Moviefone Editorial

Tag: hunger-games

  • ‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’: Crucial Elements

    'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. Photo: Lionsgate.
    ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. Photo: Lionsgate.

    Preview: 

    • The movie adaptation of ‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is scheduled to release on November 20th, 2026. 
    • There are a few crucial elements that the film needs to get right in order for the movie to work. 
    • The casting choices are brilliant, which is a step in the right direction.

    ‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping‘ is currently filming with an incredible cast and will be hitting theaters on November 20th, 2026. Having read the book that the movie is based on, there are a few crucial elements that it needs to get right to make the fans happy and for the film to have a better chance at success.

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    ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ tells the story of Haymitch Abernathy. Woody Harrelson portrays Haymitch in the original films, but this time around, fans get to learn more about his time in the Hunger Games and how that shaped the man he became. Joseph Zada is playing Haymitch in the new film. Having seen him in ‘We Were Liars‘ there is no doubt that he is the right man for the job.

    Related Article: Glenn Close and Billy Porter Joining New ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel Movie

    ‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ Cannot Be Overly Predictable

    Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson and Jennifer Lawrence in 'The Hunger Games'.
    (L to R) Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson and Jennifer Lawrence in ‘The Hunger Games’. Photo: Lionsgate.

    Most people who watch ‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ will know Woody Harrelson’s version of Haymitch already. While we never fully explored his background and what it was like for him in the games, we know it did a number on him as he hates to talk about it and is almost always seen with a drink in his hand.

    Viewers also already know that he wins the 50th Hunger Games. This means that it will be obvious from the start that all the other children who enter the games die, and that Haymitch is never truly in danger of being killed. This is a slippery slope, as it means things can feel a bit predictable.

    The book explores the story in a way that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, wondering who will die next and how. Even with the outcome of Haymitch’s story being known, it is exciting and entertaining to follow his journey. This is something the movie also needs to accomplish. It will not be easy, but with a great cast and carefully placed suspense and action, the odds will be ever in its favor.

    Haymitch and Lenore Dove Need To Have Unmatched Chemistry

    (Left) Joseph Zada to star as Haymitch Abernathy in 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping'. Photo credit: Hugh Stewart. (Right) Whitney Peak to star as Lenore Dove Bard in 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping'. Photo: Kate Whyte.
    (Left) Joseph Zada to star as Haymitch Abernathy in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo credit: Hugh Stewart. (Right) Whitney Peak to star as Lenore Dove Bard in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo: Kate Whyte.

    Probably the most important aspect that the movie has to get right, is the chemistry between Haymitch and Lenora Dove (who is being played by Whitney Peak). It has to be unmatched. Their love is a key part of the story and if it is not believable, the movie simply will not work.

    Without audiences becoming fully invested in their relationship, things will fall apart and the movie will never reach its full potential. It has to be obvious that these two are soulmates, and that they would do absolutely anything for one another.

    The book has been very well received, which is half the battle. So if Lionsgate is able to accomplish both of these things, it is the perfect set up for success.

    'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' opens in theaters on November 20, 2026.
    ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ opens in theaters on November 20, 2026.

    Other Movies in ‘The Hunger Games’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘The Hunger Games’ Movies On Amazon

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  • Viola Davis Joins the ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel

    Viola Davis Joins the cast of ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,’ which is scheduled for release in theaters on November 17th, 2023.
    Viola Davis Joins the cast of ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,’ which is scheduled for release in theaters on November 17th, 2023.

    While Viola Davis is more usually seen as a heroic or good-hearted character, we have seen her channel a darker side in the past: ‘Suicide Squad’s Amanda Waller, for example. Or the crafty Annalise Keating on TV’s ‘How to Get Away with Murder’.

    It’s that side of her performance that will be on display in the ‘Hunger Games’ prequel movie ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’. Davis has joined the in-production movie as Dr. Volumnia Gaul.

    ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ is set years before the story of Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen. In this throwback to an earlier era of the Hunger Games, the new narrative follows 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth) long before he’s the cunning president of post-apocalyptic nation Panem.

    Snow is the last hope for his fading lineage, a once-proud family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With the 10th annual Hunger Games fast approaching, the young Snow is alarmed when he is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), the girl tribute from impoverished District 12.

