American actress Jenna Ortega has revealed that she had almost no time to prepare for her role in Sabrina Carpenter's bloody 2024 Taste music video.
Speaking to media outlet Esquire, the star explained that she learned about her involvement in the project only a few days before shooting began. She stated that none of the action visible on screen was choreographed, noting that the cast had no time to prepare or discuss the scenes beforehand.
Ortega, known for playing Wednesday Addams in the Netflix series Wednesday, starred alongside singer Carpenter in the horror-themed production. The video became one of the most prominent releases during Carpenter's Short n' Sweet album campaign.
The production features several surreal sequences, including a moment where Ortega kisses a man who suddenly transforms into Carpenter. The scene concludes with Ortega attacking the figure with a pink chainsaw.
Ortega explained that the crew provided straightforward directions on set, instructing the performers where to position themselves before repeating the actions. Describing the kiss sequence, she said she stood still to kiss a man, held the position as directed, and remained in place while Carpenter entered to kiss her. She referred to the repetitive filming process as a carousel of lovers.
Chainsaw prop and slasher inspiration
Ortega identified the pink chainsaw attack as her favorite moment to shoot, describing the scene as particularly funny and extravagant. She recalled that the prop chainsaw carried a peculiar name referencing Carpenter, believing it was called Espresso 3000.
The music video drew creative inspiration from classic 1990s slasher films, a subgenre of horror cinema focused on dramatic confrontation and dark comedy. Carpenter previously stated that Ortega was her primary choice to co-star in the ambitious project.
Carpenter expressed deep gratitude to everyone involved in bringing the video to life. She noted that Ortega was the single performer she envisioned for the role, calling Ortega's presence on set a dream come true and adding that she felt inspired and awed by her co-star.
Online scrutiny and health comments
Ortega's latest public appearance has sparked concern among followers on social media platforms. Numerous users commented on her physical appearance, claiming she appeared very thin compared to previous public outings and raising questions about the normalization of extreme thinness.
Visual images alone do not provide definitive evidence regarding an individual's health status. Neither Ortega, her representatives, nor any medical professionals have issued official statements confirming or denying health issues related to her weight. Any claims attributing her appearance to a medical condition, eating disorder, or aesthetic procedure remain unverified speculation.
Ortega has previously spoken out against the misuse of her image online. In 2024, she deleted her Twitter account after encountering explicit sexualized content and artificial intelligence fabrications depicting her as a child, an experience she described as terrifying.
Industry pressure and recovery request
During the interview, Ortega reflected on her upbringing as a child actor in Hollywood and addressed the ongoing attention surrounding her appearance. She stated that her main focus remains her work despite the public scrutiny.
Ortega explained that she experienced severe depression due to the intense pressure, constant public scrutiny, and isolation associated with working in the entertainment industry. She revealed that she developed anorexia nervosa, a serious eating disorder characterized by restriction and altered body perception.
The actress admitted she did not fully grasp the severity of her condition until members of the public began commenting on her physical appearance. She stated that she recognizes the immediate need for professional medical care.
Addressing the ongoing public commentary about her body, Ortega explained that continuous remarks only increase the difficulty of her situation. She requested that members of the public stop commenting on her physical appearance.
