Mischa Barton’s Reunion: Joining ‘Neighbours’ and Reuniting with ‘The O.C.’ Cast

Actress Mischa Barton on Joining Australian Soap ‘Neighbours‘ and Celebrating ‘The O.C.’ 20th Anniversary

Introduction

In a surprising turn of events, actress Mischa Barton, best known for her role in the hit television series “The O.C.,” has joined the reboot of the long-running Australian soap opera “Neighbours.” The show, which was canceled earlier this year, has been brought back to life by Amazon Freevee. As the show prepares to launch on September 18th, Barton sat down with Variety to discuss her role in “Neighbours,” her next project, and the potential for a reboot of “The O.C.”

Joining “Neighbours“

Barton reveals that she was approached by the producers of “Neighbours” multiple times over the years, but the timing and the right role hadn’t aligned until now. She explains that the character of Reece felt like a good fit for her, and it was serendipitous that everything fell into place this time around. While “Neighbours” didn’t used to have many celebrity guests, Barton was intrigued by the offer, especially considering it being a reboot that made more sense for a guest appearance.

Preparing for the Role

When asked about how she prepared for her role in “Neighbours,” Barton mentions that she watched a few episodes but realized early on that it wouldn’t be beneficial to focus too much on previous storylines. Since the reboot picks up from a different place, she concentrated on understanding her character, Reece, and how she fits into the story.

The Character of Reece

Barton reveals that Reece’s motive for being in the story is initially unclear. However, she gets sidetracked by love and eventually realizes that she needs to redirect her focus. This creates drama within the storyline. As for the possibility of a return, Barton suggests that nothing major happens to her character, leaving the door open for a potential return.

Advice from Former Stars

Barton shares that Stefan Dennis, a longtime member of the “Neighbours” cast, has been a guiding light throughout her experience on the show. She discovered Dennis’ pop music career late into filming, which she wishes she had known earlier. She also mentions that Alan Davies, who played her grandfather on “The O.C.,” was also part of the “Neighbours” cast, and the two actors have a connection through Dennis.

Other Projects

Aside from her role in “Neighbours,” Barton mentions that she recently worked on a film called “Invitation to a Murder,” a 1930s whodunit in the style of Agatha Christie. She also reveals that she is currently developing a romantic comedy in Australia, where she plays an American alongside an Australian lead.

Celebrating “The O.C.” 20th Anniversary

This year marks the 20th anniversary of “The O.C.,” the popular television series that brought Barton into the spotlight. When asked about how she plans to celebrate, Barton mentions that the cast recently recorded a podcast, “Welcome to the OC, Bitches!,” which made fans happy. She also reveals her participation in the upcoming book, “Welcome to the O.C.: The Oral History,” which will be released in November. Barton acknowledges that a reunion for the cast is difficult at the moment due to ongoing circumstances, but she expresses her appreciation for the nostalgia and the younger generation still enjoying the show.

Conclusion

Mischa Barton’s guest appearance in the reboot of “Neighbours” marks a new chapter in her career. As she embraces her role in the Australian soap opera, Barton reflects on her time on “The O.C.” and the impact the show continues to have. While fans eagerly await a potential reunion of “The O.C.” cast, Barton remains grateful for the experiences and connections she has made throughout her career.