Winona Ryder's career in Hollywood spans her early days as the youngest on set to her current status as one of the industry's seasoned veterans. Despite the shifts in Tinseltown over the years, she has preserved her legacy with distinction, having been part of classic films and enchanting audiences in modern projects. Yet when fans sensed animosity between Ryder and Millie Bobby Brown after her recent comments about the show's actors while she expressed nothing but admiration for Netflix star and co-star Jenna Ortega, the strangeness permeated worlds.

Although Ryder never mentioned Brown by name in her conversation, the loss of words when describing Ortega was equally significant. However, the reactions to each were on entirely different levels.

Winona Ryder recently appeared on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast ahead of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’s theatrical release to speak highly of her co-star Jenna Ortega. Initially, Ryder struggled to articulate what draws her to Ortega, but she eventually revealed that Ortega speaks her language. Reflecting on her long career and how being on set often evokes memories of past films, Ryder mentioned that she usually hesitates to voice these thoughts, fearing others would not understand—until she met Jenna Ortega.

Ryder recalled a specific train sequence that brought Brief Encounter to mind, but, as usual, she kept it to herself. Then she turned to Ortega, who instantly recognized it, saying, Brief Encounter, and just like that, their first telepathic connection was made. Ryder also shared another moment from their first night filming together when she mentioned I Am Cuba, leaving her even more impressed. However, instead of dwelling on it, Ryder simply said, "I love you," like love at first sight.

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Though the revelations were sincere, they highlighted recent fan speculation that tension might be growing between Ryder and Millie Bobby Brown.

Winona Ryder has been busy with press tours leading up to the release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and her recent appearance in Esquire Magazine shifted the focus to her Stranger Things co-star Millie Bobby Brown. Ryder reflected on how the show has highlighted young stars who are now in their twenties. While she praised those she holds dear, saying, “I love the boys and I love Sadie (Sink) and Maya (Hawke),” fans noticed that Brown’s name was conspicuously absent.

Ryder did not initiate the conflict, but fans drew conclusions based on two interviews. Ryder recently expressed her disappointment to the Los Angeles Times about the lack of curiosity among younger actors regarding acting and cinema. Fans also recalled a viral interview earlier this year where Brown admitted that she seldom watches movies, primarily due to the time commitment. While fans connected these dots, even if the speculation about Brown is not accurate, Ryder's praise for Jenna Ortega becomes all the more understandable in light of her comments.

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What do you think of Winona Ryder's praise for Jenna Ortega amidst tensions with Millie Bobby Brown? Let us know in the comments below!