Jena Malone, the actress renowned for her role in the cult classic *Saved!*, has recently opened up about her time on the film set, shedding light on the adventures and mischief shared with her co-stars during its production in 2004. In a candid interview with *PEOPLE*, Malone, now 41, recounted some of the more audacious moments that occurred while filming this indie satire.
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Reflecting on her youthful exuberance, Malone revealed an audacious escapade where she commandeered a school bus on set. “During one of the lunches, I stole a school bus, got all the cast, and we just drove around,” she recounted. This spontaneous decision did not sit well with the film’s production team, who expressed their anger at Malone’s antics. “They were screaming at me, and I came back, and I was honking,” she explained, adding a cheeky note that such a stunt would not occur in her adult life. “I did all the things that I probably wouldn’t do today, but I was 18. I was tiny.”
Malone noted that the youthful age of the cast fostered an environment rife with playful pranks and laughter. “We definitely were high on pranks,” she remarked. One notable incident involved her breaking into co-star Macaulay Culkin’s hotel room, where she hilariously recounted how she turned all of his furniture upside down.
The 2004 film, directed and co-written by Brian Dannelly, follows a young woman named Mary, played by Malone, who unsuccessfully attempts to change her boyfriend’s sexual orientation, leading to unexpected and dramatic consequences, including an unplanned pregnancy. Malone shared that *Saved!* remains one of the films for which she is most recognised, especially among fans who watched it during their formative years. She reflected on its lasting impact, saying, “The people that watched *Saved!*, it really impacted them at a certain age or whenever they found it.”
Malone expressed gratitude towards her fans, noting the warmth she receives during encounters, which she describes as “the sweetest hugs.” She believes these interactions are not merely casual greetings but often offer a cathartic experience for fans, underscoring the emotional resonance the film holds for many.
The dynamic cast of *Saved!* included several prominent actors, such as Mandy Moore, Eva Amurri, and Mary-Louise Parker. Recently, Moore drew attention by discussing her own experiences on set during an interview with *Entertainment Weekly*. She reflected fondly on the camaraderie among the young actors, describing the production as “a great group of young actors” and elaborating, “It was such a fun experience to make.” Moore also highlighted the film’s irreverent and humorous tone, suggesting a desire for greater recognition and viewership to enjoy its unique charm.
As for Malone, her career has continued to evolve, recently culminating in the release of her newest album, *Flowers for Men*, her first in nearly a decade. Describing the album’s sound as “sci-fi folk,” Malone indicates an exciting new direction in her artistic pursuits beyond acting.
The legacy of *Saved!* remains significant, a testament to the creativity and bold storytelling of its time. The nostalgia surrounding the film, coupled with Malone’s recounting of her youthful escapades, adds a layer of endearment, illustrating the joy and camaraderie that can exist in the world of filmmaking. With its sharp wit and relatable themes of adolescent struggles, *Saved!* continues to resonate, proving that the spirit of those lighthearted days on set lives on in the hearts of its fans.