Jenna Ortega has revealed a behind-the-scenes secret about Sabrina Carpenter's hit music video for 'Taste,' and it involves a chainsaw with a very Sabrina-inspired name. In an interview with Esquire, Ortega, who starred opposite Carpenter in the bloody and campy video released in 2024, recalled that the chainsaw she wielded had a special nickname referencing Carpenter herself.

'I think the chainsaw had some crazy name and reference to Sabrina as well. It was called like the Espresso 3000 or something,' Ortega told the magazine. The name is a clear nod to Carpenter's smash single 'Espresso,' which kicked off the pop star's blockbuster Short n' Sweet era in the spring of 2024. The song became a global phenomenon, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Carpenter her first Grammy nominations.

The 'Taste' Music Video: A Cinematic Bloodbath

The 'Taste' video, directed by Dave Meyers, is a darkly comic homage to the 1992 film Death Becomes Her. In it, Ortega and Carpenter play rival lovers who repeatedly try to kill each other in increasingly elaborate and gruesome ways. The video opens with Carpenter kissing Ortega's character's ex-boyfriend, triggering a jealous rage that sets off a chain of violent encounters. From stabbing and poisoning to falling out of windows and being hit by cars, the two women go to extreme lengths to eliminate one another.

The chainsaw scene, which occurs near the end of the video, is one of the most memorable moments. Ortega's character, having seemingly been resurrected yet again, grabs a chainsaw and revs it up as she prepares to take one more swing at Carpenter. The absurdity of the moment is amplified by the fact that both actresses are impeccably dressed, with Ortega noting that they had 'nice little outfits' for the scene.

Ortega Says the Chainsaw Scene Was Her Favorite

During her interview with Esquire, Ortega revealed that the chainsaw sequence was her favorite part of the entire shoot. 'It was really camp and fun,' she said, explaining that the over-the-top nature of the scene fit perfectly with the video's darkly humorous tone. She also noted that despite the elaborate final product, there was very little preparation involved. In fact, Ortega said she found out she would be appearing in the video only days before the shoot, and much of the action was improvised.

'Nothing about that music video was choreographed,' Ortega said. 'Like we were just running around. We had no time to prep or really talk about it.' This spontaneous approach is evident in the video's frenetic energy, which has helped make it one of the most talked-about music videos of 2024.

The Impact of 'Taste' and Its Video

'Taste' was released as the third single from Carpenter's Short n' Sweet album, following the chart-topping 'Espresso' and 'Please Please Please.' The song debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the album's biggest hits and spending multiple weeks in the top 10. The accompanying video played a significant role in the song's success, generating millions of views on YouTube and spawning countless memes and reactions on social media.

The video's mix of horror-comedy elements and pop-star glamour struck a chord with fans and critics alike. It was praised for its campy sensibility and its nod to classic Hollywood horror-comedies, with many noting the chemistry between Ortega and Carpenter. The kiss between the two actors, which appears early in the video, also became a major talking point, adding to the video's viral appeal.

Ortega's Rise in Hollywood

Jenna Ortega has become one of the most sought-after young actresses in Hollywood, thanks to her acclaimed turns in Wednesday, Scream, and X. Her ability to balance comedy and horror made her a perfect fit for the 'Taste' video, and her participation helped elevate its profile. Ortega's willingness to embrace the absurdity of the video, from the chaotic running around to the chainsaw-wielding finale, demonstrates her versatility as a performer.

The actress's collaboration with Carpenter also highlighted the camaraderie between two rising stars. Both women have navigated the entertainment industry from a young age, and their mutual respect was evident in the video's behind-the-scenes footage and promotional appearances. Ortega's recollection of the chainsaw's name is just one of many fun details that have emerged from the making of the video.

The 'Short n' Sweet' Era and 'Espresso'

'Espresso' was the song that launched Carpenter into the upper echelon of pop stardom. Released in April 2024, the track quickly became a summer anthem, dominating radio airwaves and streaming playlists. Its success set the stage for Short n' Sweet, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and produced multiple hit singles. The album itself was praised for its witty lyricism and Carpenter's confident vocal delivery, drawing comparisons to pop icons like Ariana Grande and Kacey Musgraves.

The name 'Espresso 3000,' as Ortega recalled, is a playful reference to the song that started it all. The idea of giving a chainsaw a name inspired by a song about caffeine and attraction is quintessential Carpenter humor, which has become a defining feature of her public persona. The "Taste" video is filled with similar cheeky touches, from the blood-soaked outfits to the deliberately over-the-top violence.

Why the 'Taste' Video Stands Out

In an era where music videos are often afterthoughts, 'Taste' demonstrated the power of a well-crafted visual to amplify a song's impact. By embracing theatrics and leaning into the absurd, Carpenter and her team created a video that feels like a mini-movie. The decision to cast Ortega, an actress known for her horror credentials, was a stroke of genius, as it lent credibility to the video's gory premise while also attracting a broader audience.

Ortega's behind-the-scenes revelation about the lack of choreography is particularly interesting, as it provides insight into how such viral moments are often created. The raw, unpolished energy of the video may have been the result of necessity, but it ultimately contributed to its charm. Fans have noted that the video's spontaneous feel makes it more accessible and relatable, despite its fantastical violence.

The chainsaw name, as recalled by Ortega, is now one of the more endearing trivia points from the video. While the actress admitted she could not remember the exact name, her suggestion of 'Espresso 3000' is good enough for most fans, who have embraced it as unofficial canon. The detail adds another layer to a video that was already rich with in-jokes and references.

Conclusion of the Video's Legacy

As 'Taste' continues to be streamed and discussed, the chainsaw's name is likely to become a lasting piece of pop-culture trivia. The collaboration between Ortega and Carpenter has set a new standard for pop-star-and-actress team-ups, blending their respective strengths to create a viral sensation. The video's success also reinforces the importance of creative risk-taking in the music industry, where a single visual can make a lasting impression.

For Ortega, the experience of filming 'Taste' was clearly a memorable one, both for the chaos of the shoot and for the opportunity to work with Carpenter. Her recollection of the chainsaw's name offers a glimpse into the playful dynamic between the two stars, and it adds yet another reason for fans to revisit the video. Whether the prop was truly called 'Espresso 3000' or something even wilder, the detail captures the spirit of a music video that was never meant to be taken too seriously.

Source: MSN News