The chemistry between Theo James and Shailene Woodley is undeniable. Their on-screen magic in the Divergent movies is mirrored by their playful and fun rapport in interviews. But what did James think of Woodley when they first met? Let's find out.
Shailene Woodley: A Rising Star
Before joining the cast of Divergent, James wasn't widely recognized in Hollywood. Despite having small roles in shows like Downton Abbey, he was relatively unknown. On the other hand, Woodley had already made a name for herself with her roles in The Secret Life of the American Teenager and The Descendants. So, what was it like for James to meet her for the first time? In an interview with Games Radar, The White Lotus actor shared his thoughts.
A Refreshing Encounter
James described Woodley as "very refreshing" during their first meeting. When actors meet for auditions, there's always a certain level of awkwardness. But according to James, Woodley's openness and willingness to collaborate made the experience comfortable and enjoyable. "She's very open to collaborating as two people and making the scene as good as possible," he revealed.
James went on to praise Woodley's ability to ground their work emotionally. He admired her intuitive nature and her ability to bring truth to their performances, even in the most challenging circumstances. It's evident that their collaboration was rooted in a genuine desire to tell the story of their characters.
A Friendship That Blossomed
As time went on, James and Woodley's working relationship grew into a strong friendship. Their chemistry was apparent from the moment they met, and it continued to grow throughout their time together on set. In an interview with Culture Calling, James spoke about witnessing Woodley's personal growth, both as an actress and as a person. Their friendship extended beyond the movie set, as they spent months promoting the films together all over the world.
It's clear that James and Woodley had an incredible connection as scene partners. As fans, we can only hope to see them collaborate again in the future. Their friendship and dynamic on-screen presence are something truly special.
‘Divergent’ stars Shailene Woodley and Theo James | Jim Spellman/WireImage
