Bond', I want to see just like another bada-- [character]."
Jenna Ortega on the Transformative Power of Movies: A 'Religious Experience'
Ortega cited the timeless appeal of films like "Beetlejuice," which can be set in different eras and feature a variety of characters, as an example of how filmmakers can create original and compelling stories without relying on gender-swapped remakes.
"Beetlejuice can still somewhat be original, because he exists in no specific time," she explained. "You could take him back to the 1800s if you really wanted to. You really can make an anthology movie series with him."
Jenna Ortega on the Transformative Power of Movies: A 'Religious Experience'
Other prominent actors have echoed Ortega's sentiments. Barbara Broccoli, the producer of the "James Bond" film franchise, has consistently advocated for creating original female characters rather than gender-swapping existing roles.
"I don't think a woman should play James Bond," Broccoli told The Hollywood Reporter in 2021. "I believe in making characters for women and not just having women play men's roles. I don’t think there are enough great roles for women, and it’s very important to me that we make movies for women about women."
Jenna Ortega on the Transformative Power of Movies: A 'Religious Experience'
Ana de Armas, who starred in the James Bond film "No Time to Die," also expressed support for original female roles in an interview with The Sun.
"There's no need for a female Bond. There shouldn't be any need to steal someone else's character... What I would like is that the female roles in the Bond films... are brought to life in a different way," she said.
Ortega's passion for original female-led stories and her belief in the transformative power of movies demonstrate her commitment to using her platform to promote meaningful and inclusive representation in the entertainment industry. As a rising star with a strong voice, she is poised to make a significant impact on the future of filmmaking, inspiring filmmakers to create diverse and original stories that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.
