Even though The Hunger Games film franchise first hit theaters several years ago, fans remain passionate about its dystopian world and its talented cast members who bring it to life.
Jason Schwartzman is well known for his collaboration with director Wes Anderson (Rushmore, The Darjeeling Limited, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Moonrise Kingdom, and Isle of Dogs). For The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, he will portray Lucretius Flickerman – host of the 10th Hunger Games and assumed ancestor to Caesar Flickerman (Cesar’s father).
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Nine years have passed since The Hunger Games first made headlines, and it continues to generate widespread excitement, yet its franchise remains viable. Already, two sequels have been produced, with another on its way soon enough – featuring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Alexander Ludwig Willow Shields, and Elizabeth Banks in its cast.
Jennifer Lawrence plays Katniss Everdeen of District 12, who lost both parents in a mine explosion at eleven and must use her hunting skills to support herself, her mother, and her sister. With straight black hair, olive skin tone, and grey eyes, Katniss impresses Panem’s leaders so much that they choose her as their representative in The Hunger Games.
She teams up with Peeta Mellark, son of a baker’s son from District 12, whom she shares similar skills with. However, trust issues between them soon arise: Peeta admits his feelings during an interview and doesn’t trust him since she believes she won’t want marriage or children because they could fall prey to Reaping.
Sam Claflin made waves after his breakout performance as District 4 tribute Finnick Odair in Catching Fire, going on to appear in movies such as The Theory of Everything and Love, Rosie. Claflin will reprise this role for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay sequel alongside Plutarch Heavensbee (replacing Seneca Crane as head game maker). Other notable actors in the cast include Donald Sutherland as President Snow and Isabelle Fuhrman (Effie Trinket). Suzanne Collins will direct this film, which will be released in 2022.
Peeta Mellark hails from District 12, is sixteen years old, and is a powerful individual able to lift 50 bags of flour at once. With his blonde locks and blue eyes, Peeta exudes trustworthiness among those around him, making him one of the most beloved characters of The Hunger Games franchise.
Peeta is selected as District 12’s male tribute for the 74th annual Hunger Games alongside Katniss Everdeen. Soon, they become close, though Peeta conceals his feelings. His purpose in using their fake romance to appease Capitol officials and gain sponsors is not entirely malicious, as Peeta truly cares for Katniss.
While their friendship and alliance are essential to survival in the Games, they also form a romantic relationship. Peeta serves as a ray of hope for Katniss in her despairing world; he brings out her best qualities while showing her more hopeful aspects of herself. They sleep together night after night on the train, where he comforts her when she has nightmares or sudden seizures.
Haymitch Abernathy suggests during training that Peeta and Katniss should remain close to increase their odds of victory. Although Peeta initially protests this idea, Katniss eventually agrees and follows Haymitch’s orders without question. Peeta excels at maintaining the appearance that they are working as a team, easing Katniss into conversations quickly before responding appropriately when she opens up, earning him an eight during private sessions with Caesar Flickerman while earning him the nickname – hence Peeta Mellark! Additionally, he excels as an excellent public speaker who will come in handy later when undertaking the Victory Tour and attempts against Capitol.
Gale Hawthorne of District 12 makes his Games debut after being chosen to represent his region. A skilled hunter, Gale is adept at avoiding conflict with other tributes while using his hunting skills to earn his living in the arena, placing 13th overall during these Games.
Gale can often be seen hunting wild dogs for sale to the tracker tributes to make money, often sharing his finds with Haymitch as part of their mutual respect. He is extremely loyal and will go the extra mile to protect those he sees as part of his family, such as Katniss.
Wiress was the District 3 female tribute who participated in the Third Quarter Quell. She used her knowledge of game technology to communicate with Katniss and help organize an alliance against Career tributes. Unfortunately, Wiress’ partnership ended badly when Career tributes caught up to them and killed her; Gloss slit her throat to end Wiress’ life before finishing 12th overall.
Casca Highbottom made his Hunger Games debut during the 10th Hunger Games as one of District 11’s male tributes, boasting both intelligence and an endearing sense of humor. Once an associate student of Crassus Snow at university, Coriolanus ridiculed him as “High-as-a-kite-Bottom.”
At first, his performance in the arena was hindered by both alcoholism and fighting with a broken arm; nevertheless, he managed to finish 8th overall and has often been compared with Katniss due to their similarities.
Seneca Crane is one of the key figures in The Hunger Games franchise and an influential game maker who uses his knowledge of Capitol to manipulate games and inspire rebellion among tributes. Additionally, his passionate speeches can inspire revolt from hymns who compete. Wes Bentley has made an outstanding career out of playing this character, who can also be found starring in American Horror Story and several significant films.
Lucky Flickerman plays an integral part in The Hunger Games as host and interviewer for tributes participating. An ancestor of Caesar Flickerman, who hosted the inaugural Hunger Games. Additionally, he acts as a mentor for awards, providing advice and tips on surviving during battle royale competitions.
Donald Sutherland stars as President Snow, while Tom Blyth portrays Coriolanus Snow. Viola Davis plays Dr. Volumnia Gaul and won an Academy Award for her performance in The Help. Additionally, Davis’ extensive acting resume includes roles in films like The Taking of Pelham 1213, Bel Canto, and The Woman King.
Hemsworth stars as Peeta Mellark, Katniss’ close companion from District 12. A baker by profession with characteristic fair skin and blond locks from District 12, Peeta excels athletically while having an intuitive sense of direction. Elizabeth Banks appears in both movies as Effie Trinket, the fashionable Capitol-born chaperone who assists the pair throughout their journey in the Games.
Nine years ago, audiences worldwide were first introduced to Panem in The Hunger Games film series. Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, and Elizabeth Banks, among many others, it quickly became an international success and produced two sequels with Kiefer Sutherland co-starring. Based on Suzanne Collins’ novel of the same name, Kiefer Sutherland had already been acting for decades before this series’ release, appearing in M*A*S*H and Pride & Prejudice, among many other projects, before appearing in The Hunger Games series itself; recent projects include FX’s Trust and HBO’s The Undoing.
Woody Harrelson, Natalie Dormer, and Mahershala Ali were notable cast members, with Harrelson playing Haymitch Abernathy for Katniss and Peeta, respectively. Before being cast in The Hunger Games trilogy, he already enjoyed an extensive acting career that includes Cheers, Now You See Me 2, and Zombieland: Double Tap, among others.
Dormer is best known for her seductive portrayal of Margaery Tyrell on Game of Thrones. Additionally, she’s appeared in The Hobbit, M.A.S.H, and The Edge of Seventeen as Cressida, an essential piece in all three films.
Banks also portrayed Capitol-born chaperone Effie Trinket, one of the series’ most beloved characters and one that provided significant conflict between Katniss and Peeta tributes. She received several nominations and continues to work today as an actress.