Christina Ricci calls Jenna Ortega a “total badass” as Wednesday

Jenna Ortega may have once been nervous to share the screen with Christina Ricci, but that should now have gone away with a snap, as not only has Ricci sung her praises but has classified her as the perfect person to play Wednesday Addams.

For decades, Christina Ricci was the Wednesday Addams–many fans of the ‘90s Addams Family movies would even be hard-pressed to name the actress who played Wednesday on the 1964-1966 series (it’s Lisa Loring). And Ricci is quite pleased with it, saying, “I’m happy whenever people my age say Wednesday was a big part of their youth.” Now, Jenna Ortega may be the new go-to, with Ricci saying she has been “truly incredible at making Wednesday a modern badass.”

While Ricci loved portraying Gomez and Morticia’s daughter, she sees Ortega as the rightful heir to the role. “I also think Jenna Ortega is amazing. She is so brave, so cool, and really doing the part justice. Wednesday is her part now…[and] those two things can be true at the same time!”

Ricci previously showed her excitement for Ortega and the project, saying, in part, “Jenna is incredible…it’s such a great modern take on Wednesday.”

Indeed, fans of the property have their favorite Wednesday, but it may be unfair overall to compare those who portrayed her. As Ricci put it, “I knew there would be comparison between the old [Addams Family] movies and Wednesday…That’s a natural inclination. But the ‘who was a better Wednesday?’ thing is unreal.” Ricci has a point, as the versions of the character are vastly different, considering.

All eight episodes of season one of Wednesday premiered on November 23rd.

What do you think of Netflix’s Wednesday? How has Jenna Ortega done in the title role? Let us know your thoughts below!