Tag Archives: Francis Lawrence

‘Catching Fire’ Script Is ‘Strong,’ Woody Harrelson Says

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Panem is without its most famous drunk — for now. Though production began Monday in Atlanta on the highly anticipated “Hunger Games” follow-up “Catching Fire,” actor Woody Harrelson (who portrays oft-tipsy Haymitch Abernathy) was instead in Canada supporting his upcoming release “Seven Psychopaths” at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The actor, who said he was days away from flying to Georgia to film the dystopian drama, spoke with MTV News’ Josh Horowitz about how his portrayal of the District 12 mentor could change under new director Francis Lawrence‘s vision and how he prepped for the sequel.

But first things first: Has the actor even had the chance to read the script?

“Yeah, I read the script,” Harrelson answered rather incredulously. “I took a gander at the script, sure. … It’s good that you get to do that before they start shooting.”

All sarcasm aside, Harrelson revealed that he’s very pleased with the material, especially given the tight turnaround needed after Lawrence took over directing duties from Gary Ross in May.

“I think that it’s a really good script, a really strong script, so I feel good about that,” he said. “That’s the big question mark, since there was so little time to get that script together.”

As for his preparation process, Harrelson said he took an even deeper dive into Haymitch’s fragile, post-Games psyche.

“Francis had asked me if I had studied PTSD — post-traumatic stress disorder — and I actually did in college. I was a psychology minor. So I met a guy who has PTSD in Maui,” Harrelson said. “You know, I like the way Francis is very thorough, very on top of everything. I really feel great. I loved Gary. I thought Gary did an incredible job with the first one, but I do think Francis is going to do great with this.”

If Harrelson had one (albeit small) complaint about the first installment, it was that Ross didn’t allow him to go the full Haymitch — literally falling-down drunk. He hopes to remedy that in the sequel.

“I talked with Francis about that,” Harrelson said with a chuckle. “I’m going to try to go as far as possible. You know me. I’ll try to take it over the top.”

Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games :Catching Fire.”

For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

‘Catching Fire’: Our Hopes, Dreams And Fears

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The rules have been written, the arena is set and — despite a casting process so highly publicized that the surrounding debates nearly broke the Internet — the Tributes for the second film in “The Hunger Games” franchise are ready to get busy on the hotly anticipated sequel to last year’s dystopian blockbuster. Principal photography for “Catching Fire” began Monday in Atlanta, kicking off the long countdown to the movie’s November 22, 2013, release.

Thanks to the best-selling and widely read source material, fans of “The Hunger Games” have a good idea of what to expect from the big-screen adaptation of the books they love, at least in terms of the basics: setting, characters and plot. But with more than a year before its release, and with a new director at the helm, there’s a lot that could happen with “Catching Fire” — and no shortage of hopeful speculation, wild wish lists and terrible fears for the end result. What are we hoping for, dreaming of and freaked out about as the sequel takes shape? Read on!

Our Hopes
Director Gary Ross proved himself exceptionally loyal to “The Hunger Games” source material when he gave us the series’ first film — going so far as to collaborate with author Suzanne Collins — and we hope Francis Lawrence will be similarly true to the books as he brings “Catching Fire” to life. But Ross also knew when the cinema offered important, useful opportunities to deviate from his source material, and this movie needs the same touch: namely, by forgoing the extended flashbacks to book one and dishing up more character development in its place. The relationship between Katniss and Gale, for instance, got short shrift in the first movie and needs more attention on this go-round in order to spotlight and encapsulate the heroine’s conflict — not between this guy or that guy, but between the safety of her past and the uncertainty of a revolutionary future. Also: more behind-the-scenes glimpses of President Snow at his evil best will make him a more compelling villain.

Our Dreams
Knowing more or less what will happen in “Catching Fire,” the only place for unfounded speculation is all about the how of bringing it to life. And without giving away too much, it’s the settings where we’re pinning our most no-holds-barred fantasies: the arena for the 75th Hunger Games, and its peculiar traps and tricks, could be an extravaganza that blows its predecessor out of the water. And if there’s one thing we know about Lawrence, it’s that his background in music videos shows that he has the artistic vision to make this movie heart-stoppingly, jaw-droppingly awesome from a visual standpoint.

