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The realm of horror movies, marked by protagonists constantly battling fear, fighting for survival, and showcasing their indomitable spirit, has given rise to a new generation of scream queens. These characters have moved far beyond being mere victims; they now show strength, emotion, and rich, multifaceted personalities.
Two names have already begun to resonate the most in the halls of horror: Sophie Thatcher and Jenna Ortega. With their astounding performances and genre passion, they are demonstrating that the legacy of scream queens is not only alive but evolving.
From cult classics to cultural icons
The phrase scream queen is allocated to the title of actresses who dominate the horror genre, captivating audiences in parts requiring them to face malevolent creatures, monsters, or supernatural dangers. In the past, legendary stars like Jamie Lee Curtis (Halloween) and Neve Campbell (Scream) defined the Archetype: women who, time and time again, screamed their hearts out and won the audience’s hearts.
Now, Jenna Ortega and Sophie Thatcher are doing the same, but not quite the same. Instead of just screaming and surviving, they are turning horror heroines into complex, fierce characters.
Jenna Ortega: A new face of fear and fierceness
By the age of 22, Jenna Ortega has achieved milestones in her career that many actors would accumulate with years of hard work. Jenna started her career with the film ‘Insidious: Chapter 2’ but gained public attention with ‘Scream,’ released in 2022.
In the movie, she starred alongside previous cast members and held her own next to them. Since then, she has taken on chilling roles in films like X, Studio 666, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Not to mention, she plays a deranged character in the Netflix series ‘Wednesday,’ which has become a globally iconic show.
Ortega's commitment to horror films is exceptional, as it shows that she truly cares for the genre. She uses the words "fun" and "therapeutic," making one wonder how special Ortega's love for horror would be.
Captain Ortega's passion is always visible on the screen. Whether she is running away from a villain or on the verge of a breakdown, her commitment shines through. Ortega's genuine dedication allows her to showcase the realistic parts of life and strip away the façade that is known for movie magic.
Sophie Thatcher: Redefining the role with grit and grace
Sophie Thatcher, an actress with an almost hypnotic screen presence, adds a different flavor to the “scream queen” persona. Her characters tend to be more emotionally multifaceted and psychologically intricate.
In The Boogeyman (2023), she battled a supernatural menace, while in Heretic (2024), she squared off with an eerily human foe. In neither case was she an unresponsive you-could-die-waiting survivor; she was a combatant.
Nonetheless, Thatcher is not restricted to the horror genre. In Companion (2025), she portrayed a self-aware robot, a sharp take on the hybrid horror-sci-fi genre.
While she is still coming to terms with the moniker of ‘scream queen,’ her performances certainly do the talking. Thatcher exhibits sympathy and nuanced strength alongside a kind of grit that is difficult to measure.
More than just screams
Today's scream queens are not defined by their fear; rather, it’s Ortega, Thatcher, and contemporaries like Anya Taylor-Joy (The Witch, Split) and Mia Goth (Pearl, X) who are redefining the genre's perception along with their depth. Gothic actors show that horror is a space where women can shine both as survivalists and scene stealers.
They are reframing expectations of the genre. And, at other times, they are the villain. Sometimes, they are both. That mental adaptation is changing the perception of what a scream queen is in the 21st century.
The future looks fearsome—in the best way
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As the horror genre transforms, it is evident that its most popular female characters are also changing. Ortega and Thatcher are part of a generation that is not just accepting the legacy of scream queens; they are transforming it. With every scream, sob, and stare, they inject feeling, gravitas, and unapologetic daring.
That is great news for horror enthusiasts and the evolution of the genre itself.
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