Jenna Ortega reflects on her brief Marvel appearance: 'They even took my name away'

Jenna Ortega, now one of Hollywood’s most sought-after young actors, recently opened up about her early experience in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, the Wednesday star reflected on her minor role in Iron Man 3 and made it clear that she has no plans to return to the franchise.

During the interview, Ortega, 22, was joined by Paul Rudd as they promoted their upcoming comedy-horror film, Death of a Unicorn. When the interviewer expressed interest in seeing Ortega in another Marvel project, the actress quickly dismissed the idea.

“I did it once,” she said. “It was one of the first jobs I ever did.”

Ortega went on to explain that her brief appearance in Iron Man 3—her first credited film role—was even smaller than fans might realize. “They took all my lines out,” she revealed. “I’m in Iron Man 3 for a quick second. I take up the frame, I have one leg, and I’m the vice president’s daughter.”

The 2013 blockbuster, directed by Shane Black, featured Ortega as the daughter of Vice President Rodriguez (Miguel Ferrer). However, her appearance was limited to a brief, non-speaking role.

Paul Rudd, who has portrayed Ant-Man in multiple Marvel films, remained optimistic about Ortega’s potential return to the franchise. “Marvel is very good at laying those breadcrumbs,” the 55-year-old actor said. “It might very well be that you come back. They should be so lucky to have Jenna Ortega in their franchise.”

Despite Rudd’s enthusiasm, Ortega remained unconvinced. “They even took my name away,” she said, implying that her presence in the film was so minimal that it hardly counted as a real role. “I count that, then I move on.”

Since her fleeting Marvel moment, Ortega has skyrocketed to fame with standout performances in You, The Fallout, Scream, Scream VI, and most notably, Wednesday. The Netflix hit, in which she portrays the iconic Wednesday Addams, has cemented her status as a rising star.

As for her future projects, Ortega teased what’s to come in Wednesday Season 2. “Some of the footage that we shot in Season 2, especially in the last episode, is some of my favorite footage from the show,” she shared. She also praised executive producer Tim Burton, saying, “Tim really had a ball. Everything is very graphic, and it’s very exciting and inspiring to work with someone like that who gets you excited about the shots you’re doing every day.”

While Ortega may not be interested in donning a superhero cape anytime soon, her career continues to thrive in other exciting directions. And for Marvel fans hoping for her return—never say never.