Jenna Ortega Reveals She Auditioned for Hereditary — Calls It the Role That Got Away

The Wednesday star opens up about missing out on Ari Aster’s iconic horror film and sensing its importance even as a child

Jenna Ortega is opening up about a surprising chapter from her early career—one that connects her to one of the most talked-about horror films of the last decade. The actress recently revealed that she had auditioned for Hereditary, years before she rose to global fame.

Ortega shared that she was around 12 years old when she auditioned for the film, which was directed by Ari Aster. At the time, she didn’t fully understand the depth or complexity of the project, as the audition material was quite limited and cryptic. However, she still had a strong feeling that the film would turn out to be something important.

Released in 2018, Hereditary went on to become a defining film in modern horror, earning widespread acclaim for its unsettling atmosphere and emotionally intense storytelling. Featuring powerful performances, especially by Toni Collette, the film left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.

Looking back, Ortega recalled watching the finished film in theaters and realizing it was the same project she had auditioned for years earlier. She expressed admiration for the film and described the experience with a sense of appreciation rather than regret, acknowledging how unpredictable the casting process can be.

The actress also reflected on how she views missed opportunities, explaining that she believes the right roles eventually find their way to her. That outlook seems to have paid off, as Ortega has since carved out a successful career with standout performances in projects like Wednesday and Scream, establishing herself as one of Hollywood’s most exciting young talents.

Even though Hereditary may have been a missed opportunity, it’s clear that Jenna Ortega’s journey was always heading toward something bigger.