For over a decade, Jennifer Lawrence has been a commanding force in Hollywood, captivating audiences with her dynamic roles and undeniable talent. From her early days in indie films to her breakthrough performances in “The Hunger Games” and “Silver Linings Playbook,” Lawrence quickly became a household name, earning multiple accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Actress. But as her career evolved, Lawrence found herself yearning for more than just the titles handed to her on screen—she sought a new level of creative control and the ability to shape stories from the ground up. This led her to make the bold transition from actress to producer, a move that would not only redefine her career but also shift the industry landscape.
The Motivation Behind the Move
Jennifer Lawrence’s decision to step into producing wasn’t an impulsive one. After years of massive success as an actress, Lawrence reached a point where she realized that while acting was her passion, she was hungry for a deeper involvement in the filmmaking process. In interviews, Lawrence has mentioned feeling creatively stifled at times, playing roles that, although successful, didn’t always align with her growing desire to be part of something more profound. “I wanted to make movies that mean something, that push boundaries, and I wanted a hand in creating them,” Lawrence said during a candid conversation with the Hollywood Reporter. This drive to bring meaningful, original stories to life, combined with her frustration at the limitations of simply being an actor, motivated her to take control of her career in a way few actors at her level do.
At the heart of this transition was a desire for ownership—not just of her career, but of the narratives she was part of. Lawrence recognized that the most impactful figures in Hollywood weren’t just actors; they were the ones shaping what got made. As her career progressed, she began to see that the stories she wanted to tell, and the voices she wanted to amplify, weren’t always the ones getting screen time. Producing became a way for Lawrence to steer her career in the direction she wanted, a chance to champion projects that resonated with her both creatively and personally.
The Founding of Excellent Cadaver
In 2018, Lawrence took her ambitions to the next level by co-founding her own production company, Excellent Cadaver, alongside her longtime friend and collaborator, Justine Polsky. The name, inspired by a literary term used to describe a prominent figure who leaves behind a substantial legacy, was a nod to their aspirations for the company—to create work that would outlive them, that would leave a lasting impact on the industry.
The founding of Excellent Cadaver marked a significant turning point in Lawrence’s career. She wasn’t just taking on a new title—producer—but actively shaping a business dedicated to fostering creative freedom and pushing boundaries. Together with Polsky, Lawrence envisioned a company that could serve as a platform for unique voices and bold, often unconventional storytelling. Both women were adamant that Excellent Cadaver wouldn’t be a traditional production company chasing commercial blockbusters. Instead, it would be a home for artists who wanted to tell complex, innovative stories, free from the pressures of mainstream Hollywood.
For Lawrence, this move was also about creating an environment where she could take risks, experiment, and grow as a creator. She and Polsky aimed to build a company that was more agile, more willing to champion projects that other studios might shy away from. In Lawrence’s view, the landscape of film production was becoming too homogenous, with big studios sticking to safe, familiar formulas. Excellent Cadaver was conceived as an antidote to this trend—a place where original, daring projects could thrive.
Creative Control: A Key Focus
A central tenet of Excellent Cadaver is giving artists more creative control—a principle that resonates deeply with Lawrence’s own experiences. Having worked on large-scale productions where her input was sometimes sidelined, Lawrence sought to create a space where collaboration and artistic vision took precedence over corporate interests. As a producer, Lawrence has been vocal about her desire to make films that are not only entertaining but also challenging, films that encourage both filmmakers and audiences to think outside the box.
Lawrence’s own approach to producing reflects this philosophy. With Excellent Cadaver, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that the projects the company takes on reflect the values she holds dear—namely, authenticity, originality, and boldness. This emphasis on creative control extends not only to her own projects but to the artists and filmmakers she and Polsky partner with. Lawrence and Polsky have been clear from the outset: Excellent Cadaver is a company that respects the vision of its creators, and they are committed to giving filmmakers the freedom they need to realize that vision fully.
Successful Projects and Collaborations
Since its founding, Excellent Cadaver has been involved in a number of projects, each reflecting the company’s commitment to fresh, boundary-pushing storytelling. One of the company’s first projects, Causeway (2022), exemplified this ethos. Starring Lawrence herself and directed by Lila Neugebauer, Causeway was an intimate character study about a soldier struggling to adjust to life back home after suffering a traumatic brain injury. The film was praised for its nuanced storytelling and quiet emotional depth, qualities that are becoming hallmarks of the company’s output.
Beyond Causeway, Excellent Cadaver has several other exciting projects in the pipeline, including collaborations with esteemed directors and up-and-coming filmmakers alike. The company has also struck key partnerships with major studios and distributors, ensuring that their films reach a wide audience without compromising on the creative integrity that Lawrence and Polsky prioritize.
One of the most notable aspects of Excellent Cadaver’s slate of projects is its diversity. Lawrence and Polsky are intent on telling stories from a range of perspectives, with a particular focus on highlighting underrepresented voices in the industry. This commitment to diversity in storytelling is reflective not only of Lawrence’s personal values but also of her understanding of the changing demands of global audiences.
Empowerment of Women in the Film Industry
From the outset, Lawrence and Polsky have been dedicated to making Excellent Cadaver a vehicle for empowering women in an industry still dominated by men. For Lawrence, the importance of female representation behind the camera is something she’s experienced firsthand. As an actress, she’s often spoken about the challenges women face in Hollywood, from pay disparities to limited opportunities in creative leadership roles. Through Excellent Cadaver, Lawrence is actively working to change that narrative by producing films that not only center on female stories but also involve women in key creative roles.
The company’s commitment to empowering women extends beyond just hiring female directors or writers—it’s about fostering an environment where women can succeed on their own terms. Lawrence and Polsky are committed to ensuring that their company is a place where women can take risks, make mistakes, and grow as artists without the fear of being sidelined or overshadowed by male counterparts. This focus on female empowerment is at the core of Excellent Cadaver’s mission, and it’s something Lawrence is determined to carry through in every project the company takes on.
Future Goals and Vision
As Excellent Cadaver continues to grow, Lawrence remains deeply committed to balancing her dual roles as both an actress and producer. While her acting career shows no signs of slowing down, Lawrence has made it clear that producing is no longer just a side project—it’s a central part of her future. Looking ahead, Lawrence and Polsky plan to expand Excellent Cadaver’s slate of films, with a particular focus on international co-productions and partnerships with streaming platforms.
In the years to come, Lawrence envisions Excellent Cadaver as a company that not only continues to produce high-quality, innovative films but also helps shape the future of Hollywood. With her unique blend of star power, creative vision, and business acumen, Lawrence is positioning herself as a trailblazer in the industry, and Excellent Cadaver is poised to be at the forefront of the next wave of groundbreaking cinema.
For Jennifer Lawrence, the transition from actress to producer represents more than just a career shift—it’s a declaration of her intent to leave an indelible mark on the film industry. Through Excellent Cadaver, Lawrence is shaping a legacy built on creativity, innovation, and empowerment. As she continues to navigate this new chapter of her career, one thing is clear: Jennifer Lawrence is just getting started.
