JENNA Ortega was “comfortable” doing sex scenes with Martin Freeman in their new film Miller’s Girl – despite the 31-year age gap, insisted an intimacy coordinator.
In the movie, Wednesday star Jenna, who is 21 in real life, plays 18-year-old student Cairo, while The Office star Martin, who is 52, plays her teacher, Jonathan Miller.
The explicit sex scene has sparked outrage due to their 31-year age gap.
Intimacy coordinator Kristina Arjona revealed that Jenna was involved in decisions about the curation of the racy moments and insisted that at no point were any “boundaries surpassed”.
“There was many, many people throughout this process, engaging with [Jenna] to make sure that it was consistent with what she was comfortable with, and she was very determined and very sure of what she wanted to do,’ Kristina told The Mail.
‘Part of my job too is supporting her decisions. I adapt to whatever is the comfort level of my actors, especially on a production like this where there is a large age gap between the actors.
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“I’m hyper aware of both of my talent and making sure that we’re consistently checking in and that at no point are any of their boundaries being surpassed.
“And again, making sure – especially with someone who’s significantly younger – that they are giving continuous consent.”
The pair become embroiled in a complicated and inappropriate relationship after Jenna’s character decides to write a sex story during his class.
Kristina said there was extensive discussion with Jenna and Martin about the “level of nudity”, and a test audience was used to help them decide what was “too much”.
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They were also provided the information in a written format 48 hours before filming the scenes – but insisted that they could change their mind or object to any of the “elements discussed” on the day.
The scenes have since divided fans, which many viewers have an issue with – due to the difference in ages.
One user posted: “MARTIN FREEMAN WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO JENNA ORTEGA”
Another fumed: “I think I am finally done watching these age gap movies. They are all gross, and I am tired of it. No amount of Jenna Ortega or Martin Freeman could save this one for me,” fumed another.
A third viewer noted: “I’m uncomfortable.”
Another stated: “When Martin Freeman was in his 40’s Jenna Ortega was 10 years old.”
Speaking about starring in the film, Jenna previously admitted she was “taken aback” by the “risky” portrayal of a teenager.
She explained: “I remember receiving the script being on set in Montreal and it was just this side email and then I open up to find this horrific and beautiful, this romantic horror. This horrific story romanticized.
“I remember being so taken aback by Cairo because what I have experienced in my career and I think a lot of young girls can say the same.
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“I feel like teenage girls are often written in the same bratty, no nonsense manner but Cairo is so intelligent and wise beyond her years that I was excited to be able to explore.
“The topic of the film is a little bit riskier. It is a scary thing to approach but obviously as an artist you want to take risks and explore what it could be.”
