Samir Hussein/Getty ImagesJennifer Lawrence went from famous to super-famous when she signed on to play Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games movies. But the 22-year-old actress seems to have a good handle on how to keep it together—and have some fun—while starring in a wildly popular young adult franchise.
Shailene Woodley, 21, was apprehensive about signing on to the Divergent series, which has a similar futuristic, dystopian theme to The Hunger Games. So, very wisely, she looked to Jen for advice about committing to a multi-movie role, and as always, the Oscar winner was honest and unfiltered.
"I have still yet to meet Jennifer in the flesh, but I had a slight interaction with her where I asked her about Hunger Games and what it was like, and her life and how much it has change," Shailene told Vanity Fair on Friday. "It was nice asking someone who has been through the process and is kind of seasoned in the young adult franchise."
Last year, Jen told Moviefone she doesn't "feel like I'm being tied down" to her roles as Katniss, explaining, "I actually can't wait to go back [to film Catching Fire]. It's a character I would love to revisit. I think if you sign on to the right franchise [you're OK]. I don't feel like a slave to anyone."
"I feel like I'm very passionate about this story and what it means about our world and about humanity," she said. "It's something I want to talk about, I want people to see, and I'm proud to put my name to it."
For those reasons, we imagine, Jen encouraged Shailene to take on the role of Tris. "It will be the best thing that ever happened," she told her. "But don't be an idiot, do a sex tape, or do drugs. And go to Whole Foods when your movie opens."
Very smart! And frankly, it's the kind of advice all of us should follow.