Scream Queens: Jenna Ortega & Sophie Thatcher Lead Horror's Future

Scream Queens: Jenna Ortega and Sophie Thatcher Leading the Way

Are Jenna Ortega and Sophie Thatcher the future of **scream queens** in horror movies? These talented actresses are carving their own path in the horror genre, demonstrating their ability to command the screen with captivating performances in both slasher films and supernatural thrillers. Their dedication to the craft and their ability to portray strong, resilient characters solidifies their positions as leading figures in the next generation of horror icons.

The legacy of scream queens dates back to the early days of horror, with characters like Mina Harker in *Dracula*. However, the archetype evolved significantly with the rise of slasher movies. These characters, often young women facing terrifying threats, possess the strength and determination to survive, becoming iconic figures in horror cinema. From Olivia Hussey in *Black Christmas* to Jamie Lee Curtis in *Halloween*, the 80s and 90s saw the emergence of numerous legendary scream queens.

Figures like Heather Langenkamp (*A Nightmare on Elm Street*), Neve Campbell (*Scream*), and Adrienne Barbeau (*The Fog*) quickly became synonymous with the term "scream queen." The popularity of the term was further amplified by the TV show *Scream Queens* in 2015. Now, a new generation of actors is stepping into these roles, carrying on the tradition of modern-day scream queens.

Jenna Ortega and Sophie Thatcher: Mastering the Art of Horror

What makes Jenna Ortega and Sophie Thatcher stand out as modern **scream queens**? One of the most convincing ways to prove yourself is by taking on roles that challenge and redefine the classic scream queen archetype. Ortega, after appearing in *Insidious: Chapter 2* at a young age, gained further recognition in *The Babysitter: Killer Queen* before her breakthrough role in *Scream* (2022).

Starring alongside Neve Campbell, a renowned scream queen herself, Ortega demonstrated her ability to carry the torch. Since then, she has solidified her presence in the horror genre with roles in *Studio 666*, *X*, *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice*, and *Death of a Unicorn*. Her role in the Netflix series *Wednesday* has further cemented her status as a contemporary horror icon.

Ortega has expressed her enthusiasm for horror films, stating, "I love running for my life, I love screaming, I love crying on set. It’s all very therapeutic and very fun." Sophie Thatcher has also proven her worth as a scream queen, portraying characters capable of confronting any killer. She took the lead in the 2023 horror film *The Boogeyman*, battling a supernatural entity, and in 2024's *Heretic*, facing a human monster played by Hugh Grant.

Thatcher's journey began with playing a young Regan MacNeil in *The Exorcist* TV show. While Ortega boasts an extensive horror resume, Sophie Thatcher is relatively new to the scream queen title. Interestingly, she played a more unconventional role in *Companion*, a horror sci-fi film where she was not the victim but the antagonist, a sentient companion robot.

Unlike Ortega, Thatcher has expressed some reservations about being labeled a scream queen, stating, "This is the first phase in my career so far where I’ve actually realized that I'm being perceived, and that's kind of f*cking me up, and I'm trying to distance myself from that and realize that I'm my own person outside of acting."

Other Modern Scream Queens Worth Watching

While Jenna Ortega and Sophie Thatcher are gaining recognition as prominent **scream queens**, other young actresses are also making their mark in the horror genre. Anya Taylor-Joy, perhaps one of the most recognizable faces, rose to fame with *The Witch* and followed up with M. Night Shyamalan's *Split*. Her filmography also includes *Last Night in Soho*, *The Gorge*, and *The Menu*, establishing her as a force to be reckoned with in horror.

Mia Goth has also explored both sides of the horror spectrum. After an early role in *Suspiria*, Goth had her breakout role in *X* as both Maxine Minx, the scream queen, and Pearl Douglas, the killer. She reprised both roles in *Pearl* and *Maxine*, respectively. With *Frankenstein* in 2025, Goth is solidifying her position as a modern-day scream queen.

In conclusion, the future of **scream queens** is bright, with talented actresses like Jenna Ortega, Sophie Thatcher, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Mia Goth leading the charge. Their dedication to the genre and willingness to explore complex characters ensures that the legacy of scream queens will continue to thrive for years to come.