Any self-respecting “O.C.” fan will tell you that when it comes to dream girls, no one holds a candle to Summer Roberts. Which is why I’m pleased to report that, save for the zippy Josh Schwartz-scripted bon mots, everything you loved about Princess Sparkle’s owner (the laugh, the endless charm, the sense of humor) is pure Rachel Bilson.
But in her latest movie, “Waiting For Forever,” many of those sunnier Summer/Rachel attributes were shoved into emotional storage to make way for the decidedly darker Emma Twist. Don’t get me wrong, this is still a romantic endeavor, but it takes a little bit more to love Emma.
Which was just one of the reasons Rachel jumped at the chance to play her, as I found out in between giggles (which are so freakin’ enchanting, I wish they were bottled and sold at nationwide) when she rang PopWrap up. In addition to learning about her desire to play someone a little pricklier, I discovered that Rachel has excellent taste in rom-com’s, lives for baking and has no idea how omnipresent “The O.C.” actually is.
PopWrap: What attracted you to “Waiting For Forever?”
Rachel Bilson: I thought it was a really different take on love and relationships with interesting characters. It’s not an obvious, clichéd romance.
PW: Yea, it takes a deft script to not make Will come off like a stalker.
Rachel: Right [laughs]. That’s the whole point, he’s not stalking – it’s very innocent. It was important to get that across at some point. And it’s fine anyway, he’s so cute [laughs].
PW: The character of Emma Twist is one I feel like we haven’t seen from you before either.
Rachel: She’s definitely different for me. Sure, she’s a TV actress so people think I’m playing myself, but she’s such a departure from who I am. She’s unhappy in her life and she’s not that nice of a person. I thought it would be interesting to do something a little darker.
PW: This is definitely a skewed take on it, but are you a romantic comedy fan?
Rachel: Oh, that’s the first thing I go to see if I’m going to the movies. I love romantic comedies, or romantic dramas – basically anything with love in it.
PW: All-time favorite, go.
Rachel: I love “My Best Friends Wedding,” “16 Candles,” “Just Friends” … all of them.
PW: Kinda love that you picked “Just Friends” — I’m a little obsessed with Anna Faris’ toothpaste scene in that movie.
Rachel: I can’t! [laughs] She’s amazing in that movie. It’s really underappreciated. That is one of the funniest movies ever.
PW: “Forever” also deals with the idea of an enduring crush — remember your first?
Rachel: Patrick Swayze. I had bunk beds growing up and his picture was on the ceiling of the lower bunk, so every night when I went to sleep, I’d stare at his face. I was obsessed.
PW: I take it you’ve seen “Dirty Dancing” a lot then?
Rachel: I can’t even count how many times. I played that VHS tape to death.
PW: So we follow you on Twitter and you recently asked your followers a question that I want to pose to you…
Rachel: I’m actually not on Twitter. That’s so crazy. I don’t know why people think I’m on there.
PW: Oh wow, lemme tell you, there’s a really good imposter then with roughly 31,000 followers.
Rachel: What?!? Whoa, that’s crazy. Get her outta there! [laughs] Well, I hope she’s nice to my fans. So, what did I ask “my people?” [laughs]
PW: You asked what the most romantic thing someone had ever done for you was.
Rachel: I would definitely say that I’m a big fan of making things for people. I had a boyfriend who carved me a swing out of wood and hung it on a tree. That was probably the most romantic. I like a man who can build things. Whittle me something out of wood and I’m sold.
PW: Changing gears for a second, I know that you have a role in Krysten Ritter’s “BFF & Baby.” What was making that movie like?
Rachel: Honestly, it’s the most fun I’ve ever had on a set. There were so many girls involved and it’s so well written. It’s this really funny movie that you don’t normally see with women being the focus. I remember Krysten called to ask me and there was no hesitation. I was just so flattered she even wanted me to read it.
PW: I’m happy to hear that because I love when you do comedy.
Rachel: It’s absolutely my favorite thing to do, but for some reason people don’t see me that way. But I love doing it, so branching out in that area would be the most ideal for me.
PW: Then they need to watch some “O.C.” because Summer was hilarious, which I’m reminded of all the time since that show is on every day.
Rachel: Are they? No way! I had no idea!
PW: Oh yea, big time. Do you have enough distance from the show to watch it?
Rachel: I’m getting to the place where I can watch. Where it’s nice and nostalgic to look back. It’s definitely a time in my life that thinking about bring up nothing but really great feelings.
PW: Is there a status update on the TV show you were developing with “O.C.” creator Josh Schwartz?
Rachel: Sadly things changed at the network so they decided to do some other stuff. But everything happens for a reason I suppose.
PW: Are you actively looking to do more television?
Rachel: You know, I don’t know. I’m open if the right show came along. I do love working in television, but I’ve just been really busy with my homewear line, which just came out for Macy’s. I really loved making that.
PW: Do you consider yourself a homebody?
Rachel: Oh yea. My favorite thing is to stay home and have friends over for dinner. I love cooking and baking.
PW: What’s your favorite thing to cook?
Rachel: I’m half Italian, so I definitely love cooking those kinds of dishes – lasagna and meatballs and whatnot, but I also like to bake a lot. And I have a huge sweet tooth, so there are lots of cookies being made also. I’ll swing by, make you some
PW: So maybe your hypothetical TV show needs to be a cooking one?
Rachel: Could be [laughs]. It would be interesting. Like a comedic version. There is not a wall I don’t walk into [laughs].
“Waiting For Forever” hits theaters February 4
Photo: WireImage; Fox; Startraksphoto