The Exciting Journey of Jenna Warren: From Her New Film ‘Thanksgiving’ to the Future

Jenna shares the excitement of her role in “Thanksgiving,” highlighting the diversity of genres in her cinematic career.

Jenna Warren, an emerging Canadian actress based in Toronto, has captivated audiences with her versatility in genres ranging from horror films to animated projects like “My Little Pony.” As the lead in Eli Roth’s “Thanksgiving,” Jenna opens up about her experiences, challenges, and emotions in a captivating interview with Xmag.

Reflecting on her thrilling experience portraying ‘Yulia’ in the recent film, Jenna discusses the impact of the film’s unique setting and her journey beyond it. With a career filled with promising projects, Jenna shares her insights into the entertainment industry, her Canadian roots, and the exciting reception of “Thanksgiving.”

Jenna enthusiastically describes her time on set as the most enjoyable experience of her career. The vibrant energy and dedication of the cast and crew created an atmosphere where everyone was eager to contribute their best. “It was so much fun, probably the most fun I’ve had on a set. The energy was incredible; everyone there wanted to be there and showed up every day. When I had the audition and found out that Eli and Jeff had wanted to do this since they were 12, I knew instantly that I wanted to be a part of it and that it could be something really special.”

J: Anything related to small towns and horror movies is very interesting to me. It gives the whole movie a sense of extremely high stakes because the killer is living in your backyard; it could be anyone you know. I also think it created a more intimate atmosphere with the cast and how we approached the scenes to really try to capture the essence of living in a small town, where, as Eli said, the craziest thing that has happened there is a parking ticket.

Collaborating with renowned director Eli Roth left a lasting impression on Jenna. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with him twice now, and he’s a very fun director. He knows what he’s doing, knows what he wants, but still communicated openly with us and was very receptive to our opinions.”

Sharing a personal moment, Jenna reveals Roth’s words of encouragement after an intense scene, reinforcing her confidence and commitment to the role: “There was one night after one of my intense scenes, which was the last night of shooting, and it was just me. I was the last one to finish; it was like 7:00 a.m., and he took the time to tell me how proud he was of me and said one thing that I’ll share and that meant a lot to me. He said, ‘Jenna, I knew you were talented. But you really don’t know what someone is capable of until you shoot a scene like last night and see them just surpass everything they’ve done before.’ I don’t think I’ll forget those words, coming from him, it meant the world to me.”

Avoiding spoilers, Jenna sheds light on the mysterious killer, John Carver, in “Thanksgiving.” She emphasizes his omnipresence and the unique and terrifying elements he brings to each victim’s death, intensifying the film. “John Carver is everywhere, always lurking, always watching. I think a really chilling element relates to the atmosphere of the small town, where he knows each of his victims and uses it in his execution.”

Having experienced the immediate audience reaction in Los Angeles during the film’s premiere, Jenna expresses gratitude for the warm welcome from the horror community: “I had the chance to be in Los Angeles for the release date and went to different theaters with Nell, Milo, and Jalen [castmates], and I had the opportunity to interact with fans, and it was great to see an immediate audience reaction after the movie. The response has been wonderful; I know the horror community is very passionate and loyal. They have welcomed us with open arms, and it’s been amazing to see all the fan edits, videos, photos. I’m truly grateful; it’s been very exciting to experience it.”

As a Canadian based in Toronto, Jenna acknowledges the close-knit nature of the entertainment industry in her hometown. “In Toronto, a big city with a small film industry, I value the relationships formed over the years. The fortune of meeting incredible people has opened doors, and I’m proud to contribute to Canadian talent in projects that showcase me to the world; I’m grateful for the support I’ve received.”

Looking ahead, Jenna shares her excitement for upcoming projects. She expresses a desire to explore action and psychological thriller roles, venture into fantastical worlds, and portray a college student. Jenna’s dreams include showcasing her athletic background and tackling projects inspired by her varied tastes in current TV shows. “The release of ‘The Last of Us’ drew me in immensely, considering it a dream project. Currently, I’m fascinated with Gen V, Sex Lives of College Girls, Yellowstone, and Shoresey, reflecting my broad interest in diverse projects. This marks only the beginning, and I’m excited for what the future may hold.”