Jennifer Lawrence Reveals Ambien Incident on Hunger Games Set

During a recent conversation with actor Leonardo DiCaprio in Variety’s Actors on Actors series, Jennifer Lawrence disclosed an unusual incident from the set of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. She inadvertently took an Ambien instead of her intended medication, which led to unexpected complications during filming.

Lawrence recalled the moment she was filming a dance scene with the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. As she described it, the mix-up resulted in her “hallucinating” on set, much to the annoyance of her co-star Elizabeth Banks, who portrayed Effie Trinket. Lawrence reflected, “Elizabeth Banks got really annoyed with me. Maybe she didn’t know that I was on an Ambien.” This candid admission highlighted the challenges actors sometimes face while striving to meet the demands of their roles.

Sleep Medication Mishaps

This incident was not the only time Lawrence faced difficulties related to sleep medication. She further shared an experience while filming Red Sparrow, where she mistakenly took Adderall instead of a sleeping pill. The result was a sleepless night filled with anxiety, prompting her to take hot showers in a state of panic. “I am not somebody who can function without sleep,” she explained, emphasizing her struggle with performance pressures.

Lawrence’s dedication to her craft is evident, especially in light of the challenges she has encountered. After concluding the four-film Hunger Games series in 2015, she continued to build her career with projects such as Joy, X-Men: Apocalypse, and No Hard Feelings, among others. Notably, she and Josh Hutcherson, her co-star from the franchise, are set to return to the world of Panem in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, which is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026.

Future Collaborations

Lawrence’s conversation with DiCaprio also touched on their upcoming collaboration in What Happens at Night, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese. The plot revolves around a married couple traveling to Europe to adopt a child, only to encounter bizarre and eccentric characters that disrupt their plans. DiCaprio, who has worked with Scorsese on multiple occasions, offered Lawrence insights on the director’s working style, given her keen interest in ensuring a smooth production.

As both actors share a strong commitment to their health and well-being, particularly with regard to sleep, there is optimism that What Happens at Night will unfold without the incidents that marred previous projects. Their mutual understanding of the importance of rest may contribute to their performances, meeting the high expectations associated with a Scorsese film.

Lawrence’s openness about her experiences underscores the pressures faced by actors in the industry. As she continues to navigate her career, her willingness to share these moments humanizes the often glamorized world of film, revealing the real challenges behind the scenes.