Jennifer Lawrence’s Dream Collaboration: The One Actor She’s Desperate to Work With
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Even Hollywood’s biggest stars started as fans, captivated by the performances that inspired them. Jennifer Lawrence, one of the most acclaimed actresses of her generation, is no exception. Despite a stellar career filled with award-winning roles and collaborations with A-list talent, there remains one actor she has yet to share the screen with — and she’s been openly yearning for the chance for years.
A Chance Encounter Sparks a Lifelong Wish
The story dates back to 2015, at the legendary San Diego Comic-Con. Lawrence was attending the massive Hall H panel for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2, ready to promote the franchise’s finale. As she exited, fate intervened in the form of Bill Murray, the iconic comedy legend making a surprise appearance to promote Rock the Kasbah.
The meeting was unforgettable. Lawrence, instantly transformed into a starstruck fan, posed for a photo with Murray that quickly went viral — a perfect snapshot of genuine excitement meeting Murray’s trademark cool detachment. The encounter wasn’t just a fleeting moment; it marked the beginning of a connection Lawrence cherishes.
The Woody Harrelson Connection
Lawrence revealed in an interview with Vulture that she had long admired Murray, but the real magic happened thanks to mutual friend Woody Harrelson. Harrelson, who starred alongside Lawrence in The Hunger Games series and with Murray in films like Kingpin and Zombieland, became the bridge between them.
Lawrence amusingly admitted she used to send “mostly drunk” emails to Harrelson, filled with messages she wished she could say directly to Murray. To her delight, Harrelson actually passed these on. “Just the fact that Bill Murray knows I exist is part one,” Lawrence said, “and part two is he wanted to speak to me.”
A Potential Collaboration on the Horizon?
The actress’s enthusiasm only grew when Murray not only spoke with her at length but also “mentioned something about us working together.” Lawrence’s excitement was palpable, and she had to cover her mouth to stop herself from squealing during the Vulture interview.
In 2017, at a Hollywood Reporter roundtable featuring fellow stars Jessica Chastain, Mary J. Blige, Allison Janney, Emma Stone, and Saoirse Ronan, Lawrence was asked which actor she’d most love to collaborate with. Without hesitation, she named Bill Murray — though she modestly admitted that answering such questions is always difficult because there are so many actors she admires.
Waiting for the Perfect Project
Nine years after that memorable Comic-Con meeting, Lawrence has yet to act alongside Murray. However, she has made no secret of her desire to work with him, mentioning it often enough that it’s clear she’s putting it out into the universe.
Perhaps it’s simply a matter of waiting for the right script, the perfect project that brings these two talents together. Whatever the case, fans of both stars remain hopeful that this long-anticipated collaboration will eventually come to life — a cinematic moment born from fandom, friendship, and genuine admiration.
Jennifer Lawrence’s story is a reminder that even the biggest stars carry dreams of working with those who inspired them. And for Lawrence, that dream is Bill Murray — a legend she’s been a fan of for a long time and hopes to share the screen with someday soon.