Mischa Barton has opened up about her early experiences on the set of “The O.C.,” revealing that her on-screen romance with co-star Ben McKenzie extended beyond the script. The actress shared her feelings about being a 17-year-old on set, portraying Marissa Cooper opposite the 25-year-old McKenzie’s character, Ryan Atwood, as per Huff Post.
The age gap between Barton and McKenzie didn’t go unnoticed, with podcast host Alex Cooper addressing the matter. Barton acknowledged the complexity, stating, “Yeah, that wasn’t just on-screen, either. I mean, that was kind of complicated for me.” She further revealed that her relationship with McKenzie was her first and that she had no prior experience in navigating such situations.
According to Barton, their romantic involvement commenced early in the show’s production, halfway through the season. This swift development had repercussions, setting a tone that Barton felt was not conducive to a harmonious work environment. Producers and crew members reportedly expressed concern about a teenager like Barton being involved with an older man.
“I felt overwhelmed and not ready for any of that,” Barton admitted, recalling instances where producers approached her parents, turning the off-screen relationship into a significant concern for the show’s production.
Barton shed light on the contradictory expectations set by the producers. On one hand, they encouraged a close off-screen relationship for the sake of on-screen chemistry, while on the other hand, they expressed reservations about the impact on the show’s production.
Earlier in the podcast, Barton delved into her experiences as the youngest cast member, expressing the pressure to catch up and grow up quickly. She admitted feeling like a “virgin” and unprepared for the mature themes portrayed in the series. Barton highlighted the dissonance between her real-life innocence and the character’s portrayal of a more experienced individual.
This revelation aligns with Barton’s previous statements about her discomfort working on “The O.C.” In a 2021 essay for Harper’s Bazaar U.K., she described feeling like a “fraud” playing a character who was sexually active while she was still a virgin. Barton revealed feeling pressured to mature quickly due to societal expectations and encounters with older men.
The discomfort extended beyond on-screen dynamics for Barton, as she spoke about feeling “very unprotected” on set and experiencing bullying from some male colleagues. The revelation raises questions about the work environment during the production of “The O.C.”
Barton’s character, Marissa Cooper, met a dramatic end in the Season 3 finale, a decision that shocked many viewers. While creator Josh Schwartz attributed the move to creative decisions, Barton has implied that her experience on set may have contributed to the character’s fate.
In light of Barton’s recent revelations, it remains to be seen how the public and industry will respond, especially concerning the dynamics and challenges faced by young actors in the entertainment industry.
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