Breakout Energy: Isaac Ordoñez Turns “Wednesday” Into a Main-Character Moment
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
You were seven when acting stopped being a hobby. Season 3 is a different kind of “this is real.” What has been the most wow part as of now?
Personally, the biggest part is realizing that it’s been almost three full seasons of working with such big names as Tim Burton, Jenna Ortega, and Winona Ryder, and how grateful I am to be able to work alongside them.
Season 2 put Pugsley at Nevermore as Eugene’s roommate, growing, sparking electricity like a young Gomez. When you watched those episodes back, what did you notice about him that you didn’t fully clock on set?
Watching it back, I think I never realized during filming all the potential and strength that Pugsley’s powers have. As an actor, you never realize how big the powers are until you see them on screen. Whenever I was using my powers while filming, I always just had a light in my hand, so I never fully got to see Pugsley’s electrifying capabilities until I watched Season 2.
Walk us through the end of Season 2 without spoiling the feeling: Slurp, Iago Tower, the machine, Wednesday kicking the door in. What did that stretch demand from you as an actor?
Throughout the majority of Season 2’s finale, without spoiling too much, Pugsley is getting tortured, tied up, constantly being pulled around by a chain, and screaming. So while it was a blast to film, I will say it was definitely physically demanding.
You called Tim Burton a dream director—visual, open to ideas, precise. How do you hope that collaboration mutates in Season 3 now that Pugsley isn’t just the little brother in the background?
Now that this is my third season filming on this show, Tim and I have gotten to really understand each other as actor and director. I understand, coming to set, what Tim wants and expects from me as an actor. Even now, I’m still honored to work with such an iconic director and hope that being on this show with him leads to more collaborations in the future.
Who are your HEROES?
My family. My dad has worked countless hours and weekends to support our family. My mother has given up so much for me to pursue this career. My older sister always looks out for me and has sacrificed a lot. Her and I are pretty close.
This shoot was all done in Paris. What do you love most about the City of Love?
This shoot was my second time being in Paris. I enjoyed seeing the city and getting to shoot there. The city’s riveting architecture stood out to me the most. I also believe that Paris is one of those cities where you hear about others’ love for its beauty, but don’t truly grasp it until you’re there.
You’re in Lacoste for this shoot. Readers will clock the crocodile. What’s your actual relationship to fashion right now—and how much of the credit goes to Gabriel Langenbrunner?
I’ve been told by others that I have my own unique style, and I think the most exciting thing about fashion is experimenting with your style. Getting to attend SS26 Paris Fashion Week with Lacoste and being able to collaborate with the brand for the editorial was a lot of fun. As for my stylist Gabriel, the majority of the credit undoubtedly goes to him. Gabriel is amazing; he has really gotten me to step out of my comfort zone and opened my eyes to the world of fashion.
We hear you like metal. That’s not the usual Wednesday press-tour playlist. What does that music give you that the show’s gothic aesthetic doesn’t? Can we expect music from you as well, maybe?
I’d like to think that Pugsley himself is very metal. Almost every day when driving to set, I listen to metal before work; it sets the mood for Pugsley.
What song is on repeat as you film the next season?
“Pink Triangle” — Weezer
What has been the biggest lesson Jenna has taught you since working together?
When I first met Jenna, I was 12, but I immediately saw how hardworking she is. Although we would still talk and joke around, she showed me what a good work ethic is and the perfect balance between fun and professional; I aspire to be like that.
What role would you love to play next that would prove it?
I’m happy that this has been a topic of conversation lately, as representation is important. I believe it starts with bringing more Latinx writers and visionaries to formulate these stories. I am also excited to see more future authentic portrayals of Latinx culture in all of its forms. While there isn’t a specific type of role I would prefer, I’d definitely be happy to be incorporated into a role that properly shows Latinx culture. I think it would be a fun twist to play Gomez in the very distant future.
If you were building your own project tomorrow, what kinds of characters or stories would you chase first—and why do those actually matter to you?
I think playing any type of Latinx superhero would be awesome. I’m also extremely passionate about anime, so I would say it’d be amazing to voice or play a Hispanic anime character, yet there are very few. We definitely need more Latinx anime characters, and I’d for sure be interested in changing that by playing one.
Season 2 had the pressure to top Season 1, plus sweets, roadkill pie, and Slurp’s lingering smell. What do you already know will test you in Season 3?
While there are a couple things I can think of off the top of my head, you guys are unfortunately gonna be left pondering about it until the season drops.
Last one, Galore-style honest: when Season 3 drops, what do you want a kid who feels like the weirdo in their own cafeteria to take from Pugsley that they couldn’t quite get in Season 1?
I’d say I hope they know that they aren’t alone. There’s a group out there for everyone. No matter how weird, different, or unusual you feel, there are always people out there who will love your quirkiness. Not only that, but even though Pugsley was initially struggling to fit in, he does eventually find his people. I believe the overall message of Wednesday is to embrace what makes you unique and weird, so never feel that you have to change yourself for others.
Grooming: Petra Sellge (@petransellge) with Wall Group Artists London
Wardrobe: Lacoste (@lacoste)