Our Fears
Like anyone who loved the books, we are seriously scurred of seeing a favorite scene get lost in translation or a favorite character get chopped. And when it comes to the latter, the risk of a movie-ruining mistake is bigger than ever before; the alliances that form in the Quarter Quell arena are vital to both the emotional core of this story, as well as the larger themes of the franchise. Or, in other words, if the other tributes don’t get enough screen time, “Catching Fire” risks being nothing more than another flat action flick with no soul instead of the portrait of a nascent revolution that we all know it could be.

What are your hopes, dreams and fears for “Catching Fire“? Tell us in the comments!

Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.”

For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

‘Catching Fire’ Casts Sam Claflin As Finnick

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Finnick fans, the wait is over: District 4′s dreamiest champion has finally been found.

Lionsgate has confirmed that “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” actor Sam Claflin has been cast in “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” in the pivotal role of Finnick Odair. For the uninitiated, Finnick won the 65th annual Hunger Games at the tender age of 14, and is best known for his proficiency with a trident, his skills as a swimmer, and his irresistible charm and good looks. A welcome addition to the world of Panem indeed!

It was a long search to find the right actor to play Finnick, with several recognizable faces previously mentioned for the part, including “John Carter” and “Friday Night Lights” actor Taylor Kitsch at one point. For his part, Claflin had been rumored as the lead contender for the role since early August; as of today, he’s officially swimming away with one of the most coveted parts in Hollywood.

Claflin’s “Catching Fire” casting is just the latest in a string of high-profile roles for the young actor. In 2011, he appeared opposite Johnny Depp in the fourth “Pirates of the Caribbean” adventure as a young preacher who falls head over heels for a mermaid. The actor also starred alongside Kristen Stewart and Chris Hemsworth in this year’s “Snow White and the Huntsman” as William, a childhood friend of Snow’s.

With Claflin officially on board as Finnick, the last major piece of the “Catching Fire” casting puzzle has fallen into place. He joins fellow newcomers Jena Malone as Johanna Mason and Lynn Cohen as Mags (an elderly ally of Finnick’s), as well as returning players Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark. Directed by Francis Lawrence, “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” sets screens ablaze on November 22, 2013.

Tell us what you think of Claflin’s casting in the comments section below!

‘Catching Fire’: Finnick Is Just One Casting Mystery

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There’s no denying that “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” is heating up. In the past eight days alone, four tributes have been reaped for the sequel’s highly anticipated Quarter Quell. There’s District 4 octogenarian Mags (Lynn Cohen), District 2′s toothy Enobaria (Meta Golding), District 2′s vicious Brutus (Bruno Gunn) and District 1′s gorgeous Gloss (Alan Ritchson).

However, don’t be fooled by this flurry of casting activity: We still have a ways to go before Panem’s populace is complete.

To wit, we’ve compiled something of a call sheet for the remaining characters to be cast before production begins this fall. May the odds be in all of our favors:

Named Tributes
Cashmere, District 1: The blond bombshell of the Quarter Quell has a close alliance with her fellow tribute from the well-to-do region — probably because he’s her brother.

Beetee, District 3: Nicknamed “Volts” thanks to his prowess with all things powered, this male tribute keeps close watch over his eccentric ally Wiress.

Finnick, District 4: Undoubtedly the most anticipating casting of the follow-up, Finnick is a bronzed babe revered for his godlike looks and affable charm. Just about every actor under the age of 30 has been rumored to be in the running for this plum role, but the most recent chatter indicates the part will likely go to “Snow White and the Huntsman” actor Sam Claflin.

Blight, District 7: Johanna Mason‘s male counterpart is so disinterested with being reaped for the Quarter Quell that he doesn’t even show up for training.

Cecelia and Woof, District 8: NBC could make one hell of a tear-jerking human-interest story out of these two. Cecelia is a mother of three while Woof is the oldest tribute in the 75th Games, save for Mags.

Chaff and Seeder, District 11: Chaff is basically the Haymitch of his district (read: heavy consumer of alcohol) and he also has the added impediment of a missing hand. His female counterpart, Seeder, bonds with Katniss over former District 11 tributes Rue and Thresh.

Unnamed Tributes
This subhead could also read “People Who Die So Fast You Wouldn’t Even Be Able to Pick Them Out of a Lineup.” Expect the male and female tributes from Districts 5, 9 and 10 to get very little screen time. Then again, they do get the privilege of putting “Died in ‘Catching Fire’ ” on their CVs, so there is that.

Panem Peers
Here’s where things get tricky. According to the “Hunger Games” casting page, there’s only one yet-identified character slot left to fill beyond the tributes listed above. But if you’ve read Suzanne Collins‘ source material, you know there are plenty of other supporting players wandering the districts.

