Canadian-born Michael Cera has been acting for more than 10 years, almost half his life. His first big role was as the awkward, self-conscious teen George-Michael in the critically acclaimed cult comedy television show “Arrested Development.” Already garnering a die-hard group of core fans, Cera broke into the mainstream with film roles in Superbad and Juno. He plays Nick Twisp and alter ego Francois Dillinger in Miguel Arteta’s film Youth in Revolt, based on the eponymous novel.

Portia Doubleday has had a long love for acting but little on-camera experience. She plays Sheeni in Youth in Revolt as her breakout role.

The Chronicle sat down with both actors at the James Hotel to discuss their experience on set, a few rumors and how Portia identifies with her character.

The Chronicle: I interviewed Clark Duke last year and he said you were a ‘beautiful black woman.’ Is that an inside joke?

Michael Cera: No, I used to be a beautiful black woman. Things have changed. Times have changed—I’ve changed with the times.

The Chronicle: Which part works best for you?

MC: I had a good run, but this is good, too. I used to be Star Jones.

The Chronicle: Do you get frustrated when people assume you are the characters that you portray in every movie you do?

MC: Not really, no I don’t find that frus-

trating.

The Chronicle: Are you the characters you play in movies?

MC: I don’t think so.

The Chronicle: Who was your favorite actor to work with?

MC: They were all pretty great. They were all really different but amazing to be around.

Portia Doubleday: Yeah.

The Chronicle: Did anything funny happen on set?

MC: No.

PD: I’ll tell you a quick Zach [Galifianakis] story. My boyfriend at the time was visiting. And he was very quiet and reserved and a little bit shy and really sweet. I was down the hall. We were going to go meet up for game night at Zach’s room. So [boyfriend at the time] Nicolai knocked on the door and Zach swung it open with this really serious face immediately after he knocked. And Zach pulled down his pants. He was literally naked with a shirt on, and Nicolai was like, “Oh sorry, I don’t understand, wrong room?” He didn’t know Zach at all, didn’t know what he looks like. So he looked at me and I said, “What’s wrong?” We’re here and he didn’t know what to say. Zach said, “Hey man, I’m Zach,” and we went in the room.

MC: He shook hands with him with his penis didn’t he?

PD: Yeah, that’s why we’re not together anymore.

MC: You fell in love with Zach Galifianakis. It was love at first grip.

The Chronicle: Was Sheeni an ideal breakout role?

PD: I guess so. I never really imagined any of this. I always loved acting and I don’t think that this could top any fantasy that I would have for a first project. Working with Michael and Miguel was amazing and now I’m getting scared because people are asking me if I feel spoiled.  And I guess I will be for the next thing I work on. Miguel is terrific; he’s hands on, he’s really approachable and talented.

The Chronicle: Do you know what’s happening with the “Arrested Development” movie? Do your fans have that to look forward to?

MC: Yeah, I think so. I think it’s being written.

The Chronicle: And were you the final holdout?

MC: No, I wouldn’t say that. That’s kind of a sexier version of it. But no, I want to do it. I think we’re going to do it next year, hopefully. I think it depends on when the script is ready.

The Chronicle: Do you want to play more roles like Francois as opposed to the everyman?

MC: I don’t really have any plans as far as specific roles. I just kind of go with the flow. I’m happy to do whatever comes along if it feels right.

The Chronicle: Your character is obsessed with French men.

PD: My ex-boyfriend Nicolai was French. I fell in love with him because he spoke French. I remember the moment and it was because he spoke something in French to me. Jean-Paul Belmondo was hotter than my boyfriend. They’re different, but I think it’s because Belmondo is inaccessible.

The Chronicle: Had that passion already developed before you read the script?

PD: Yeah, I was actually with him at the

time. I definitely understand an obsession with French men. The language is so beautiful and romantic, so that was easy to get into I guess. And also I watched Pierrot le Fou and Belmondo is so attractive.

The Chronicle: What’s your favorite thing about Canada or America?

MC: Captain Crunch is a lot better in Toronto.

PD: So is Special K.

The Chronicle: Is it the air in Canada or the cereal itself?

MC: No, it’s very subtly different, but you know the difference. Same with Corn Pops, very different—and Oreos.

The Chronicle: I thought the film was irresponsible and nihilistic, but in a good way because if you have a society of too many followers, that can lead to Nazis. What was your take on the film?

MC: I thought we were promoting Nazis. I think you saw it completely wrong. I don’t normally like to say that, but you were wrong. No, I think that it’s about being yourself and not trying to change for others. He finds himself in the end and he’s ok with himself.