    But, after Lucy Gray commands all of Panem’s attention by defiantly singing during the reaping ceremony, Snow thinks he might be able to turn the odds in their favor. Uniting their instincts for showmanship and newfound political savvy, Snow and Lucy’s race against time to survive will ultimately reveal who is a songbird and a snake.”

    Rachel Zegler to star as Lucy Gray Baird in Lionsgate's 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.'
    Rachel Zegler to star as Lucy Gray Baird in Lionsgate’s ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo credit: Nathan Johnson.

    Dr. Gaul will serve as the main antagonist for the movie, a games-maker who designs the 10th annual games.

    Francis Lawrence is directing the movie now from a script by Michael Lesslie. The ever-expanding cast also includes Peter Dinklage, Jason Schwartzman, Hunter Schafer, Josh Andrés Rivera, Ashley Liao, Sofia Sanchez, Mackenzie Lansing, Zoe Renee, George Somner, Isobel Jesper Jones, Lilly Maria Cooper, Max Raphael, Dakota Shapiro, Vaughan Reilly, Nick Benson, Knox Gibson, Amélie Hoeferle and Cooper Dillon.

    “The ‘Hunger Games’ films have always been elevated by their exceptional casting, and we are thrilled to be continuing that tradition with Viola Davis as Volumnia Gaul,” says Lionsgate motion picture group president Nathan Kahane. “Her formidable and powerful presence will add layers of complexity and menace to this story.”

    “From the beginning, Viola has been our dream for Dr. Gaul because of the finely layered intelligence and emotion she brings to every role,” comments franchise producer Nina Jacobson. “A brilliant and eccentric strategist, Gaul is instrumental in shaping a young Coriolanus Snow into the man he will become. We are incredibly fortunate to have an actor with Viola’s extraordinary range and presence to play this pivotal role.”

    “Dr. Gaul is as cruel as she is creative and as fearsome as she is formidable. Snow’s savvy as a political operator develops in no small part due to his experiences with her as the games’ most commanding figure,” enthuses Lawrence.

    ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ is scheduled for release in theaters on November 17th, 2023.

    ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’
    ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ will be in theaters on November 17th, 2023.
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  • ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel Adds New Cast

    Donald Sutherland as Coriolanus Snow in Lionsgate's 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2.'
    Donald Sutherland as Coriolanus Snow in Lionsgate’s ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2.’ Photo: Lionsgate.

    As pre-production continues on ‘The Hunger Games’ prequel movie ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’, studio Lionsgate has announced five new cast members, who join leads Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth.

    A variety of newcomers and rising stars, Jerome Lance, Ashley Liao, Knox Gibson, Mackenzie Lansing, and Aamer Husain are the latest recruits for the prequel.

    Francis Lawrence, who directed three of the ‘Hunger Games’ movies based on Suzanne Collins’ bestselling book series (‘Catching Fire’, ‘Mockingjay – Part 1’ and Mockingjay – Part 2’) is back behind the camera for this new one, which has seen script work from Michael Arndt and, more recently, Michael Lesslie.

    The story, based on Collins’ prequel novel, is set roughly 60 years before the events in the original book trilogy. It finds 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow (Blyth) as the last hope for his fading lineage, a once-proud family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With the 10th annual Hunger Games fast approaching, the young Snow is alarmed when he is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Zegler), the girl tribute from impoverished District 12.

    But, after Lucy Gray commands all of Panem’s attention by defiantly singing during the reaping ceremony, Snow thinks he might be able to turn the odds in their favor. Uniting their instincts for showmanship and newfound political savvy, Snow and Lucy’s race against time to survive will ultimately reveal who is a songbird, and who is a snake.

    Jerome Lance
    Jerome Lance is set to play Marcus, tribute from District 2 in Lionsgate’s ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo: Michael Shelford.

    Lance, who is in his final year at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, will play Marcus, a tribute from District 2.

    Ashley Liao
    Ashley Liao is set to play Clemensia Dovecote, one of Coriolanus’s closest friends and mentor to a tribute from District 11 in Lionsgate’s ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo: Paul Smith.

    Liao, who’s had roles in ‘Always Be My Maybe’, ‘Secret Society of Second Born Royals’ and Apple TV+ series ‘Physical’, will be the character of Clemensia Dovecote, one of Coriolanus’s closest friends and mentor to a tribute from District 11.

