Q 13

PLAYBOY: What are the most successful or unsuccessful things guys have done to impress you?

Rachel Bilson: Somebody made me something by hand, and the time and effort he spent made it the most special thing I've ever been given. I can't say what it is. Sorry, it's too private and personal, but it's something that means a lot to me. One year, for my birthday, a dog was given to me without my being able to pick it. I'd say that was the most unsuccessful, even though I loved the dog.

Q 14

PLAYBOY: Your new project, Jumper, is a sci-fi flick about an abused teen who learns he can teleport. Why such a departure?

Rachel Bilson: I play the childhood friend, the love interest of the main guy, played by Hayden Christensen. My role is important because the love story is a big part of the film. I like the character because she's no-bullshit, she really gets it, and she's the only one the hero trusts. I'm the only normal character in the movie, and I see these strange things happening the same way the audience does.

Q 15

PLAYBOY: Do you think Christensen deserved the slamming he got for his performances in the Star Wars prequels?

Rachel Bilson: He's an amazing guy and a fantastic actor. In those Star Wars movies I thought other people -- people who are successful and Oscar-nominated -- came off looking much worse than he did. But he caught a lot of shit, which really made me mad. Darth Vader is the most famous villain of all time, and even Leonardo DiCaprio wouldn't have done a better job in that role. I'm sorry. I thought Hayden did a great job, and I'll stand by that.

Q 16

PLAYBOY: So we're safe in assuming you and Christensen are now a couple?

Rachel Bilson: No. I've never talked about it before, and there aren't many things you can keep private. I will say I'm happy. I feel I'm in a good place. Hayden has this whole perception around him because of stupid people. I hope Jumper does for him what he deserves. He was fantastic in Shattered Glass, and he deserves recognition.

Q 17

PLAYBOY: What are your big fears in life?

Rachel Bilson: I used to be afraid of pigeons, but I'm over that now. There is something else: mushrooms. I really don't like them. It's the smell. It's like chicken marsala. I can't stand it -- even the smell makes me sick. But I love cooking, and I make chicken cutlets, meat loaf, homemade pasta sauce and an amazing salad. But no mushrooms.

Q 18

PLAYBOY: You became famous playing a diva on TV, but you seem nothing like that in person. What if you chose to play the diva card in real life?

Rachel Bilson: I don't think of myself as a Goody Two-shoes or anything, but no, I don't even process that thought for half a second. If you're in a movie or on a show that does well and gets you attention or changes your image, that's different because it's attention you've earned through your work, not by how you act offscreen.

Q 19

PLAYBOY: To show a truly different side, would you ever do something as raw and nudity-friendly as, say, Monster's Ball?

Rachel Bilson: I wouldn't get naked for The Last Kiss. It's almost a deal breaker. The movie was rated R, and they like to put in nudity wherever they can, but I'm pretty strong willed and believe it can be avoided. I can't say there will never be a time I would do it, but I don't really want it. Movies can be sexy or sexual without showing things.

Q 20

PLAYBOY: Do you ever wish women going after the same roles as you would take a few years off and leave you with less competition?

Rachel Bilson: No. The roles I want usually go to Kirsten Dunst, Keira Knightley, Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman or Kate Bosworth -- even though I look younger or older than a few of them. These are all girls I respect. I think they're cute, good actresses, and I admire their fashion sense. It can be frustrating at times because it's as if there's a list you have to work your way up. These girls will get the offers before you do, and if they want to do those movies, you're kind of shit out of luck. I get it. I understand they were once where I am now, and my ultimate goal is to get to that point. Hopefully, I'll achieve it, but you never know.