Jennifer Lawrence recently shared that Adele advised her against accepting a role in a movie that ultimately flopped. Reflecting on her decision, Lawrence admitted she “should have listened” to the Grammy-winning singer.
The Role Jennifer Lawrence Regrets
Lawrence expressed her regrets about starring in the 2016 sci-fi rom-com “Passengers.” The film tells the story of Aurora, portrayed by Lawrence, and Jim, played by Chris Pratt, who are passengers on a spaceship traveling to “Homestead II.” Due to a malfunction, they wake up 90 years too early, facing a lifetime alone together on the spacecraft. Despite its intriguing premise and a production budget of $110 million (£89 million), the movie received a disappointing 30 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Reflecting on the film’s performance, Lawrence confessed, “I should have listened to Adele.” The singer had warned her that space movies were becoming the new vampire movies, suggesting they might not fare well with audiences.
Fans’ Reactions and Lawrence’s Discontent
The movie grossed $300 million (£262 million) worldwide but was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. Lawrence described her feelings of dismay: “I was like, ‘Oh no, you guys are here because I’m here, and I’m here because you’re here. Wait, who decided that this was a good movie?'”
The Turning Point in Lawrence’s Career
Lawrence’s experience with “Passengers” contributed to her decision to step back from the spotlight. She opened up to Vanity Fair, stating, “I was not pumping out the quality that I should have. I just think everybody had gotten sick of me. I’d gotten sick of me.” This period of self-reflection led her to realize that seeking approval through constant work was not bringing her peace.
She continued, “I think that I was people-pleasing for the majority of my life. Working made me feel like nobody could be mad at me: ‘Okay, I said yes, we’re doing it. Nobody’s mad.’ And then I felt like I reached a point where people were not pleased just by my existence.”
A New Chapter: “Causeway”
Fast-forward six years, and Lawrence made a notable comeback with the Apple Original movie “Causeway.” In this film, she portrays Lynsey, a soldier who suffers a brain injury while serving in Afghanistan. Returning home to New Orleans, Lynsey struggles to adjust to civilian life. The movie, released in November 2023, is available for streaming on Apple TV+.
Adele’s Keen Insight
Adele’s foresight regarding Lawrence’s role in “Passengers” highlights the singer’s intuitive understanding of the film industry. Reflecting on this advice and the career lessons learned, Lawrence continues to evolve, both as an actress and an individual.