    Knox Gibson
    Knox Gibson is set to play Bobbin, tribute from District 8 in Lionsgate’s ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo: Dejan Arsovski.

    Gibson, recently seen in Netflix’s ‘Forgive Us Our Trespasses’ is an athlete and amputee and has spent six years acting in a variety of shows, movies, and commercials. He’ll be seen as Bobbin, tribute from District 8.

    Mackenzie Lansing
    Mackenzie Lansing is set to play Coral, a tribute from District 4 in Lionsgate’s ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo: Jessica Osber.

    Lansing, meanwhile, who appeared in ‘The Deuce’ and ‘Mare of Easttown’ and has shot a role in Gareth Edwards’ new sci-fi movie ‘True Love’, has scored the part of Coral, tribute from District 4.

    Aamer Husain
    Aamer Husain is set to play Felix Ravinstill, mentor to a tribute from District 11 in Lionsgate’s ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo: Curtis & Cort Photography.

    Finally, there’s Husain, making his film debut after working on an episode of Canadian cop drama ‘Hudson & Rex’. He’ll be Felix Ravinstill, mentor to a tribute from District 11.

    Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson are back as producers alongside Lawrence, and the new movie will explore unseen territory, looking into the earlier days of the Hunger Games and their dreadful impact on society of Panem.

    ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ will land in theaters on November 17th, 2023.

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  • First Teaser for ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’

    ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’
    ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ will be in theaters on November 17th, 2023.

    It’s a bold move to put out a teaser trailer before you have any real footage to show, and the movie is more than a year away, but after the confusion and chaos of the last two years and their pandemic-altered movie release schedules, it’s actually refreshing to see studios planting PR flags like this again.

    Of course, going so early with your first look at a movie means you can’t show off any of the film itself, so the teaser for ‘Hunger Games’ prequel movie ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ is mostly just snazzy CG versions of the title’s creatures.

    With Lionsgate officially confirming that the movie is in the works at a big CinemaCon presentation earlier this year, most of the news so far has been in casting: ‘Billy the Kid’s Tom Blyth was announced earlier this month as the younger version of Coriolanus Snow, the man who will go on to become the tyrannical President of Panem (and played by Donald Sutherland in the ‘Games’ movies).

    And starring as the young tribute who impacts his life years before he ascends to command the county? ‘West Side Story’s rising star Rachel Zegler.

    Francis Lawrence, who directed three of the four ‘Hunger Games’ movies based on Suzanne Collins’ bestselling book trilogy, is back behind the camera for this new one, which has seen script work from Michael Arndt and, more recently, Michael Lesslie.

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    The story finds 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow as the last hope for his fading lineage, a once-proud family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With the 10th annual Hunger Games fast approaching, the young Snow is alarmed when he is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, the girl tribute from impoverished District 12.

    But, after Lucy Gray commands all of Panem’s attention by defiantly singing during the reaping ceremony, Snow thinks he might be able to turn the odds in their favor. Uniting their instincts for showmanship and newfound political savvy, Snow and Lucy’s race against time to survive will ultimately reveal who is a songbird, and who is a snake.

    Though if we’re honest, given that one of the characters becomes famous for singing and one is the man who will grow up to sneer for an entire country, we’re not really in much doubt as to which is which.

    At least with the presence of a brand-new character, we can expect a little drama as to whether Lucy will actually make it out of the games alive – Snow, of course, will go on to rule, but his journey will be about how this experiences changes him… For better or worse. Having seen the Presidential version, we’re going to go ahead and assume worse.

    ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ will be in theaters on November 17th, 2023.

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  • Best Performances of Jennifer Lawrence

    Columbia Pictures

    The accomplished actress is only 31, and yet it feels like she’s taken on a lifetime of juicy roles. Pretty much every film she gets screen time in, she makes her indelible and entertaining mark.

    Here are eight times Jennifer Lawrence stole every scene:

    1. When she turned heads in “Like Crazy.”

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    While the romantic drama focused on Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones’ characters’ love story, Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal as Yelchin’s one-time girlfriend affirmed her magnetic and unforgettable presence even in the most minor roles.

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    2. When she made even the most reluctant superhero movie viewers fans of the new “X-Men” films.

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    Way to add your signature comic timing, Jen!

