Jenna Ortega Commits to Forever Acting in Horror: ‘It’ll Always Be Home’

Jenna Ortega, celebrated for her roles in genre-defining projects such as ‘Wednesday’, ‘X’ and ‘Scream’, has unequivocally declared her enduring allegiance to the horror genre, asserting that “horror is everything” to her.

In a recent conversation with a magazine regarding her participation in a Doritos Dinamita commercial for the 2024 Super Bowl, Ortega passionately expressed her unwavering commitment to horror, stating, “I would do horror until I die. It’s the best.” For Ortega, horror movies hold a special place in her heart, serving as a comforting refuge she fondly refers to as ‘home’. 

She elaborated on her deep-rooted affinity for the genre, emphasising its multifaceted nature. Ortega perceives horror films as versatile works of art capable of evoking a wide range of emotions, from romance and humour to drama and fear. She believes that horror movies possess a unique ability to stimulate adrenaline and ignite passion in viewers, even those who may typically shy away from scary content.

As both a devoted fan and a talented actress, Ortega finds equal joy in consuming horror films as she does in performing in them. Embracing her role as a scream queen, Ortega relishes the opportunity to immerse herself in the captivating world of horror cinema, viewing it not only as a profession but also as a personal passion. She views the prospect of watching horror films as a delightful aspect of her job, considering it a privilege to indulge in her favourite pastime while honing her craft.

Recently, Ortega showcased her acting prowess in a new realm by starring in her inaugural Super Bowl commercial for Doritos Dinamita. Although the commercial diverges from the horror genre, Ortega’s innate talent for captivating audiences is unmistakably evident, particularly in a teaser that teases her scream-queen abilities. Despite the absence of overtly scary elements in the final advertisement, Ortega’s performance in the teaser pays homage to her horror roots, effectively drawing viewers in with its thrilling allure.

Reflecting on her participation in the Doritos Dinamita commercial, Ortega expressed excitement about the opportunity to infuse elements of horror into the teaser, acknowledging the thrill of paying homage to the genre that holds a special place in her heart. With a firm belief in the enduring appeal of horror projects, Ortega remains eager to continue exploring the depths of the genre, embracing each opportunity to immerse herself in its captivating world.

-Sushmita Sarkar