It’s probable that, much like Gary Ross before him, director Francis Lawrence will cut minor characters to streamline the film’s plot. To wit, our friends at the fan site Victors Village posted a speculative piece Wednesday, wondering whose faces we won’t see in the follow-up. Rumors have been swirling about the inclusion of at least one character: the unforgiving Head Peacekeeper Romulus Thread, who beats Gale to a bloody pulp. (Variety reported that “Sons of Anarchy” actor Patrick St. Esprit was in talks.) Beyond that, well, maybe we should put in a call to Greasy Sae’s Psychic Hotline.

Will Finnick’s girlfriend, Annie Cresta, make an appearance? How about Peacekeeper Darius? Or Gale’s family? Stick with MTV News as this story develops …

Which characters are you eagerly awaiting to be cast? Sound off in the comments below and tweet me @amymwilk with your thoughts and suggestions for future columns!

Earlier “Hunger Games” columns:
» ‘Catching Fire‘ Casting: Who Is Mags?
» ‘Mockingjay’ Dissected: Enough Material For Two Movies?
» Comic-Con 2012: A Guide For ‘Hunger Games‘ Fans
» “Hunger Games“: The Week In Casting Rumors

Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.”

For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

‘Mockingjay’: The Hunt For Directors Is On

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Sorry, Francis Lawrence, but it looks like you won’t be helming the last two “Hunger Games” films. The folks over at Summit are reportedly pushing the movies through production so quickly that he won’t be able start pre-production on the first “Mockingjay” movie because he’ll still be working on “Catching Fire.”

It sounds like “The Hunger Games” series is going the same route as the “Harry Potter” series and “The Twilight Saga” before it by having a different director film each installment. Thompson on Hollywood is reporting that Summit’s Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger, producer Nina Jacobson and author Suzanne Collins are looking to find the right person to helm each “Mockingjay” film.

From the sounds of it, each movie will have its own director and they won’t be shot back-to-back. The plan is to release the next two movies on November 2014 and 2015, pumping them out much quicker than the first two “Hunger Games” movies were. But it worked for the studio for “Twilight,” so why not try the same magic twice.

It’s also a good way to make sure that the big-name talent “The Hunger Games” series is courting will be able to sign on for the series. People like Amanda Plummer and Philip Seymour Hoffman have taken roles that will last for the next three movies (including “Catching Fire“), and they likely won’t want to be hung up on the same series for half a decade. The faster the “Mockingjay” films are made, seemingly the better for everyone involved, but hopefully the quality of the last two movies won’t suffer for it.

Who would you want to direct the “Mockingjay” films? Tell us in the comments section below or on Twitter!

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‘Hunger Games’ Finale To Be Split Up Into Two Films

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Movie-goers will feast on Thanksgiving helpings of “The Hunger Games” well into 2015.

Lionsgate announced Tuesday (July 10) that the final installment of Suzanne Collins‘ best-selling series, “Mockingjay,” will be split into two movies, with Part 1 to be released November 21, 2014, followed by Part 2 on November 20, 2015.

Talk of a two-part finale (reminiscent of the “Harry Potter” and “Twilight” approaches) began long before “The Hunger Games” ever bowed in theaters, though producer Nina Jacobson told MTV News during the film’s red-carpet premiere that the split was far from a foregone conclusion and would be based on the first film’s reception.

“Hopefully, people love this movie enough to demand the next one,” she said. “Go make that one. Figure out what to do from there.”

Audiences obviously embraced the dystopian tale of teenager Katniss Everdeen (played by Jennifer Lawrence) and her fight for survival against 23 other children in the titular televised death match; the movie has grossed more than $400 billion domestically. The question now is: How and where will the third novel be split?

Collins’ “Mockingjay,” released August 2010, follows heroine Katniss and her fellow District 12 victor Peeta Mellark (played by Josh Hutcherson) as they fight in an uprising to usurp the capricious Capitol and its head, President Snow.

Earlier this week, Lionsgate announced that Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman would join the cast as Head Gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee, a pivotal role that appears in both “Catching Fire” and “Mockingjay.” The series’ second film, “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” is slated to begin production in the fall with new director Francis Lawrence at the helm. The movie will hit theaters November 23, 2013.

Where do you think filmmakers should split “Mockingjay”? Tell us in the comments.

Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.”

