Ian Gavan/Getty; Inset: Courtesy Warner Bros.

Bombshell Eva Green went platinum blonde for her role in Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows — but admits the idea took a bit of convincing.

“The blonde hair was kind of a big thing for me because in the beginning I was like, ‘Oh my God,’” Green told PEOPLE at the film’s Hollywood premiere on Monday. “I didn’t want it to look like a silly blonde.”

The former Bond girl plays a witch named Angelique, who’s left broken-hearted and vengeful by a recently freed vampire (Johnny Depp) who was imprisoned for more than 200 years.

However, Green ultimately decided blonde hair was crucial to her character, since part of the film is set in the ’70s. “It was a great choice from [director Tim Burton] because it represents American, sunshine, health,” she explained.

In fact, the French actress had nothing but praise for her director and her very sexy costar, who are longtime pals. “There was absolutely no pressure on set,” she said. “They really love what they’re doing. They’re like children and it’s fun to play — it’s great.”

Dark Shadows — which also costars Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter and Chloë Moretz — opens nationwide on Friday.

–Jennifer Cress, with reporting by Scott Huver

SEE STARS ON SET IN ‘LIGHTS! CAMERA! FASHION!’

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