“The Hunger Games” seems to be the “it” property right now. I know many people who have read the book and are excited for the film adaptation. I haven't read the book because from what I have heard of the story it sounds like a knock-off of “Battle Royale.” But I could be wrong – that excellent story could have just been inspiration for “The Hunger Games.”
Jennifer Lawrence, the 20-year-old Oscar nominee from “Winter's Bone” and current fanboy fetish from “X-Men: First Class,” will play the lead female role of Katniss Everdeen.
For those who haven't heard of the book, it is the first in a trilogy of novels that Lionsgate officials hope to turn into the next blockbuster franchise. The story revolves around Katniss, a 16-year-old girl who is forced to enter the titular competition – a futuristic televised event in which teenage individuals from different regions of Panem (the former United States) are forced to battle one another to the death, as a means of illustrating the ruling government’s might.
Gary Ross (“Seabiscuit”), who is directing the adaptation, plans on making the film PG-13 so it will be available for more audiences. Despite being older than the female lead, Ross defended the casting of Lawrence to Entertainment Weekly, saying she was a phenomenal actress and was perfect for the part.
Even “The Hunger Games” author, Suzanne Collins, spoke with Entertainment Weekly about how much she approved of Lawrence's casting and Ross' approach to the film.
Now the next big role to be filled in the film is that of the lead male character, Peeta.
If you're a fan of “The Hunger Games,” are you excited for the film adaptation?
“The Hunger Games” will hit theaters on March 23, 2012.
