Jenna Ortega Praised for Defending Winona Ryder

From one Beetlejuice icon to another, Winona Ryder and Jenna Ortega are slowly becoming a fan-favorite duo.

While posing for a photo op overseas, Ortega, 21, stepped in to defend her on-screen mom from an aggressive paparazzi.

In a new Instagram clip from the Venice Film Festival in Italy on Wednesday, Aug. 28, Ortega and Ryder are seen posing together while photographers yelled loudly for the 52-year-old to remove her sunglasses—something she didn’t seem eager to do.

When the Stranger Things actress hesitantly reached her hand to her glasses, Ortega reminded her, “You don’t have to,” seemingly giving Ryder the validation she needed to keep on her shades for the duration of the photo op.

While the gesture from Ortega may have seemed subtle, fans who saw the clip are now applauding the Scream actress for having her Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice co-star’s back.

“Respect 🫡” one user wrote in the comments on Instagram, as another user dubbed the young rising star “a girls girl.”

“Jenna for the W. Winona is a Queen and wear them sunglasses if she wants❤️” another comment read.

“Unbelievable moment shared here. What strength” someone else wrote in praise of Ortega, who another person said is “wise beyond her years.”

“I love the energy of Ortega ❤️.”

Others were humbled by the way that Ortega, despite being younger and having spent less time in the industry, seemed to show Ryder type of boundary-setting that is often lost in Hollywood.

“🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 this new generation is quick to say no I love it!” one user applauded.

“Our stars from the 90’s being shown by the stars of today how to say no 🙌” another fan pointed out.

Also present for Wednesday’s photo call was Catherine O’Hara, who, like Ryder, is another O.G. Beetlejuice star returning for the sequel. Michael Keaton will also be reprising his role as the titular character.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice releases in theaters on Friday, Sept. 6.

Source: Entertainment Tonight