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    3. When she made the movie as good as the book, for once.

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    YA novels don’t have the best critical track record when it comes to their film adaptations, but J. Law managed to pour heart and ferocity into badass Katniss on screen.

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    4. When she made audiences laugh, cry, and dance like nobody was watching in “Silver Linings Playbook.”

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    Jennifer’s Oscar-winning performance brought depth and humor to an already complex character.

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    5. When she nailed every line in “American Hustle.”

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    When  you’re Jennifer Lawrence, you can make anyone seem sympathetic and utterly compelling, even standing up to an incredible ensemble of esteemed actors.

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    6. When she made a somewhat standard biopic into a tour-de-force.

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    I never knew I cared so much about the Home Shopping Network.

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    7. When she totally creeped everyone out in “Mother!”

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    Sure — the movie was full of WTF moments, but it was hard to keep your eyes of Lawrence through all the chaos.

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    8. When she became an acting force to be reckoned with.

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    If you have not seen Jennifer’s breakout performance in “Winter’s Bone,” what are you even doing here? Get to it!

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  • ‘Hunger Games’ Star Sam Claflin Joins ‘Charlie’s Angels’ Reboot

    Lionsgate

    The upcoming “Charlie’s Angels” reboot is serving as an unofficial “Hunger Games” reunion, with actor Sam Claflin reportedly set to join the production.

    Variety has the scoop that Claflin, who played the dashing tribute Finnick Odair in the last three “Hunger” films, will star in this new version of “Charlie’s.” He’ll once again appear opposite fellow “Hunger Games” star Elizabeth Banks, who’s playing one of several different Bosleys in the flick. Banks is also serving as director and producer on the project.

    There’s no word yet on the identity of Claflin’s character, but the sky truly seems to be the limit for this flick, which is determined to set itself apart from its predecessors. As noted above, one way it’s doing just that is by including multiple versions of Angels handler Bosley, portrayed by an all-star team of Banks, Patrick Stewart, and Djimon Hounsou. (And we wouldn’t be surprised if additional Bosleys pop up, too.)

    The film is set to follow the now-international Townsend Agency, which has teams throughout the globe, and center around the exploits of a trio of Angels played by Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska. They provide security and intelligence services to a wide variety of private international clients.

    We’ll be eagerly awaiting this version of the classic series. “Charlie’s Angels” is due in theaters on September 27, 2019.

    [via: Variety]

  • Sam Claflin Recalls Being Fat-Shamed & Grabbed on Set ‘Like a Piece of Meat’

    The 32nd Santa Barbara International Film Festival - Closing Night Film: 'Their Finest'It’s not exactly progress to think that actors are starting to have it as bad as actresses when it comes to being body-shamed and told to lose weight. We live in an era of smooth-chested superheroes and shirtless TV heartthrobs, and the response from fans has led to more pressure on actors to live up to that physical ideal.

    Sam Claflin is a handsome guy, but he told The Sydney Morning Herald he’s “insecure” about his body, thanks to being judged by The Powers That be on set, and also probably by “Hunger Games” fans when he was cast as Finnick.

    “I read in an interview recently and I think it’s absolutely true: men have it just as bad,” Claflin told the Sydney paper. “Well, not just as bad but they get it bad and it’s never talked about. I remember doing one job when they literally made me pull my shirt up and were grabbing my fat and going ‘you need to lose a bit of weight’. This other time they were slapping me. I felt like a piece of meat. I’m not saying it’s anywhere near as bad as what women go through but I, as an actor approaching each job, am insecure – especially when I have to take my top off in it – and so nervous. I get really worked up to the point where I spend hours and hours in the gym and not eating for weeks to achieve what I think they’re going for.”

    This is a modern trend, Claflin knows, adding:

    “In the ’50s and ’60s, it was never an issue. James Bond never had a six pack. He had a hairy chest. Marlon Brando​ in A Streetcar Named Desire had an incredible body but he was by no means ripped to within an inch of his life. There’s a filter on society that this is normal but actually it’s anything but normal.”

    Yeah, that sounds like the world of most female stars — you are the piece of meat who exists to be attractive to the viewer. Nowadays, studios recognize that straight men are not the only fans they can make money from, so that just means the male body now gets to be exploited as well. Huzzah?

