Jennifer Lawrence’s Unease with Kissing Chris Pratt in “Passengers”

In the realm of romantic comedies or dramas, the enchanting on-screen kisses that captivate viewers often overlook the complexities involved in creating such moments.

While these cinematic kisses appear passionate and flawless to audiences, the reality for the actors tasked with portraying them is far from the fairy tale depicted on screen.

At the core, they are merely executing a professional duty.

Jennifer Lawrence, renowned for her roles in films like “The Hunger Games,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” “Serena,” and “Don't Look Up,” has adeptly portrayed romantic encounters on screen.

Despite her convincing performances—her kiss with Bradley Cooper in “Silver Linings Playbook” clinching the “Best Kiss” award at the MTV Movie Awards—Lawrence has revealed that not every on-screen kiss comes without its challenges.

Specifically, Lawrence has candidly expressed her discomfort when filming intimate scenes with Chris Pratt for the 2016 science fiction romance “Passengers,” given Pratt's marital status to his first wife at the time.

Jennifer Lawrence's Discomfort with Chris Pratt in “Passengers”
By Madison Emily Whisenand May 17, 2023 4:30 pm EST
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The process of preparing for and executing intimate scenes can be mentally taxing, as demonstrated by Lawrence's experience during the filming of “Passengers”.

In a 2015 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she shared her thoughts on filming her first intricate s=x scene for the movie, where she and Chris Pratt portray space travelers who awaken prematurely from suspended animation and develop a romantic bond in isolation.

Reflecting on the experience, Lawrence remarked, “It was weird… And everything was done right; nobody did anything wrong.

It's just a bizarre experience.”

To cope with the anxiety surrounding the scene, Lawrence resorted to getting heavily intoxicated.

However, this coping mechanism only exacerbated her feelings of unease upon returning home, grappling with the weight of kissing a married man for the first time.

She admitted feeling overwhelming guilt, acknowledging the conflict between her professional responsibilities and personal values.

The actress sought solace in conversations with her mother, aiming to strike a balance between vulnerability and authenticity in portraying the scene.

Lawrence described the experience as the pinnacle of vulnerability she had ever faced as an actor.

Jennifer Lawrence also weathered rumors of an alleged affair with Chris Pratt, intensifying her emotional turmoil during the filming of “Passengers”.

Despite the initial quelling of gossip post-film release, speculations resurfaced in 2017 following Chris Pratt's separation from Anna Faris.

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Addressing the persistent rumors, Lawrence refuted claims of an affair with Pratt on KISS FM, discrediting the unfounded accusations.

Meanwhile, Anna Faris, in her memoir “Unqualified,” confirmed the amicable relationship between Lawrence and herself, emphasizing Lawrence's innocence in the fabricated scandal.

Faris acknowledged the distress caused by the baseless rumors, underscoring the resilience required to navigate through such unwarranted scrutiny.

Navigating the intricacies of on-screen intimacy and battling unfounded allegations has shaped Jennifer Lawrence's professional journey, underscoring the complexities inherent in the world of entertainment.

The behind-the-scenes realities of Hollywood shed light on the challenges actors face beyond the glamour of the silver screen, highlighting the nuanced narratives that accompany each captivating performance.