Ruby Rose & Taylor Schilling: The Cosmic Irony of a Pre-OITNB Interview Revealed

In the vast tapestry of Hollywood, where careers intertwine and destinies often collide in unexpected ways, a fascinating “full circle” moment has recently captivated fans. Before she became the enigmatic heartbreaker Stella Carlin on Netflix’s groundbreaking series Orange is the New Black, the striking Australian sensation Ruby Rose shared the screen with her future Litchfield co-star, Taylor Schilling. This wasn’t a dramatic scene or a red-carpet event, but a serendipitous interview from 2012 that now, in retrospect, feels almost prophetic.

The world may be buzzing about Ruby Rose’s magnetic presence and her unforgettable shower scene with Taylor Schilling’s character, Piper Chapman, in OITNB. However, long before Litchfield Penitentiary ever brought their characters together, Ruby Rose, then an up-and-coming entertainment correspondent, found herself interviewing Taylor Schilling and Zac Efron for their film, The Lucky One. What makes this chance encounter truly remarkable is the specific line of questioning Ruby pursued, a detail that takes on an almost cosmic significance given what was to come.

Before Litchfield: Ruby Rose Interviews Taylor Schilling for “The Lucky One” in 2012

Rewind to 2012. Ruby Rose was making a name for herself as a vibrant Australian correspondent, adept at engaging with Hollywood’s biggest stars. Her assignment that day was to chat with Taylor Schilling and Zac Efron about their new romantic drama, The Lucky One. This film, based on a Nicholas Sparks novel, saw Zac Efron play a Marine who, after surviving three tours in Iraq, believes a photograph of a woman he doesn’t know (played by Taylor Schilling) was his good luck charm. He seeks her out in Louisiana, leading to a blossoming romance. Ruby, ever the diligent reporter, had clearly done her homework, ready to delve into the nuances of their on-screen chemistry and character development.

The interview began with a curious and intriguing question directed at Zac Efron. Ruby inquired about “mistake tattoos,” a term apparently used to describe the first, often impulsively acquired, tattoos that soldiers get during combat. Zac was visibly impressed by Ruby’s specific and insightful knowledge, perhaps even a little charmed by her unique approach, hinting at the magnetic charisma that would later make her a global superstar. But while this segment offered a glimpse into Ruby’s sharp interviewing skills, it wasn’t the moment that would, years later, send shivers down the spines of OITNB fans.

The “Raunchy” Question That Foreshadowed Future On-Screen Chemistry

The pivotal moment arrived when Ruby shifted her focus to the film’s intimate aspects. With a keen journalistic eye, she posed a question that would echo with an almost unbelievable irony years later. “What’s it like watching the film back?” Ruby asked, her tone poised and professional. “Obviously it’s a beautiful journey, but then there’s some seriously raunchy scenes.”

The word “raunchy” immediately caught Taylor Schilling’s attention, eliciting a noticeable shift in her demeanor. This was, of course, pre-Orange is the New Black Taylor Schilling, before her portrayal of Piper Chapman would challenge and redefine on-screen sexuality for a generation of viewers. Taylor responded with a hint of surprise, “I haven’t heard that word used to describe the love scenes.” Zac Efron, too, seemed taken aback by Ruby’s description, even respectfully disagreeing with her choice of adjective. “They were in love, it’s delicate,” he countered, defending the tender nature of their on-screen romance.

In that moment, it was a standard celebrity interview exchange. Yet, for anyone watching this unearthed clip today, it’s impossible to ignore the profound foreshadowing. Ruby Rose, who would soon become a global icon thanks to her role in a show renowned for its candid and often explicit portrayal of female sexuality, was asking her future on-screen lover about the “raunchy” nature of her romantic scenes. The universe, it seems, had a wickedly clever sense of humor, setting the stage for a future where Ruby herself would be central to some of television’s most talked-about “raunchy” — or perhaps, as Zac would say, “delicate” — intimate moments.

