Reese Witherspoon is generating early Oscar speculation for her recent performance in the drama “Wild,” but the actress confesses that it presented one of her most demanding roles to date.

Adapted from Cheryl Strayed’s best-selling memoir, the film follows the journey of a 26-year-old Strayed as she embarks on a solo trek along the Pacific Crest Trail, enduring 94 days of wilderness exploration amidst harsh weather conditions in Southern California.

This transformative hike was triggered by a personal crisis stemming from the loss of her mother to cancer, her struggles with heroin addiction, and the collapse of her marriage.

Witherspoon openly acknowledges that portraying this unflinching character on the big screen was a challenging endeavor.

Serving as a co-producer, the 38-year-old actress took on a role significantly distinct from her previous works, featuring explicit depictions of promiscuity and substance abuse.

During an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she shared, “Honestly, if this were an open casting call, I’m not sure if I would have been chosen.

Maybe I’m mistaken.

This project differs greatly from anything I’ve ever worked on – it was a way for me to push my boundaries.”

Director Jean-Marc Vallée, fresh off his work on “Dallas Buyers Club,” caused concern for Witherspoon during rehearsals due to his dedication to authenticity.

While there were brief descriptions in the script, Witherspoon revealed to Harper’s, “When he started detailing our approach, that’s when I began to feel anxious.

I remember thinking, ‘Hold on.

What exactly are we getting into?'”

Regarding the drug-related scenes, she expressed, “I have no experience with drugs, so I felt lost.

I was unsure of what to do and had to tap into a deeply emotional space that was discomforting.”

Conversely, the intimate moments on screen posed a greater challenge.

She stated, “Although they make up only a small portion of the film, those scenes instilled significant apprehension in me because they were quite intimidating.”

To navigate these hurdles, Reese avoided looking too far ahead in the filming schedule and approached each scene as it unfolded.

Despite this strategy, she contemplated withdrawing from the project altogether.

She admitted, “It wasn’t enjoyable for the most part.

That’s why I gravitate towards comedic roles.

They’re much simpler,