**Jenna Ortega Opens Up About Post-"Wednesday" Struggles and New Career Path**

In a revealing interview with Harper's Bazaar, Jenna Ortega discussed her emotional state following the massive success of Netflix's "Wednesday." Despite the show becoming the streaming giant's most-watched English-language series of all time, with a staggering 252.1 million views, Ortega admitted she was not entirely happy in its wake.

"To be quite frank, after the show and trying to figure everything out, I was an unhappy person," Ortega confessed. The intense pressure and attention that came with the show's success were overwhelming for the introverted actress. Despite her long-standing acting career since childhood, the sudden surge in popularity presented unforeseen challenges.

Ortega felt particularly vulnerable to scrutiny on social media, where every move and career decision she made was analyzed. She described feeling "incredibly misunderstood" at the peak of her fame and noted the prominence of online bullying. "Having been on the wrong side of the rumor mill was incredibly eye-opening," she stated.

The actress highlighted both the benefits and drawbacks of her newfound fame. Playing the cello and developing a Gothic taste were among the positives. "I've always been into dark things or been fascinated by them," Ortega explained. However, she also voiced concerns about being typecast. "I'm doing a show I'm going to be doing for years where I play a schoolgirl. But I'm also a young woman," Ortega remarked.

Anticipating the industry's tendency to pigeonhole actors based on iconic roles, Ortega diversified her projects. She quickly signed on for several eclectic films, including A24's "Death of a Unicorn," "Hurry Up Tomorrow" with The Weeknd, Taika Waititi's "Klara and the Sun," and "The Gallerist" alongside Natalie Portman. She expressed a desire for roles that challenge her and allow her to grow as an actor.

Reflecting on the challenges female stars face as they mature, Ortega commented on the patronizing nature of being perceived through the lens of her youthful roles. "Girls, if they don't stay as this perfect image of how they were first introduced, then it's 'Ah, something's wrong. She's changed. She sold her soul,'" she observed.

Despite these challenges, Ortega expressed gratitude for her global fans and aims to balance projects that cater to both her audience and her personal artistic aspirations. "I want to be able to give back to them. But I also want to do things that are creatively fulfilling to me," she said, emphasizing her quest for roles that are "older and bolder and different."

Excitement continues to build as "Wednesday" Season 2 is set to release in two parts starting August 6 and concluding on September 3. Jenna Ortega's full interview is available in Harper's Bazaar.