Show summary Hide summary
Shailene Woodley says the bond she shares with Ansel Elgort goes far beyond the typical co-star friendship. In a recent interview, she described a lasting, familial connection that began on set and has endured through multiple films and years of life off-screen.
How a set friendship turned into family
Their relationship began when both were cast in the first Divergent movie. On that set, Woodley and Elgort were paired as siblings, and the proximity of long days and shared scenes created a fast, easy rapport.
Kingdom reunion update: Matt Lauria reveals whether plans are underway
Eve finally gets 27-year-late Grammy for You Got Me
Woodley has described Elgort as more than a friend — closer to family. She credits their early bond for the comfort they felt around each other during downtime on set.
- They met on the Divergent set and quickly became close.
- The pair spent evenings cooking and talking after work.
- That off-camera intimacy shaped their real-life friendship.
From siblings to on-screen lovers: the switch in roles
After Divergent, the duo were cast again, this time opposite one another in a very different relationship. They moved from playing siblings to portraying romantic leads in a major film adaptation.
Woodley admitted she was surprised when Elgort auditioned for the new role. She initially thought the idea unlikely because of their sibling chemistry in the previous franchise.
Why their prior connection mattered
The existing trust between them translated into a softer, more honest screen dynamic. Woodley says that mutual respect and genuine care helped convey a love that felt protective rather than merely romantic.
- Their familiarity reduced anxiety during vulnerable scenes.
- They could focus on emotional truth rather than technical performance.
- That authenticity made their characters’ bond feel sincere and grounding.
Making intimate scenes less awkward
Even with deep friendship, filming close moments had its awkwardities. Woodley recalled laughter between takes and the oddness of shifting from friends to lovers on camera.
Because they already knew each other so well, removing barriers during intimate scenes required a conscious switch into character. The result was a portrayal that emphasized mutual care over physicality.
The pair leaned on trust to navigate those moments. Their comfort allowed direction and vulnerability to coexist on set.
Projects that forged a long-term tie
Woodley and Elgort collaborated across several high-profile films. Their shared resume maps the arc of their evolving relationship.
- Divergent (first film) — introduced them as on-screen siblings.
- The Fault in Our Stars — paired them as romantic leads with tender scenes.
- Final Divergent installment (2016) — their last film collaboration to date.
Life beyond work: friendship that lasts
Their connection did not end when cameras stopped rolling. The actors have maintained a close friendship, including travel together years after their last joint project.
In 2022, Woodley and Elgort were photographed traveling in Italy, a sign their relationship remained active and personal.
They continue to support one another outside the industry and have cultivated a bond that blends history, loyalty, and genuine affection.