From Correspondent to Co-Star: Ruby Rose’s Explosive Impact on OITNB

The world, as we know it, changed for Ruby Rose and Taylor Schilling with the advent of Orange is the New Black. When Ruby Rose joined the cast in Season 3 as Stella Carlin, a new inmate at Litchfield, her impact was instantaneous and immense. Her character, with her edgy tattoos, piercing gaze, and undeniable charisma, quickly became a fan favorite. Stella’s flirtatious and ultimately tumultuous relationship with Piper Chapman ignited the screen, creating a love triangle that captivated audiences and sent social media into a frenzy.

The chemistry between Ruby Rose and Taylor Schilling was palpable, so much so that many fans found themselves torn between Piper’s established relationship with Alex Vause and her electric connection with Stella. The infamous shower scene, a moment of intense intimacy and vulnerability between Piper and Stella, became one of the season’s most iconic and discussed sequences. It was a scene that, in its raw depiction of desire and connection, pushed boundaries and solidified Ruby Rose’s status as a breakout star.

A New Understanding of “Raunchy”: OITNB and On-Screen Sexuality

The irony of Ruby Rose’s 2012 question about “raunchy scenes” became gloriously apparent with her performance in OITNB. The series, acclaimed for its honest and often unvarnished depiction of life in a women’s prison, certainly didn’t shy away from portraying sex and sexuality in a way that was frequently bold, uninhibited, and yes, sometimes “raunchy” by conventional standards. However, much like Zac Efron’s defense of “delicate” in The Lucky One, OITNB also presented these scenes with a complexity that transcended mere titillation, often exploring themes of power, vulnerability, and genuine human connection.

For Ruby Rose, moving from asking about such scenes to being an integral part of them offered a profound and personal understanding. She went from an observer to an active participant in narratives that challenged perceptions of female sexuality on television. Her portrayal of Stella Carlin wasn’t just about on-screen romance; it was about breaking down stereotypes, representing diverse forms of attraction, and contributing to a show that reshaped the landscape of modern television drama.

The Intertwined Paths of Two Stars: Beyond the Interview

The 2012 interview, now a cherished piece of cinematic history for fans, serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable paths that lead actors to iconic roles and unexpected collaborations. Both Ruby Rose and Taylor Schilling have carved out significant careers, with Orange is the New Black being a defining moment for each.

Ruby Rose’s meteoric rise post-OITNB saw her transition into a successful film career, landing roles in major action franchises like xXx: Return of Xander Cage, John Wick: Chapter 2, and the sci-fi shark thriller The Meg. Her distinctive look, edgy persona, and impressive physical capabilities made her a sought-after talent in Hollywood. Beyond acting, Ruby has remained a prominent voice for LGBTQ+ rights and a fashion icon, embodying a fearless and authentic public persona.

Taylor Schilling, meanwhile, cemented her status as a formidable actress with her compelling portrayal of Piper Chapman. Her nuanced performance, charting Piper’s transformation from privileged suburbanite to seasoned inmate, earned her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination. Post-OITNB, Schilling has continued to explore diverse roles across film and television, demonstrating her versatility and range beyond the confines of Litchfield.

The Enduring Charm of Cinematic Coincidences

The unearthing of this particular interview highlights the enduring charm of cinematic coincidences and the unexpected ways in which careers and personal histories can intertwine. Fans delight in discovering these moments, seeing them as either humorous quirks of fate or, as some might believe, “signs from the universe.” It adds a layer of depth and wonder to the stories we consume, reminding us that the journeys of our favorite stars are often far more intricate and serendipitous than we realize.

This 2012 encounter between Ruby Rose and Taylor Schilling is more than just a throwback clip; it’s a testament to the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry and the delightful irony that can emerge when past and future collide. It invites us to appreciate the full narrative arc of these talented individuals, from their early days to their most celebrated performances, and to marvel at the subtle threads that connect their stories.

— Casey Mink
Follow @Casey_Mink