    Claflin’s comments sound reminiscent of “Game of Thrones” star Kit Harington (Jon Snow) telling Page Six he finds it “slightly demeaning” to be labeled a hunk.

    “It really is and it’s in the same way as it is for women. When an actor is seen only for her physical beauty, it can be quite offensive. Well, it’s not just men that can be inappropriate sexually; women can be as well. I’m in a successful TV show in a kind of leading man way and it can sometimes feel like your art is being put to one side for your sex appeal. And I don’t like that.”

    Entertainment Weekly dug up a photo on Claflin’s Instagram, posted this past December, featuring a model many fans erroneously thought was him:

    This picture has been following me around for some years, and well, there are many people I want to thank for it: Firstly, the person who dedicated a lot of time and hard work training and sculpting their body to within an inch of its life. Seriously, well done! Secondly, the person who dedicated a lot of time and effort into resizing and reshaping my face so it fits on that body. I can only assume it’s no easy feat, so congratulations must go to you too – for making this look even remotely realistic. And lastly, to everyone who actually believed (if even for a second) that this could be me. Wow. Bless you. Like, really, really thank you. I’m flattered. But it isn’t me. It never was me. Don’t get me wrong, I have worked out before, and I really like it when I do, but to THIS extent? Not something I’ve done yet. Maybe one day, eh? Right now, I’m enjoying my work, and being a Dad for the first time, and it’s getting way too close to Christmas for me to spend any free time I DO have in the gym. But bless you. #dadbod #imhappyasme #imhappyasmeandyoushouldbetoo #merrychristmas #photoshopphonies

    A post shared by Sam Claflin (@mrsamclaflin) on

    Sam Claflin can next be seen in “My Cousin Rachel,” which opens June 9.

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  • Watch Jennifer Lawrence & Other Celebs Mock Woody Harrelson’s Live Film Plan

    Did you know that Woody Harrelson will attempt to be the first person to broadcast a film live as it is being shot, starting this Thursday, Jan. 19? It’s a wild idea, and his friends think it’s “f*cking stupid” and “batsh*t crazy” and he’s an idiot for attempting it. But good luck!

    Vanity Fair got a bunch of Woody’s friends to roast him for a 3-minute video posted to the site, with mock “don’t do it” pleas from Jennifer Lawrence, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Matthew McConaughey, Jimmy Kimmel, Liam Hemsworth, Bill Maher, Josh Hutcherson, Ted Danson, James Marsden, Will Ferrell, Naomi Watts, Edward Norton, and more — including Jesse Eisenberg, who said it was a great idea until he realized it was from Woody Harrelson, not Woody Allen.

    As Jennifer Lawrence put it, while having her makeup done, “Woody, you’ve had so many bad ideas, but this is by far the worst one.”

    Watch the video. All said with love!

    According to Vanity Fair, the live-streamed film, “Lost in London” — which also stars Owen Wilson and Willie Nelson — will screen in select theaters via Fathom Events on Thursday, January 19.

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  • 12 Great YA Books That Could Be the Next ‘Divergent’

    %Slideshow-371761%The release of “Allegiant” signals the inevitable end of the “Divergent” franchise (one final installment, “Ascendant,” comes out next year). So it’s time to examine what as-yet-unmade young adult novels have a chance to join “Harry Potter” and “The Hunger Games” on the list of Best YA Films.

    Although “Divergent” and “Maze Runner” have been commercially-successful dystopian stories, and realistic contemporary tales like “The Fault in Our Stars” have generated critical appeal, many more young adult adaptations have failed to launch — even ones with built-in fandoms at the ready. Here are 12 optioned YA novels worthy of the big screen.ya books that would make great movies

  • 11 Greatest Female BAMFs in Movie History

    %Slideshow-370856%What’s the legacy of “La Femme Nikita,” which opened stateside 25 years ago this week?

    Well, it spawned an American remake (“Point of No Return“), two TV series, and a filmmaking career (Luc Besson’s) centered on telling stories of strong women fighting against a world of brutality and betrayal. But it also spawned a new kind of action heroine: sexy, stylish, lethal, full of attitude — and not afraid to show the emotional toll of her violent ways. Here, then, is a celebration of Nikita and the badass heroines who have followed in her stiletto-heeled footsteps.