In a new interview, Kristin Bauer van Straten talks in depth about playing Maleficent, working with Lana Parrilla (Evil Queen) and transitioning from playing Pam on True Blood to this new different yet similar role.

Kristin tells TV Line that True Blood and Once Upon a Time – and the roles she plays on them – aren’t all that different:

They’re similar types of shows; it’s a fantastical world that we can escape to. Can I just say that my evil-bitch typecasting is the most awesome thing and I hope it lasts forever. [Laughs] I also had so much fun with Lana Parrilla, who plays the Evil Queen. You never know when you go on a new show who you’re going to get along with, but with her it was just game on! We had a blast. I also got to do green screen work to a huge extent (see the photo above) and I can’t wait to see it put together.

She also teases Maleficent’s role:

It’s kinda cute. I think of it like a clothing swap with little girls: One wants the silly pink sweater and one wants the red slippers, but you can’t just come out and say that. [Laughs] Each one of these women has made a scientific discovery that can help them get what they want, and now the other one has to try and figure out how to get it — under the guise of “having tea.” It’s just really good writing. When you get really good writing, you don’t have to play the most obvious thing; you get to play around a bit.

The full interview is available to read over at TV Line!