Even for Hollywood’s biggest names, movie sets aren’t always action-packed. Between lighting adjustments, camera resets, and elaborate setup changes, downtime is inevitable. And when you’re stuck in a trailer for hours between takes, you need something to stay sane. While some stars dive into scripts or check emails, others get creative, turning their trailers into mini sanctuaries of relaxation, routine, or even controlled chaos.
Here’s how five well-known actors beat boredom when they’re off-camera but still on set.
Kevin Hart: Gaming, Laughs, and Keeping It Light
Kevin Hart is rarely short on energy. But when he’s not sprinting through an action scene or delivering punchlines, he needs ways to recharge and stay entertained. For Hart, downtime is about maintaining a mental balance, one that keeps him relaxed but still sharp enough to jump back into a scene.
One of his favorite trailer pastimes is gaming. Whether it’s a console setup, casino games, or tablet-based apps, Hart often turns to free-to-play entertainment to pass the time without getting too mentally drained. It keeps him engaged but not distracted, just the right mix when you’re on call all day. He’s also known for inviting co-stars in for spontaneous chats, joking sessions, or friendly game competitions, turning the trailer into a hangout zone.
Keeping a light mood is part of his on-set identity. Even when alone, Hart surrounds himself with things that make him laugh: comedy podcasts, prank videos, or clips from his own stand-up routines. It’s not just about killing time; it’s about staying connected to the kind of energy he brings to the screen.
Margot Robbie: Reading, Tea, and Solo Rehearsals
Margot Robbie is known for her versatility as an actress, but when the cameras pause, she prefers simple, quiet ways to recharge. Inside her trailer, she leans into routines that help her feel grounded. A self-proclaimed bookworm, Robbie brings novels to set, usually fiction that lets her mentally escape the chaos of production life.
Tea plays a big role in her downtime. A small collection of herbal blends travels with her, and brewing a cup becomes a soothing ritual. It’s a pause that gives her space to reset before going back into character. Often, she’ll sit with a book in one hand and a warm mug in the other, letting the trailer become a bubble of calm.
Robbie is also methodical when it comes to preparation. During long breaks, she’ll rehearse lines softly, often pacing or using mirrors to test subtle expressions. It’s her way of staying ready without slipping fully out of character, especially on emotionally intense sets.
Ryan Reynolds: Writing, Working Out, and Voice Notes
Ryan Reynolds may come across as effortlessly witty, but he puts serious thought into everything, from scripts to social media posts. On set, his trailer becomes a productive space. He’s been open about using breaks to write, whether it’s tweaking lines for a scene, drafting script ideas, or brainstorming future projects.
To stay physically sharp, Reynolds also keeps basic workout equipment nearby. Resistance bands, light weights, or a foldable bike help him fit in quick workouts. It’s a way to keep his energy high, especially during action-heavy productions. The mix of writing and physical activity lets him stay both creatively and physically engaged.
He’s also fond of recording voice notes, ideas, one-liners, or character observations on his phone. Sometimes, these fragments end up in future scripts or jokes. Other times, they’re just a way of processing the creative chaos that often comes with filming.
Zendaya: Journaling, Music, and Personal Time
Zendaya brings a calm confidence to every project she touches. Off-camera, she values privacy and stillness, two things that are hard to come by on a busy set. Her trailer becomes a retreat, where she focuses on activities that feel introspective and authentic.
Journaling is a key habit. Whether reflecting on scenes she just filmed or jotting down thoughts from her day, Zendaya uses writing as a way to process and reflect. It’s not about content creation, it’s about clarity and mindfulness.
Music also plays a central role. With curated playlists for every mood, Zendaya builds a soundscape inside her trailer. Sometimes it’s jazz or soul to unwind. Other times it’s upbeat pop to boost her energy. The soundtrack changes based on what the day demands.
Above all, she protects her alone time. That means fewer visitors, minimal distractions, and activities that help her stay centered in the midst of chaos.
Dwayne Johnson: Meal Prep, Motivation, and Movie Edits
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson doesn’t do downtime like most people. His trailer is part gym, part office, and part kitchen. For him, staying disciplined and productive, even in waiting periods, is part of the job.
Meal prep is a big part of that. Johnson follows strict nutrition plans, so his trailer includes food containers, supplements, and often a portable grill or hot plate. Between takes, he might be cooking meals for later or eating clean to stay on track for physically demanding roles.
Motivational content also finds a place in his trailer life. Johnson watches clips, listens to personal development talks, or reads short affirmations to stay focused. He believes in keeping momentum going, even during lulls on set.
What surprises some is how hands-on he is with his brand. He often uses breaks to review edits of promotional content, trailers, or business updates. His trailer doubles as a mobile production studio, letting him juggle multiple roles, actor, producer, and entrepreneur, without ever leaving the set.
The Takeaway: Rest, Routine, and Personal Space Matter
What these five stars show is that trailers aren’t just holding pens between scenes; they’re extensions of the actor’s process, personality, and pace. Whether it’s Kevin Hart laughing over a quick game, Zendaya scribbling down her thoughts, or The Rock prepping grilled chicken, these routines say something bigger about the work itself.
In an industry known for unpredictability and high energy, downtime becomes a form of self-care and control. And how actors use that time can shape the quality of their performance when the director finally calls, “Action.” For fans, it’s a reminder that behind the glamour is a rhythm of pause and reset, a quieter part of the story that often goes unseen.
