Jennifer Lawrence and David O. Russell Reunite at Tribeca Film Festival and Discuss Upcoming Collaborations

Robert De Niro, David O. Russell and Jennifer Lawrence speak at the Tribeca Talks -- Director Series at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival at BMCC Tribeca PAC in Manhattan on April 27, 2019. Photo Credit: Getty Images for Tribeca Film Fe/Nicholas Hunt

Tribeca Film Festival is well underway! With top talent and premieres its also the perfect time to look back at amazing work and discuss just how these powerful duos came in to existence. Speaking of,  Jennifer Lawrence and David O. Russell make up perhaps one of today’s most famous director-actor duos, however it almost didn't happen. During Tribeca Talks the duo took a walk down memory lane to reflect on past collaborations as well as upcoming work!

Speaking at the Tribeca Film Festival Saturday night for its Directors Series, Russell revealed that Lawrence was the last person cast in both their first movie together, “Silver Linings Playbook,” and their second, “American Hustle.”

For “Silver Linings,” Russell said, “we thought you were too young and there were other actresses in the front of the line who were close to getting the role.” As for “American Hustle,” however, Lawrence was busy with other movies and “technically not available.”

Photo Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/REX/ Shutterstock

“I called her up on her vacation and I said, ‘I feel like I would be remiss as your friend if I did not give you one last chance to say no to this role,” he recalled. “You said, ‘will I get to have big hair and long nails and be crazy?’ And I said yes, and you said, ‘Okay, I’ll do it.’”

Of course, throughout the years we have all come to love Lawrence and her vast roles. However, you can't help but think, if it weren't for Russell taking a chance on her where would our beloved actress be today? Would she have the expansive roster of roles under her belt?

Looking back to “Silver Linings Playbook,” Russell and Lawrence noted the actress’ youth — she turned 21 while shooting. “You shaped me,” she told the director.

Tribeca Film Festival co-founder Robert De Niro made an appearance during the powerful reunion, (just ahead of his discussion with Martin Scorsese -- a discussion not to be missed.)

Russell ended the conversation by stating that it’s a gift to know Lawrence and mentioning that he is writing something for her now.