Created more than 75 years ago by journalist (Mildred Wirt Benson)-turned-author Carolyn Keane, "Nancy Drew" has led quite a vibrant life from several novels to movies in the 1930s (starring Bonita Granville) and a hit television show in the late 1970s (starring Pamela Sue Martin).
So with such of a storied history, so to speak, it's pretty fair to say that there's a little pressure for teen actress Emma Roberts to put all the pieces together to play a successful Nancy Drew.
Like any time-honored character of literature, Roberts was keenly aware of the Drew devotees' expectations going into the project, and promises that the way she plays the character in the film will be just the way readers will remember her.
"It was important keeping Nancy Drew's character the same as she was in the books, rather than having her have long, blonde hair and wearing just jeans and shirts throughout the movie -- that's just not who she was," Roberts said in a recent @ The Movies interview.
Oddly enough, Roberts, 16, wasn't a Nancy Drew fan growing up, but she became a quick study when the opportunity to play the character presented itself -- and she was hooked right away.
"I thought that she was a really iconic, cool character. She was very strong and independent teen girl who was taking charge and solving all these mysteries," said Roberts, the daughter of actor Eric and niece of actress Julia. "Everybody knows who she is and she's such of a likable character. That's what drew me in to playing the part."
Despite its devotion to the character, the 2007 film embarks on a new chapter never read or seen in a Nancy Drew mystery before. See the @ The Movies video interview with Roberts above to find out the character's big, bold new steps, and learn what Roberts plans to do next. Could she be following in aunt Julia's footsteps, or is she carving out her own distinct path?
Video: @ The Movies Interview: Emma Roberts
