Jenna Ortega’s ‘Iron Man 3’ Role and Her MCU Debut You Might Have Missed

Actress Jenna Ortega skyrocketed to fame following the hit Addams Family spinoff, Wednesday. At the same time, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) boasts an ensemble of talented actors in its films since the first Iron Man movie. So, what do they have in common? One of Ortega’s early roles is in Iron Man 3!

Read on to see her role and importance in the movie.

Jenna Ortega’s Role in Iron Man 3

Ortega appeared in the 2013 MCU film Iron Man 3, taking place after the events of The Avengers. While Ortega’s appearance was rather brief, her part also served a key purpose in the story. The Wednesday actress, who was ten years old at the time, played the unnamed daughter of Vice President Rodriguez, played by Miguel Ferrer.

Vice President Rodriguez was working with Aldrich Killian, played by Guy Pearce, to overthrow the current US government. This was out of Rodriguez’s hopes that Extremis could help his daughter to be able to walk on both legs.

The third Iron Man film saw Tony Stark riddled with anxiety after facing off against the mysterious villain, The Mandarin, played by Ben Kingsley. The Mandarin turns out to be the puppet of Aldrich Killian to cover up his illegal activities. Aldrich Killian also holds a grudge against Tony for rejecting his offer to join in the research for Extremis with the goal of taking over US control for his personal gain.

Killian was also looking to overthrow US President Ellis as part of his plans by making a deal with Vice President Rodriguez. Aldrich ends up taking advantage of the Vice President’s love for his daughter to make him get involved in his activities.

Significance of Jenna Ortega’s Character in Iron Man 3

Jenna Ortega’s appearance in Iron Man 3 may be brief, but her character further fuels the weight that Extremis holds in the movie. This was also reinforced by the fact that some characters succumbed to its power and promise, willing to do anything for it even if it means overthrowing the government.

Ultimately, Vice President Rodriguez is arrested, making a sad moment for Ortega’s character. Especially since her character is unaware of the lengths her father would go through. One other thing that Vice President Rodriguez didn’t know in his collaboration with Killian was that Extremis would give his daughter some heat-up-and-explode powers other than growing her leg.

Iron Man 3 is considered one of the best MCU films, according to Slashfilm, due to the story being more about wit and character. This was especially the case for Tony Stark, who spent most of the movie without the Iron Man suit.

Possible New MCU Debut?

With Jenna Ortega having appeared in Iron Man 3, there was some speculation that she might return to the MCU. Following her skyrocketing popularity, there are fans who are hoping to see Ortega in Daredevil: Born Again, which stars Charlie Cox.

In the upcoming MCU show, Ortega is speculated to play White Tiger. The character has ties to both Daredevil and the rest of the Defenders. White Tiger also has ties with the New Avengers and Mighty Avengers.

Aside from Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Niki M. James, Sandrine Holt, Margarita Levieva, Arty Froushan, and Jon Bernthal are confirmed to be part of Daredevil: Born Again.

Other roles that fans have noted wanting to see Ortega play in the MCU include X-23, Gwenpool, Rogue, and Mockingbird. As for her speculated role in Daredevil, Marvel has yet to confirm her casting.

There was concern that because Ortega already appeared in Iron Man 3, she might be unable to join the MCU as a new character. Well, that’s not necessarily the case.

In comparison, Michelle Yeoh appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 as Aleta Ogord. Yeoh later appeared in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings as Ying Nan. Gemma Chan first appeared in Captain Marvel as the villain Minn-Erva before becoming Sersi in the Eternals. Chris Evans made his Marvel debut as Johnny Storm in the 2000s Fantastic Four before becoming Captain America.

With Ortega only having a brief appearance, Marvel will likely cast her again for the right role. We can only wait and see if Ortega makes a return appearance in the MCU.

Jenna Ortega’s Other Roles

Jenna Ortega later played Tara Carpenter in the Scream franchise for Scream 2022, Scream VI, and Scream X. Ghostface attacks Tara in Scream 2022, and she nearly dies from her wounds.

Ortega’s appearances in other shows and films include Jane the Virgin as the young Jane, Rob and Unspoken, Studio 666, The Fallout, The Babysitter: Killer Queen, American Carnage, Insidious: Chapter 2 as Annie, Rake as Zoe Leon, Richie Rich as Darcy, and Stuck in the Middle as Harley Diaz. The actress’s role in the Disney show was the middle child of the family who has an inventive, pushy, and caring mentality.

Ortega received more projects for Disney, including an adventure series titled Elena of Avalor. The show follows a crown princess who defeats an evil sorceress, saving the kingdom. Elena is made to put her leadership and political skills to the test in order to become a good ruler.

The actress also appeared in music videos and in some Netflix projects like the second season of You as Ellie. Ortega was also in Yes Day, starring Jennifer Garner, where she played Katie, the eldest daughter of the Torres family.

Ortega’s popularity skyrocketed when she was cast as the titular character Wednesday Addams in the series for Netflix. The character is especially known for her dark, mysterious persona and sarcasm. The actress said it was an exciting and challenging experience to take on the popular character.