For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

‘Catching Fire’ Casts Philip Seymour Hoffman As Head Gamemaker

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The Quarter Quell is taking shape. Weeks after rumors began swirling that Philip Seymour Hoffman had been offered the role of Plutarch Heavensbee in series sequel “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” Lionsgate confirmed on Monday (July 9) that the actor will indeed step into the pivotal part.
Readers of Suzanne Collins‘ best-selling series know Plutarch Heavensbee as Head Gamemaker of the 75th annual Hunger Games — a role left vacant by the demise of previous Gamemaker Seneca Crane (played by Wes Bentley). But Heavensbee’s hiding a secret agenda of his own that will only become apparent to the Capitol once it’s too late to stop.

Heavensbee is the first of several roles to be filled in “Catching Fire,” with speculation running rampant as who will portray beloved characters like tributes Finnick Odair and Johanna Mason. Heavensbee also appears in the trilogy’s final installment, “Mockingjay.”

For his part, Hoffman is coming off a Tony-nominated turn in the Broadway revival “Death of a Salesman” alongside “The Amazing Spider-Man” star Andrew Garfield. He was most recently seen onscreen in two Academy Award-nominated films: “Moneyball,” co-starring Brad Pitt, and “The Ides of March,” co-starring George Clooney and Ryan Gosling. Hoffman has a pair of films slated for a 2012 release: “A Late Quartet” and “The Master.”

“Catching Fire” will begin production later this year with stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth, as well as new director Francis Lawrence. The film will hit theaters November 22, 2013.

What do you think of Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee?

‘Hunger Games’: The Week In Casting Rumors

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It’s pretty astounding that with all the news coming out of Panem this week, we still don’t have a Finnick Odair or Johanna Mason for “Catching Fire.” If President Snow were mayor of Hollywood, the reaping would have happened months ago!

Anyway, back to all that news. There’s been a lot — so much so that even the most devoted “Hunger Games” fan could have missed a tidbit or two. Let’s look back at the week in news and notes:

Jenna Malone as Johanna Mason
It’s pretty neat how they have the same initials, huh? Late last week, IndieWire reported that “Alice in Wonderland” star Mia Wasikowska and newcomer Zoe Aggeliki were among Lionsgate’s top picks for the District 7 tribute. But not so fast: Entertainment Weekly reported Tuesday that it’s Jena Malone of “Sucker Punch” fame who’s in talks to enter the arena. And from her turn in Zack Snyder’s fighting fantasia, it’s clear she has the action chops for the Quarter Quell.

Et Tu, Brute?
Johanna Mason wasn’t the only “Catching Fire” character getting casting heat this week. Shockya had the news that two men are vying for the role of big brute Brutus from District 2: “Unstoppable” actor Victor Gojcaj and “Lost” actor Kevin Durand. Wonder what Caesar Flickerman has to say about this?

So Many People In Talks
Then there were so many people who said they’ve chatted with Lionsgate brass without divulging which role they were eyeing. First there was “Magic Mike” star Kevin Nash, whom many speculated could also be in the running for Brutus. Then Romeo Miller told MTV News while promoting “Madea’s Witness Protection” that he’d also talked to the studio. “I actually just met with Lionsgate about that, so you may be seeing me in one of the ‘Hunger Games.’ That’s all I’m saying,” Miller said. “Not a particular role, we just had a meeting, seeing if it was something I was interested in. I can’t really talk too much, or they’ll kill me. You know how ‘The Hunger Games‘ is.”

Jennifer Lawrence Is A Real-Life Hero
Katniss Everdeen would be so proud! The character’s alter ego came to the aid of a girl passed out near her apartment on June 26. Lawrence stayed with the juvenile until paramedics came and treated her on the scene. Extra Peeta cookies for you this week, Jennifer!

“Catching Fire” Will Be “Very Real”
In between acts of heroism, Lawrence found time to sit down with the Los Angeles Times to chat about new director Francis Lawrence. “The new movie will be very real, which is what I’m excited about,” she said. “I really like his take, which is a lot of what I liked in Gary Ross. It’s the realistic grasp of the story instead of all the details of the imaginary things.” How exactly will this “real” vision play out? I guess we’ll have to wait until November 22, 2013, to find out.

What was your favorite tidbit of “Hunger Games” news this week? Sound off in the comments below and tweet me @amymwilk with your thoughts and suggestions for future columns!

