As if she isn’t busy enough, Roberts recently landed the starring role in the upcoming film, “Nancy Drew,” which Warner Bros hopes will revive the old Nancy Drew franchise.
I caught up with the busy young star at the premiere of the holiday comedy/drama, “The Family Stone.” Roberts laughed about not having any weird family holiday stories of her own to share, but said she is looking forward to a time in the future when she and her dad may team up onscreen.
Roberts said she’s very excited about beginning work “Nancy Drew,” which she’s scheduled to start filming in January 2006. When I spoke to her, she was getting prepared to take on the film. “I read the script a bunch of times and I’m starting to read the books right now,” said Roberts.
Asked how she feels about taking on a character generations of young readers have come to love, Roberts admitted she’s a little nervous. “It’s really great. I’m rather nervous because so many generations have read the book and I have big shoes to fill. But I’m really excited and it’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Roberts, adding, “I get to drive a car so that’s fun.”
Roberts will be getting physical as the teenage detective. The pretty young actress said she’ll be doing a few of her own stunts. “I think some of it in the movie. I get in a car chase and then I have to outrun a car,” revealed Roberts.
Her character will definitely have a love interest but, as of this interview, the actor had not yet been cast. Does she have a preference for who will play her boyfriend in “Nancy Drew?” After careful consideration, Roberts admitted she does have someone she’d like to see land that role – “Peter Pan” star Jeremy Sumpter.
Roberts will also soon be seen in the comedy movie, “Aquamarine,” directed by Elizabeth Allen. Roberts said the film was shot in Australia and involves the discovery of a mermaid. “My character’s name is Claire and it’s basically a movie about these two best friends who find a mermaid. It’s kind of like their journey,” explained Roberts.
Practical effects rather than CGI help bring the mermaid to life in “Aquamarine.” Roberts said, “It was Sara Paxton, the girl who plays the mermaid who is like the nicest girl ever – I love her. She had a tail that got molded to her body. She would swim in the water with it. She was really good with it!”
20th Century Fox plans on releasing “Aquamarine” on March 3, 2006. “Nancy Drew” is tentatively set to hit theaters in 2007.
