Jenna Ortega Was Almost Cast in Hereditary

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Okay, so everyone knows Jenna Ortega – she’s become a huge name in horror thanks to roles in some really big movies lately. But believe it or not, there’s one critically acclaimed horror film from the last ten years that she wasn’t in, and it’s kind of surprising when you consider how popular she’s become in the genre.

Jenna Ortega recently shared on Kid Cudi’s podcast, Big Bro, that she auditioned for the horror film Hereditary. She tried out for the part of Charlie, the young girl whose death is a particularly shocking scene in the movie. While Milly Shapiro ultimately landed the role, Ortega said she completely respected the casting decision. Even from the small part of the script she read for her audition, she felt the film was going to be something special.

Jenna Ortega Could Have Appeared in Hereditary

Ortega recalled auditioning for Hereditary, which she realized didn’t really fit her as a young actor. She said they gave the auditioners very little information – just a couple of pages of strange, unsettling lines. As a twelve-year-old, she didn’t fully understand what she was reading, but she remembers feeling that it was a significant film, and it turned out to be.

I remember when it finally came out, we rushed to the theater. I was so excited, I actually sat up straight in my seat and turned to my mom, saying, ‘This is the movie I told you about!’ It’s funny, because we hadn’t even connected that was the one I’d been anticipating. But honestly, it was an incredible film. Looking back, it’s strange to think I was so focused on seeing that specific movie, especially since, at the time, it didn’t even seem like a good fit for me.

Ortega said she didn’t dwell on the rejection. She preferred not to overthink things, believing that what was meant for her would happen, or she’d find a way to make it happen regardless.

The Role Jenna Ortega Read for Went to Milly Shapiro

Released in 2018, Hereditary is a chilling film about Annie Graham (Toni Collette), a mother dealing with loss who discovers disturbing truths about her mother after her death. As her family is plagued by frightening and evil events, Annie, along with her husband Steve (Gabriel Byrne) and son Peter (Alex Wolff), struggles to cope. Charlie Shapiro also stars in the film.

The horror film Hereditary was a big hit with both audiences and critics. Made for just $10 million, it grossed over $90 million in theaters and received a 90% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Many consider it to be…

Jenna Ortega has become a major star thanks to her acting. At 23, she’s best known for playing the lead role in the popular Netflix series Wednesday, which is already planning a third season. She’s also appeared in two Scream movies and the horror film X, alongside Kid Cudi. Her work in the horror genre has earned her the nickname “Gen Z’s scream queen.”

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2026-04-11 20:08