One of Veronica Mars fans’ most cherished friendships is the one she struck with the brilliant hacker and computer expert, Mac (Tina Majorino). As the sardonic computer whiz, Mac was not simply someone who helped Veronica with some of her tougher cases, she was a true friend. Mac was unabashedly herself, and though she suffered through a lot over the course of the show, she was one of a few characters to match Veronica’s wit, brains, and guts.

That’s why we were beyond pleased when we saw that not only was Tina Majorino returning to reprise her role as Mac, she was returning with a seriously badass haircut. We spoke with Majorino at the Veronica Mars SXSW premiere to found out what she thought of her character’s arc.

Given that her nickname stemmed from her knack for Apple computers, it’s no surprise that Mac was on the cutting edge of technology back in Veronica Mars’ heyday. In the film, Mac has used her hacker skills to land a high-paying gig at Kane Software. “She was a hacker back in the day, but she’s taken it to a whole other level… obviously she’s smart and she’s rebellious and she likes to stick up for the underdogs and do the right thing, but now it’s become a business and she’s a businesswoman. It’s kinda cool to see that evolution in her that she’s turned something she’s really good at, that she just enjoys; That is what makes her feel connected to something, [and] now it’s become a business model for her. And she’s a grown up. It’s really cool!”

When Veronica returns to Neptune, she’s coming back to unfamiliar territory. Sure, she’s a pro, but it’s been nearly ten years since she took on a case. One of the great aspects of the film’s story was that Veronica was able to lean on her old friends for help. Majorino agreed, saying, “I really enjoyed that part of the story, because I 100% agree. In high school, Veronica was the one who was like, no, it’s not only important, but it’s imperative that you be yourself. And she was really good about accepting them, for being “the outcasts” or whatever. They weren’t to her, they were her family. I really liked the realistic nature of the narrative in this story that everybody goes through those growth spurts. Life is so cyclical. It’s like, one minute you’re going to be the one needing all the help, and then when that ring closes for you, it opens up for somebody else and then you can be the rock for them.”

The Neptune High reunion made it easier for Rob Thomas to bring back so many familiar characters, and Majorino loved that she, Wallace, and Veronica kept in touch throughout the years. “My favorite thing about this story is that, throughout this ten year time period, they’ve stayed connected and they still help each other to this day… they’re still very much so there for each other and a part of each others’ lives. Which I really respect and admire. We need more of that.”

*Slight spoiler alert*: Veronica Mars ends with the potential for even more Mac if there’s a sequel, and we are completely on board. Buddy detective movie starring Kristen Bell and Tina Majorino? Yes please.

Craving more, Marshmallows? Check out our interviews with Jason Dohring, Chris Lowell, and Percy Daggs III.

Veronica Mars is playing in select theaters nationwide, and is also available for digital download via iTunes and Google Play.