Over two decades ago, Kristen Bell and Adam Scott first crossed paths when Scott made a guest appearance on Bell’s iconic teen detective drama, “Veronica Mars.” Since then, they have collaborated on numerous successful comedies, including “Party Down,” “Parks & Recreation,” and “The Good Place.” Their friendship has blossomed to the extent that Scott’s teenage daughter now babysits Bell’s children, highlighting their close-knit bond in both personal and professional realms.

Kristen Bell shares her thoughts on the unique dynamic between actors who develop friendships, stating, “Here’s the thing with actors who are friends or see each other socially: All of it blends.” She reflects on a recent dinner they had together, expressing uncertainty about whether it was a casual meeting or an impromptu scene from their lives. This blurring of lines adds a layer of complexity to their interactions, making each moment feel both genuine and performative.

With a playful tone, Adam Scott interjects, jokingly asking, “Were we shooting that?” Their banter exemplifies the light-hearted camaraderie they share, making their conversation about their current projects enjoyable. Currently, they are discussing Bell’s “Nobody Wants This,” a romantic comedy featuring an agnostic sex podcaster who unexpectedly falls for a charismatic rabbi, and Scott’s intense series “Severance,” where he plays a white-collar employee who undergoes a radical medical procedure to separate his work and home identities completely.

Kristen Bell: Reflecting on their early collaborations, Bell mentions, “We met on ‘Veronica Mars,’ and then we worked together the next time on ‘Party Down.’” This statement highlights the evolution of their partnership, which began in a more serious context before transitioning into comedic settings.

Adam Scott: He explains the connection to “Veronica Mars,” saying, “I did ‘Veronica Mars’ because I was friends with Angelique Jackson, Rob Thomas, Dan Etheridge, and John Enbom, who created ‘Party Down’ alongside Paul Rudd. They brought me in after ‘Veronica Mars’ was canceled.” This acknowledgment of connections within the industry showcases the collaborative nature of television and film production.

Bell: [Feigns surprise] “It’s canceled?!” Her playful sarcasm illustrates the common experience actors face when their projects come to an unexpected end, and it creates a relatable moment for fans familiar with the show’s history.

Scott: “I’m so sorry. Can we take 5? We might need to take 10. Let’s take 15.” His humorous response lightens the mood, acknowledging the awkwardness that often accompanies discussions about canceled shows while also signaling the importance of moving forward in their careers.

Bell: “That’s great. Moving on.” This assertive transition underscores her readiness to focus on current projects rather than dwelling on past disappointments.

Scott: He recalls, “Around 2008, we started making the show, and that’s when you came and did it.” This statement references the timeline of their collaborative efforts, emphasizing the growth and longevity of their professional relationship.

Bell: “That was actually one of my favorite characters ever. I have a hard time when people ask, ‘What’s your favorite character?’ (A) I can’t think spontaneously like that; and (b) it’s not like I’m marinating about my favorite characters at home, so I don’t have an answer. But if I really had to think about it, Uda [Bengt, from ‘Party Down’] would have been it, because she was so stoic and sharp and just on another planet. She was in another key than everyone else was.” This reflection reveals Bell’s connection to her characters and the challenges of choosing favorites.

Scott: “I remember when you came to do it, we hadn’t seen each other or worked together since ‘Veronica Mars,’ and I remember being palpably nervous.” His candid admission of nerves adds a layer of vulnerability, showing that even seasoned actors can feel apprehensive when reuniting for a project.

Bell: “Why?” Her inquiry indicates curiosity about Scott’s feelings and highlights the supportive nature of their friendship.

Scott: “Because I hadn’t seen you since then, and I don’t know, I just remember being nervous. It actually made it easier for me because I could be nervous and not know what to do, since Uda is such a force of nature.” His description of the character suggests the challenges he faced in matching her energy while also revealing his respect for Bell’s talent.

