Matthew Lawrence Reflects on On-Set Drama with Gabrielle Union

LOS ANGELES, CA — Matthew Lawrence recently opened up about a misunderstanding with co-star Gabrielle Union during the filming of the 1999 Disney movie “H-E Double Hockey Sticks.” In a candid discussion on his podcast, Magical Rewind, Lawrence recounted an incident where Union reported him to the film’s director for refusing to rehearse a scene.

On the podcast, co-hosted with Will Friedle and Sabrina Bryan, Lawrence shared that Union, who portrayed a guardian angel in the film, wanted to practice a scene. He declined, believing it would help keep the performance fresh. “At that time in my mind, I really loved memorizing the lines, knowing all the beats, but hated running it, because it felt like it took all the freshness out of it,” Lawrence explained.

Union’s frustration led her to voice her concerns to the director and studio. “She got angry and went and reported me,” Lawrence said. He described the incident as a significant moment in his career, recalling how he has always advocated for women and children’s rights. “This was the only time in my life when I was called into the office for something I did on set, and I had no clue,” he added.

Lawrence was called into the studio heads’ office to discuss the matter and expressed his embarrassment. “I just wanted to keep it fresh!” he explained. Friedle and Bryan, both present during the discussion, reminisced about the atmosphere on set, noting that many believed Union was destined for greatness even then.

Union, now a well-known actress, rose to fame with her breakout role in the iconic sports comedy “Bring It On” in 2000, followed by roles in films such as “Bad Boys 2,” “Good Deeds,” and the upcoming “Space Cadet.” Meanwhile, Lawrence, who gained fame as a child star, has appeared in various television shows, including the sitcom “Melissa & Joey,” and is set to feature in the film “Marry Christmas” in 2024.

Reflecting on their experiences, Fryedle remarked on Union’s confidence and talent at the time, stating that cast members could sense her impending stardom. “People were saying, ‘Oh, she’s gonna be huge,'” he recalled.

As Union continues to reflect on her early roles and growth, she previously discussed her expectations for film sets, particularly recalling the camaraderie experienced during the filming of “10 Things I Hate About You.” Union stated, “I thought every movie was gonna be like this,” acknowledging the friendships formed on that set as a significant influence on her career.

Ultimately, Lawrence’s shared story highlights not only a memorable moment in their careers but also illustrates the way both actors have paved their paths in Hollywood. Their willingness to share experiences from their past continues to inspire discussions about professionalism and collaboration in the entertainment industry.