Jenna Ortega on Her Cut MCU Role: 'They Removed All My Lines'

Did you know that Jenna Ortega, the breakout star of Netflix's Wednesday and the upcoming Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, made her film debut in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it role in Iron Man 3? At just 11 years old, Ortega played the vice president's daughter, who appears in a wheelchair during a Christmas family scene. The moment is fleeting, but significant for fans who recognize the young actress.

Jenna Ortega in Iron Man 3. Image credit: Marvel Studios.

Now, 12 years later, Ortega reflected on her brief stint in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with Entertainment Weekly. She humorously noted that her lines were cut from the final film, leaving her with a mere second of screen time. "I did it once," Ortega said. "It was one of the first jobs I ever did. They took all my lines out. I'm in Iron Man 3 for a quick second. I take up the frame, I have one leg and I'm the vice president's daughter."

Her Death of a Unicorn co-star Paul Rudd, known for portraying Ant-Man, playfully speculated about Ortega's potential return to the MCU. "And so it might very well be that you come back," Rudd suggested, "that they are going to create something for you, 'cause they should be so lucky to have Jenna Ortega in their franchise."

Casting doubt on a future MCU role, Ortega added, "They even took my name away," she interjected. "I'm really… but I just… I count that, and then I move on." Despite the minor role, Ortega's career has soared, making her one of the most recognized actors today.

If Jenna Ortega did return to the MCU, which character should she play? Photo by Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images.

While Iron Man 3 is often ranked among the less favored MCU entries, it was a massive commercial success, grossing over $1.2 billion worldwide. It ranks as the ninth highest-grossing superhero film ever, surpassing films like Captain America: Civil War, Spider-Man: Far From Home, and Captain Marvel. The MCU has evolved significantly since then, and Ortega's potential return could inject new life into the franchise.

Given Ortega's talent and rising star status, fans might wonder which character she could portray in the MCU. Her versatility and popularity make her a perfect fit for a variety of roles, from new heroes to established characters.