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Maybelline pin-up and aspiring actress Josie Maran is on a roll. Forget photo shoots and fashion spreads for Glamour, Self, and Seventeen, though--it's her cameo in Need for Speed: Most Wanted we're most concerned with.

Maybelline pin-up and aspiring actress ('The Aviator,' 'Van Helsing') Josie Maran's on a roll. Forget photo shoots and fashion spreads for Glamour, Self, and Seventeen, though--it's her cameo in Need for Speed: Most Wanted we're most concerned with.

As Mia, queen of the local street racing scene, she'll attempt to entice players deeper into the automotive underground. Not that you'll need much incentive; blowing past police and running roadblocks is par for the course. The outing's token eye candy--and how sweet she looks via a Sin City-style graphic presentation--explains why the game's a gas.

Interview with Josie Maran

Games.net: No offense, but you've been on the cover of Vogue. Why suddenly games?

Josie Maran: Because I've got a real respect for gaming. And because performing for a game involves real acting. The way they create a game is very similar now to how they create a film. I've always wanted to stretch my acting skills, and the timing being what it is, I couldn't say no.

Games.net: How easy was the transition from silver to small screen?

J.M.: Not so tough, but probably not as easy as you think either. You have to act out all your scenes in front of a green screen and imagine the action as it should be taking place. You don't have visual cues to rely upon, so it's really a test of acting ability. The way [Electronic Arts] was shooting impressed me--it's the same stuff they do in Hollywood.

Games.net: Any tricks you used to practice for the part?

J.M.: [Laughs] I guess I wound up spending way too much time in front of the mirror. Which really isn't all that different from my day job, I suppose.

Games.net: Speaking of, what's tougher: modeling or getting your game on?

J.M.: Definitely gaming. Modeling isn't all that tough. The roughest part of that lifestyle is the travel and early mornings. Making a game takes tons of production work. Playing one, a lot of skills, although in retrospect, maybe I'm just not that good a player...

Games.net: What is it about the Need for Speed series that keeps drawing millions of fans back?

J.M.: Hmm... that's a tough one. It could be that they change the features a lot each time. But I think it probably has more to do with fast cars and speed in general. There's just something sexy about those concepts. I find them to be a real turn-on.

Games.net: And racing games in general?

J.M.: Yes, I love those too. I could lie and tell you I'm a hardcore gamer--I'm not. Like most celebrities, of course, I adore all the Mario games. Who doesn't? But I do enjoy a good racer now and again as well. Need for Speed Underground was really the last one I got into.

Games.net: Tell us about your character here...

J.M.: Part of the challenge of Most Wanted is trying to become the most notorious street racer on the pavement. Mia's a badass chick--one of the local drivers. She's there to try and seduce you into becoming number one. I'm guessing most men won't be able to resist her charms.

Games.net: Why so...can anyone resist yours?

J.M.: Because she's a strong woman who doesn't take no for an answer. My charms, who knows... I've been in plenty of situations where someone I'm dating had more time for a console than me. Now that I think about it, I probably shouldn't admit that.

Games.net: Any chance we'll catch you appearing in more games soon?

J.M.: I'd like to, definitely. Working on Most Wanted has been a great experience. If they'll have me back, I'd be happy to get with more games.

Games.net: What's the best part about losing your virtual virginity?

J.M.: Getting to go behind the scenes and find out how a game is made. And getting to star in such an awesome title.

Games.net: Congratulations again, hot stuff...

J.M.: Thanks! I'll see you at the races!

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