Jenna Ortega, while promoting her new film Death of a Unicorn at SXSW, shared her experience working with Lady Gaga on the second season of Wednesday. The Netflix series, which remains one of the platform’s most-watched shows, has brought back director Tim Burton and is leaning further into its horror elements.
Speaking with IndieWire, Ortega called the experience of working with Gaga “the best,” adding, “She’s definitely one of the most talented individuals I’ve ever worked with.” She described the atmosphere on set as special, particularly because both Gaga and Burton were involved. “Two people that I respect and have been inspired by so much,” she said.
Gaga’s role in the series remains undisclosed, though it is expected to be a cameo. Ortega expressed admiration for Gaga’s ability to surprise audiences, saying, “I love that you never know what to expect from her, but you can always expect kindness and generosity.”
During her SXSW red carpet appearance, Ortega also commented on Gaga’s presence, saying, “It’s Gaga—just her presence alone, her face alone. She’s not only incredibly beautiful but incredibly talented, so I feel like she could stand in the corner and play a tree and she’d add something to a scene.”
Gaga has kept details about her appearance under wraps but told Entertainment Weekly, “I want to keep it extra secret—but I love Jenna, and I really had an amazing time!”
While Wednesday fans anticipate the show’s return, Ortega has been busy with other projects. In Death of a Unicorn, she stars alongside Paul Rudd as a daughter caught in a bizarre situation when she and her father accidentally hit a unicorn while driving to a corporate retreat. The film, written and directed by Alex Scharfman, also features Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, and Richard E. Grant.
Rudd praised Ortega’s talent, calling her “just so talented and the coolest person.” He jokingly added, “I can’t stand it when people say, ‘Oh, it’s an old soul.’ I’m like, come on really, do you believe in angels too? Yet that being said, she’s an old soul.”
Death of a Unicorn is set to hit theaters on March 28.
