Filming has already begun on the adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ THE HUNGER GAMES, but we’re still putting faces to some of the secondary roles.
As previously rumored, rocker Lenny Kravitz will play Cinna, the stylist tasked with creating memorable costumes for heroine Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and her fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson).
Director Gary Ross explained the casting: “When I saw Lenny’s work in PRECIOUS I was just knocked out. It was quiet and strong and understated and open hearted; all qualities which define this character. I’m really looking forward to this ride.”
The movie has also added actor/caricature Toby Jones (INFAMOUS) as game announcer Claudius Templesmith. We’ll next see Jones alongside the Red Skull as villain Arnim Zola in CAPTAIN AMERICA.
Already cast in THE HUNGER GAMES are Liam Hemsworth as Gale, Woody Harrelson as drunken mentor Haymitch Abernathy, Wes Bentley as Gamemaker Seneca Crane, Elizabeth Banks as pink-wigged escort Effie Trinket, and Stanley Tucci as flamboyant interviewer Caesar Flickerman (plus all the remaining teens who will, as you can safely assume, be slaughtered in the contest). The Lionsgate movie arrives on March 23, 2012.
The HUNGER GAMES synopsis: “Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. Part twisted entertainment, part government intimidation tactic, the Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains.
Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.”