‘Welcome to The O.C.’ Book Bombshells: Mischa Barton’s Shocking Exit, Adam Brody’s Bad Behavior on Set, & Emma Stone’s Audition!

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May 27, 2026
Credit: Getty

Olivia Wilde was the top choice to play Marissa Cooper

Despite producers loving Mischa‘s audition, Warner Bros. executives really wanted the role of Marissa Cooper to go to Olivia Wilde.

Susan Rovner, a Warner Bros. programming executive at the time, said that she was “Team Olivia” from the beginning and didn’t “get” Mischa’s appeal.

In the end, the studio let the producers make the final call, and Susan admits that Mischa was the “right choice” to play Marissa.

Head to the next slide to find out more…

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