Evan Rachel Wood : Fancast

Evan Rachel Wood says it was “absolutely terrifying” to do her very first nude scene in the upcoming HBO movie “Mildred Pierce,” airing March 27.

“But it was for an important part of the film and it is incredibly powerful, not gratuitous,” she tells us. “I think the stuff they show on MTV is so much worse.”

Wood – who recently broke off her engagement to goth rocker Marilyn Manson – says women need to be more open and comfortable with their bodies.  “Especially young women. I think it is okay for them to explore their sexuality, as long as they own it and it is portrayed in the right way.”

We caught up with the sexy 23 year-old in Los Angeles this week to get the scoop on “Mildred Pierce” (she plays the daughter of a middle class housewife struggling to maintain her family’s social status during the Great Depression) and the upcoming season of “True Blood.”

What vibe are you getting from the new season of “True Blood”?
I honestly don’t know what they are doing.  But I know it is always going to be out of control.

How has your life changed since getting that role?
Fans of “True Blood” are so dedicated and intense.  I get stopped on the street constantly now.  People call me “The Queen,” which I don’t mind at all.   Now that is how people address me.

Is the Queen a lesbian?  Bisexual?
Vampires, are I think in general just both.  I don’t think there is a preference for them.  But she has made her choice.  I would say she is a lesbian.

There are more vampire shows now than ever.  Why is that?
There is something seductive about it.  It is living forever.  There is this sexiness and this romance to that, I guess.  And the goriness of it.  It is like beautiful gore.  It is not like a bloody zombie.  It is a very attractive, forever young, seductive person – that might eat you!

Is the Queen really going to go after a relationship with Sookie?
I hope so!  Come on, it’s gotta happen.

How are Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer? This is their first season back as a married couple?
I wish them nothing but the best.  They make me sick how much they love each other.  They are such an amazing couple.  I am envious of them both.  They are great.

How did you prepare for your nude scene in “Mildred Pierce”?  A quick drink before?
No, unfortunately.  That would have been a good idea.  But I was dead sober.

Are you worried about where that footage may end up?  On the Internet and such?
No.  I am just glad I am getting it on film now.  One day I will be 80 years-old and I can look back and be like, ‘Yeah!  I did that!’

What can you tell us about “The Ides of March”?
I am starting that in February.  George Clooney is directing it.  Ryan Gosling and Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti are in it.  It is mainly about politics and the democratic primaries.  More the politics of politics.  Behind the scenes of the press secretary and what goes on in that world.  I play an intern.

One that has relations with someone higher up?  Like Monica Lewinsky?
Could be.  But I wouldn’t necessarily say Monica Lewinsky.  But she does get a bit in trouble.

You have been playing a lot of bad girls lately.  What is up with that?  Why do you play that so well?
I don’t consider them bad.  They are just human.  They explore things and do things that most people think about but don’t really talk about.  And don’t really do.  They are just honest, really.

Your characters act upon them, though.
Yeah.  You only live once.  [laughs]