Ever since tearing through all three books of “The Hunger Games,” series, we’ve been anxiously anticipating any drips and dribbles of news about the film adaptation, which will be released on March 23, 2012.
Over the weekend, Lionsgate released some of the first publicity images for the film, which include portraits of Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks and Lenny Kravitz in character as Haymitch, Effie Trinket and Cinna, respectively. Those were certainly the most amusing to see, as we’ve already seen Jennifer Lawrence dressed in character. And the guys playing Peeta and Gale – Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth, well let’s just say no one’s too excited about those guys, period.
The costume of Effie Trinket indicates a lot about how the citizens of “The Capital” will look. In the book, they are described as having dyed skin and all manner of facial tattoos. But Banks looks a bit like Johnny Depp in “Alice in Wonderland.”
Also, news to me that Lenny Kravitz will be playing Cinna – the stylist that designs the costumes for Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark when they are selected to participate in the games. I’d always imagined Alan Cumming in that role, but Kravitz was great in “Precious” and it’ll be fun to see him again here.
It’s been noted elsewhere, and I’ll say it again here, that Woody Harrelson doesn’t look nearly as scrappy as his character, Haymitch, is – a broken down alcoholic who doesn’t often shower. But that is the sheen of Hollywood. I’d always pictured more of a Bob Hoskins type for that role.
And while we’re talking about it, who would you have cast as Peeta? And as Gale? Personally I see more of a meaty, jovial guy, like Chris Pratt as Peeta and while I don’t mind Liam Hemsworth for Gale, in my mind, he looked more like Jake Gyllenhaal. I pictured Effie Trinket to be played by someone like a mid-80s era Carol Channing. Katniss, I only ever pictured as Jennifer Lawrence, because I already knew she was cast before I read the books.
Who would be your dream cast? What do you think of the new “Hunger Games” posters?
