Martin Freeman Claps Back at Backlash Over His Age-Gap Relationship With Jenna Ortega in New Film

Jenna Ortega and Martin Freeman

Martin Freeman, 52, thinks it's "a shame" that films taking on tough topics, such as his new movie Miller's Girl co-starring Jenna Ortega, 21, are seen as scandalous or controversial.

The English actor reacted to people criticizing the age gap between himself and Ortega, which plays a major role in the film's plot about an inappropriate relationship between a teacher and his 18-year-old student.

Freeman called the movie "grown-up and nuanced" while speaking with The Times before highlighting the fact that the movie isn't supporting the age gap, "It’s not saying, ‘Isn’t this great?’"

He went on to reference Liam Neeson's role in the Oscar-winning film Schindler's List, which tells an emotional and difficult story about the Holocaust, saying, "Are we gonna have a go at Liam Neeson for being in a film about the Holocaust?"

While Ortega has not directly responded to the backlash toward the film, the film's intimacy coordinator, Kristina Arjona, spoke out in defense of the sexual scenes in the movie, telling the Daily Mail that Ortega was actively involved with the whole process to ensure there she was always comfortable.

"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," explained Arjona.

She also directly addressed the age difference between Freeman and Ortega, stating that she consistently checked in with Ortega, "making sure - especially with someone who's significantly younger - that they are giving continuous consent."

This is one of Ortega's first projects exploring more adult themes in relationships, with the actress most well-known for her work in the Scream franchise and her starring role in Wednesday. Her co-star Freeman is known for roles in projects like Sherlock, Love Actually and The Hobbit, among others.

Next: Jenna Ortega Explains Why She First "Passed" on Portraying Wednesday Addams in Netflix Hit