'Vampires Suck' Star Jenn Proske Really Does Like 'Twilight'

By Rebecca Macatee Posted Aug 18th 2010 01:17PM

When I heard Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer were making a parody of the 'Twilight Saga,' I was completely prepared to suck the life out of any franchise mocking my dear 'Twilight.' How dare anyone poke fun at my beloved Bella, my betrothed Edward, or my backup Jacob? My inner tween died a bit just thinking about it.

But when I got the chance to talk to Jenn Proske, the actress who plays Becca, the angst-filled teenage heroine based on the 'Twilight' character Bella Swan, I was pleasantly surprised. Jenn explained that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and that she is a huge 'Twilight' fan herself.

So Team Edward, Team Jacob, Team Switzerland, and Team I-Laugh-At-Twi-hards, sink your teeth into my chat with Jenn about her role in 'Vampires Suck.'

Hi Jenn! How are you?
I'm great! Thanks.

Good. So tell me a little about yourself.
Well, I graduated in May of 2009 from Boston University. I studied acting and got a BFA in theater, and I also double majored in criminal justice.

Really? Did that criminal justice degree prepare you for working with bloodsucking creatures of the night?
[Laughs] Well, I guess it gave me a higher tolerance for the blood and gore in the movie. It was so much fun though, too.

Yeah? Tell me about Hollywood so far.
I'm actually from Ontario, but grew up in Orange County, so I'm not totally new to southern California. After I graduated from college in Boston, I moved back west to be closer to my family. I started auditioning right away and began trying to make a living acting. I auditioned for this role on a Friday night in February, and Tuesday morning I was packing up my apartment and heading to Shreveport, Louisiana, to begin filming!

That's a quick transition! Can you tell me about your new movie, 'Vampires Suck'?
It's a parody of the whole vampire phenomenon that's happening in pop culture. I play Becca Crane, a character based off of Bella Swan. The movie follows the general arc of 'Twilight' and 'New Moon' with the whole tortured love triangle of one girl torn between two guys.

Were you familiar with the 'Twilight' films before you did this movie? What did you think of them?
Yes! For anyone, it's hard not to know about the 'Twilight Saga'! I was definitely a fan. I'd read the books and seen the movie. On set, I saw the movie hundreds of times, and I think after acting in this film, I have even more love for it all.

How do you expect diehard 'Twilight' fans to react to this film?
I think they're the ones who are going to like it most of all. They'll catch on to the subtleties and specific jokes. It's totally not a bashing. We keep the truth of the love story, but throw in some extra funny things.

In 'Vampires Suck,' there's Edward Sullen and Jacob White. (Clever!) Are you personally Team Edward or Team Jacob?
That's a hard one! I do have to say I'm a little more Team Edward. But I'm biased from playing Becca, because I do believe Edward and Bella are meant to be together.

And what about in real life? Who's hotter-- Robert Pattinson or Taylor Lautner?
Oh, that's tough! They're both cute. I guess I have to say Rob. Although, everything Rob has with Taylor's abs would be absolutely perfect.

Ha! Totally agree. Another very handsome guy is Matt Lanter, who plays Edward Sullen in the movie. How do you think he'll react if this film thrusts him into R-Pattz level stardom?
I think he's got a little bit of that already from '90210'! Maybe this movie will just expand his fan base a little. But seriously, he's so humble and such a down to earth guy. He doesn't even realize how attractive he is. He's got a great head on his shoulders.

That's really nice to hear.
It's totally true! He's a great guy. Everyone we worked with was so nice. We're all still really good friends.

Well, I'm also curious about Chris Riggi, who plays Jacob White in the movie. I saw in the trailer he has some shirtless scenes like Jacob Black ... How would you say Chris Riggi's physique measures up to Taylor Lautner's? Tell me about his abs.
[Laughs] Oh man! Well Chris works out -- he puts himself on a strict regimen. He has a diet and exercise plan he really stuck to. He knew he'd be compared to Taylor! I have to say, and again, I'm biased, but I think Chris has the better body!

I heard you recently met BooBoo Stewart, the actor who plays Seth Clearwater in the 'Twilight' films. Tell me what that was like.
He was incredibly supportive! I was really excited. He said he wanted to go to the premiere. I think he knew right away that what we had created was done entirely out of love.

And lastly, I'm curious what you think about Kristen Stewart. Do you like her, and do you think it'll be awkward if you guys ever work together?
I love her! I think she's fabulous. I studied her so closely while preparing for this film. She's really become a pop icon, and I'm proud to parody her character in this film. I would be honored to work with her one day!