Following the success of Tim Burton’s smash hit Wednesday on Netflix, in 2022, Jenna Ortega became an overnight global sensation.
Ortega’s portrayal of Wednesday Addams exhibited her range as an actress, successfully showcasing the macabre character’s dark humour and unique personality.
Directed by filmmaking legend Tim Burton, the show’s first season not only showcased 21-year-old Jenna’s acting talent, but also introduced her to a wider audience, cementing her status as a rising star in the industry.
In January, it was revealed that Netflix confirmed a renewal for a second season of Wednesday, which will see Ortega appear once more in her iconic pigtails and black attire.
But, while the costume department get to work on Wednesday Addams’ next looks, it appears that Jenna has been prevented from dressing up as her character off-screen.
Serious business: While the costume department get to work on Wednesday Addams’ next looks, Jenna Ortega has been prevented from dressing up as her character off-screen
Amidst the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strikes, a new rule has been released that will keep Jenna from being Wednesday Addams until the strikes come to an end – even when it comes to Halloween costumes.
In July, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Radio and Television Artists (SAG-AFTRA) decided to stand in solidarity with the Writers’ Guild of America (WGA) – which has been striking since May – after negotiations with studios fell apart.
Hollywood has experienced its first dual work stoppage in 63 years, halting productions across the industry and costing the economy billions of dollars.
The industrial action has threatened to decimate the entertainment industry as production of major films and television shows ground to a halt.
SAG-AFTRA has now issued guidelines on Halloween costumes for actors as the strikes continue.
The union has shared that no members are to dress as characters, which would go against strike guidelines.
It shares that members may dress up as characters from productions unable to strike, such as some animated TV shows, and they should choose costumes that are ‘inspired by generalised characters and figures.’
In addition, SAG-AFTRA has told its members not to post photos of costumes on social media that are inspired by struck content.
New rule: A new rule has been released that will keep Jenna from being Wednesday Addams until the strikes come to an end – including Halloween (pictured in April)
This means that participating stars and writers behind many popular productions, such as Wednesday, Stranger Things and The Last of Us, are to engage in a strike-friendly Halloween celebration this year.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the guild sent further clarification behind the rule: ‘SAG-AFTRA issued Halloween guidance in response to questions from content creators and members about how to support the strike during this festive season.
‘This was meant to help them avoid promoting struck work, and it is the latest in a series of guidelines we have issued. It does not apply to anyone’s kids. We are on strike for important reasons, and have been for nearly 100 days.’
They added: ‘Our number one priority remains getting the studios back to the negotiating table so we can get a fair deal for our members, and finally put our industry back to work.’
This comes after Ryan Reynolds and Mandy Moore spoke out against the new SAG-AFTRA warning about strike-friendly Halloween costumes this week.
Responding to the advice, Ryan, 46, joked on X, formerly Twitter: ‘I look forward to screaming “scab” at my 8 year old all night. She’s not in the union but she needs to learn.’
Rules are rules: SAG-AFTRA has now issued guidelines on Halloween costumes for actors as the strikes continue, sharing that no members are to dress as characters