Bell: “I get what you’re saying about being nervous around people. You’re very comfortable for me, so I wouldn’t say I’m nervous. But when I see other actors, even that I’m friends with, I’m like, they’re still someone who’s on my TV. I’ve never said it before, but people should know: I get nervous and excited to meet people because they’re on my TV too.” Her honesty reveals the shared experiences of actors and fans, bridging the gap between celebrity and audience.

Scott: “People who grow up in Los Angeles or around show business, the big advantage they have over the rest of us is that that’s not a big deal for them. Whereas for me, being on a television or on a movie screen felt about as likely as going to the moon. So I’m still pretty freaked out about it and get excited on a set.” Scott’s reflections emphasize the differences in perspectives based on upbringing and experiences in the entertainment industry.

Now seems like a perfect moment for you to perhaps officially apologize for the voicemails that you and Dax Shepard [Kristen Bell’s husband] leave me?

Bell: “I’d try, but I’m not that good of an actor.” Her playful dismissal adds humor to the conversation, making light of their friendship dynamics.

The endings to each episode of “Severance” are so biologically frustrating that I don’t know how you guys expect anyone to sleep after an episode with that level of a cliffhanger. So what Dax and I tend to do is, after we see someone whose work we love or whose work frustrates us — as in your case — we leave you a nice, long, detailed, unedited voice memo. And you got a lot of those. This humorous anecdote illustrates the playful jabs exchanged among friends who share a love for storytelling.

Scott: “I sure did. And I’ve kept all of them. They’re hilarious and deeply flattering, but also deeply insulting.” His witty response showcases his appreciation for their friendship while also acknowledging the playful nature of their interactions.

Bell: “My favorite one was when Dax pretty much screamed into the voice memo, ‘Hey, Adam. Kristen just fell out of a two-story window. I bet you’d like to know how she’s doing. I’ll tell you next week!’” Her recounting of this moment reflects the light-hearted and humorous side of their friendship, highlighting the entertaining moments that arise from their dynamic.

Scott: “Or the one where you guys called while we were in the middle of shooting Season 2 and just said, ‘Hey, just curious, are you guys shooting this one minute per week? Why is it taking so fucking long?’” This banter emphasizes their close friendship and mutual respect as industry professionals.

Bell: “Give us the show!” Her eagerness reflects the excitement and anticipation that fans often feel towards their favorite series.

Scott: “Just because you guys left that message, it’s now going to take seven years for the next season.” His humorous response acknowledges the realities of production delays while maintaining a playful tone.

Bell: “Your show has the power to really evoke a response from my family because my kids watch it as well.” This statement reinforces the broad appeal of “Severance” and its impact on audiences of all ages.

Scott: “Oh, they do?” His surprise indicates the unexpected reach of their work, showcasing the universal themes present in their productions.

Bell: “They love it! Did you have any idea ‘Severance’ would be as big as it is?” Her question reflects the uncertainty that often accompanies new projects in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the unpredictability of audience reception.

Scott: “No, not at all. In fact, I remember being significantly freaked out because it was so bizarre. I mean, I knew I liked it. You never know how something’s going to be received until it’s out in the world. The most we were hoping for was that people would like it and that there would be a following that thought it was weird and cool. But then when it was as successful as it was in Season 1, we were thrilled. It was a really nice surprise.” His insight into the unpredictable nature of creative projects underscores the challenges faced by creators in the industry.

Bell: “What did you think when you read the scene where your work self and your at-home self meet face-to-face?” Her query highlights the intriguing narrative structure of “Severance,” inviting Scott to discuss the complexities of his dual role.

Scott: “If you read something like that, you just immediately start dreading it.” His response emphasizes the high stakes and pressures that come with portraying multifaceted characters.

Bell: “That made you nervous?” Her follow-up question shows her interest in Scott’s creative process and the emotional weight of his performance.

Scott: “Oh, yeah — I was terrified to do that.” His candid admission reveals the challenges actors face when tackling complex scenes that require deep emotional engagement.

Bell: “For what reason?” Her probing question seeks to understand the fears that accompany such pivotal moments in his career.

