Paul Rudd Praises Jenna Ortega at ‘Death of a Unicorn’ Screening

Paul Rudd has learned what the rest of the world already discovered sometime between the release of 2022’s “Scream” and “Wednesday” — Jenna Ortega is extraordinary. The duo presented their horror-comedy “Death of a Unicorn” at the SXSW Film & TV Festival, and during the panel they definitely had the father-daughter dynamic down.

Rudd Says Working with Ortega was a Highlight

People caught up with Rudd outside the SXSW doors and asked him about filming with Ortega. The actor gave a sincere response. “I just was, and still am, always amazed at her level of coolness,” he said. “It’s very real. She’s very bright. She’s funny, and there’s so much depth to her as a person and her talent. I enjoyed this experience across the board in every way, but getting to work with Jenna, it was a highlight.”

At the SXSW Q&A, Rudd and Ortega were asked about becoming father and daughter for the film. Ortega’s answer was straight to the point. “Fortunately we got on,” she replied, explaining that they began filming a day or two after meeting. In contrast, Rudd answered with the off-the-cuff humor he’s become known for. “Fortunately, we had the experience,” he began. “Jenna is a daughter in real life, and I’m actually a dad,” he quipped, with Ortega giving a thumbs up and a little dance.

Then more seriously, he continued. “We hit it off right away, and, you know, when you’re lucky enough to get to act with Jenna Ortega, your job is easy. Because she’s incredible.” Ortega added, “He is too, guys, he’s great,” with Rudd then joking, “It does seem weird that I handed you the mic after I said that.”

Ortega Gushed About Rudd… and Lady Gaga

While Ortega may have felt obligated to say something when Rudd put the microphone in front of her, there was no need for prodding when she was asked by Access Hollywood about him. “Paul is so sweet and kind, and he really curates such a safe environment on set,” she raved. “It felt like anytime I got to shoot a scene with him, he just wanted to make sure that everybody was laughing, and everybody didn’t take themselves too seriously. And I think that that is a really special quality to possess.”

Another topic that was discussed was Season 2 of “Wednesday.” Since Ortega basically manifested Lady Gaga onto the series, it seemed fitting that she’d also have a few words to say about her.

“I love working with Gaga,” she said. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with her a couple of times now, and she’s only ever been unbelievably sweet, and just precious. It’s insane to see someone with such a bold persona just bursting with this incredible, unachievable talent for most. And then to also be able to have, like, hear them say ‘cut,’ you know, Tim Burton saying ‘cut,’ and just having a normal conversation about what you had for breakfast. It’s super strange, and I’m incredibly grateful.”