Earlier “Hunger Games” columns:
» ‘Brave,’ ‘Hunger Games‘ And The History Of Lady Archers
» “Catching Fire” In IMAX: Time To Embrace The Big, Big Screen?
» “Hunger Games“: Five Things We Learned At Movie Awards
» How “Catching Fire” Could Set Taylor Kitsch’s Career Ablaze
» “Hunger Games” At The Movie Awards: Dos And Don’ts

Check out everything we’ve got on “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2.”

For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

‘Catching Fire’: Jena Malone In Running To Play Johanna

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Fans of “The Hunger Games” have been keeping a close eye on two yet-to-be-cast roles in the upcoming sequel “Catching Fire” as the follow-up gets ready to move into production. Rumors about the part of Finnick Odair have floated around for months, but talk about who might be cast as Johanna Mason has only picked up this week.

The latest word on who might play the former champion for District 7 comes from Entertainment Weekly, which is reporting that Jena Malone is in the running for the role.

Last week, the first rumors about the role began to circulate. According to the Playlist, both Mia Wasikowska and model Zoe Aggeliki were in the mix for Johanna. In its report about Malone, EW also confirmed that Wasikowska was neither in the running nor able to fit “Catching Fire” into her schedule.

Malone, who recently appeared in the wildly popular “Hatfields McCoys” miniseries, is 27 years old, making her the appropriate age to play Johanna, who Katniss at one point describes as being like a big sister, albeit one who hates her.

Johanna is a master of manipulation. She won her first tournament by pretending to be weak and non-threatening until there were fewer tributes left in the area. Seizing the opportunity, she revealed herself as a proficient killer. When she first meets Katniss in the arena, she memorably strips naked in order to make Jennifer Lawrence‘s character uncomfortable.

No new additions to the cast have been officially announced for the Francis Lawrence-directed sequel to this year’s massive blockbuster. Lionsgate is not currently commenting on casting.

“Catching Fire” will open in theaters on November 22, 2013.

Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.”

For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

‘Catching Fire’ In IMAX: Time To Embrace The Big, Big Screen?

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We interrupt your regularly scheduled Finnick speculation to bring you this special announcement: “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” will light up IMAX theaters come November 2013! (OK, the news broke Wednesday, but I don’t write my column until Thursday.) Anyway, this is big (as in 70 feet tall) news … if you like that sort of thing.

While “The Hunger Games” was re-mastered for IMAX screens, director Francis Lawrence intends to shoot entire “Catching Fire” sequences in the larger-than-life format. As my colleague Kevin P. Sullivan noted, this will be only the sixth major studio film to be partially shot in IMAX — news to which my reaction was roughly, “Okie doke…”

See, I’ve never really understood the appeal of IMAX. Isn’t it just for people with poor eyesight who need to see things really large? And why should I pay roughly five extra bucks for the privilege? I have good vision!

To wit, I’ve never purposely sought out an IMAX screening. One time on vacation in Seattle my friend insisted we see “The Lion King” (nearly a decade after its initial release) in IMAX, and since I didn’t want to be a chump, I went along. I’ve probably been to one IMAX movie since (it wasn’t “Avatar,” by the way, my hometown theater is lame), but I can’t help but wonder if I’m missing something.

According to conventional wisdom and my previously mentioned colleague Kevin (who graciously humored my IMAX questions and concerns), the format is considered the height of immersive movie-going technology. (So much more worth the price than 3-D, he says.) Everything’s huge! Everything’s so detailed! Everything else in the theater just disappears! It’s like that guy in the front row wearing the bowler hat festooned with Christmas lights doesn’t exist! Fine, fine. I get it. And I’m willing to give it another try because Katniss and Peeta deserve as much. (It will also give me another ready-made column idea come next Thanksgiving!)

And with speculation swirling that the IMAX-friendly filming will likely focus on the nifty new Quarter Quell arena, I’m simultaneously thrilled and sick to my stomach over the idea of being completely immersed in the bloody battle. Nonetheless, let the IMAX Games begin!

“Catching Fire” hits theaters November 22, 2013.

Are you excited to see “Catching Fire” in IMAX? Or is it much ado about nothing? Sound off in the comments below and tweet me @amymwilk with your thoughts and suggestions for future columns!

Earlier “Hunger Games” columns:
» “Hunger Games”: Five Things We Learned At Movie Awards
» How “Catching Fire” Could Set Taylor Kitsch’s Career Ablaze
» “Hunger Games” At The Movie Awards: Dos And Don’ts
» “Catching Fire” Countdown: What to Watch While You Wait
» Francis Lawrence‘s “Catching Fire” To-Do List