Scott: “I just see it as a series of opportunities to screw it up and lean in too far.” His self-reflection highlights the risks actors take in pushing their boundaries and exploring new artistic territories.

Bell: “Don’t talk about my friend like that. I thought it was one of the dynamite sequences I’ve ever seen.” Her encouragement showcases their supportive friendship, celebrating each other’s successes.

Scott: “We need to talk about your show.” His pivot to discuss Bell’s work indicates a genuine interest in her projects and a desire to uplift her achievements.

Bell: “Why would we do this?” Her playful resistance adds an element of lightheartedness to the conversation, keeping the tone friendly and engaging.

Scott: “Because ‘Nobody Wants This’ is so great. You and Adam Brody clearly have this palpable thing. The word ‘chemistry’ is overused with actors because it generalizes something that either works or doesn’t and is extremely specific. Sometimes it’s manufactured, and the audience can’t tell, and they think people have incredible chemistry.” His commentary on chemistry among actors underscores the complexities of on-screen relationships and the nuances of performance.

Bell: “And sometimes you can’t stand the person, but you read like you have incredible chemistry. Isn’t that weird?” Her reflection on the dynamics of on-screen relationships highlights the often paradoxical nature of acting.

Scott: “It is weird. But with you and Adam, I feel like there’s something crackly and special there. And you guys know each other.” His observations about their relationship point to the importance of authentic connections in creating compelling performances.

Bell: “We were in ancillary friend groups since our 20s. He was on ‘The O.C.’ I was on ‘Veronica Mars,’ and he dated a close friend of mine. So I always assumed I knew him — primarily because sometimes we were at his condo when he wasn’t there. Then we worked together on this film, ‘Some Girl(s),’ and he played a love interest of mine on ‘House of Lies.’ I was eight months pregnant; we had a sex scene, which he affectionately refers to as our ‘threesome.’” Her recollection of their shared history illustrates the depth of their relationship and the amusing anecdotes that accompany it.

Scott: “Oh, Jesus. That’s amazing.” His amazed reaction adds to the humor of the situation, reflecting the playful nature of their friendship.

Bell: “It was a whole thing. He’s always been such a delight to watch. He makes so many weird choices, and you can’t tether him. He’s so alive.” Her admiration for Brody underscores the appreciation actors have for their peers and the unique talents they bring to the screen.

“When I read ‘Nobody Wants This,’ I was completely convinced it had to be Adam, and I said that to everyone. They were like, ‘Adam Brody, huh? We hadn’t thought of him,’ and I was like, ‘Please trust me.’ Then I showed the producers a tape of Adam and I working together, and I’m like, ‘Something about what we can manufacture with that lens just works.’” Her determination to cast Brody illustrates the confidence actors have in their instincts and the collaborative nature of filmmaking.

Scott: “That’s fascinating, though, since you hadn’t done something specifically like this before together. It’s just something you knew.” His acknowledgment of their unique chemistry further emphasizes the importance of intuition in the casting process.

Another intriguing aspect of “Nobody Wants This” is its portrayal of an interfaith relationship.

Bell: “Adam’s character, Noah, is a rabbi, so he has had a very specific upbringing. He wants to be the head rabbi; it’s ingrained in him. My character doesn’t really believe in anything. They meet, and they feel each other on a level that doesn’t make sense to either of them — because nobody wants this.” Her insights into the character dynamics highlight the complexity of relationships that transcend cultural and religious differences.

“But what I liked so much about it is you could insert anything here. This person is a Christian; this person is not. This person is a witch, and this person is not. There are all these different walks of life that you could small-mindedly convince yourself are not for you. Not to be too ‘coexist bumper sticker’ about it, but the reality is we’re all just human beings trying the best we can.” Her thoughtful commentary on inclusivity and understanding in relationships resonates with broader societal themes, inviting audiences to reflect on their own experiences.

Produced by: BAUIE+RAD; Production Design: Francisco Vargas