Gary Ross Talks Casting Katniss in ‘The Hunger Games’ and More

Posted on Friday, December 17th, 2010 by Germain Lussier

As director Gary Ross begins preparations to adapt one of the most popular books of the past few years, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, the most important decision he must make is casting his lead character: Katniss Everdeen. A self-sufficient, 16-year-old bad-ass female hero, Katniss is one of two kids selected from her district to compete in the annual titular fight to the death; a government organized, televised event in which only one child will survive and bring glory to their people.

It’s a decision almost on par with Chris Columbus choosing Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter or Catherine Hardwicke casting Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen. The role of Katniss Everdeen has the potential to be that iconic.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Ross confirmed that he has not yet spoken to any actress about playing the role but will start to do so soon. And when he does, he has some strong thoughts on the subject. The Hunger Games is scheduled to being shooting in late Spring 2011. Read Ross’s quotes on casting Katniss, see two actresses who have already began petitioning for the role and more after the jump. Read More »

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VOTD: ‘Hunger Games’ Fan-Made Short Film

Posted on Thursday, November 18th, 2010 by Germain Lussier

Someone is gunning for your job, Gary Ross. Or, at least trying to do your job for you. A group of talented filmmakers from the Utah based production company MainStay Productions shot at 10 minute short dramatizing a moment from The Hunger Games, a book by Suzanne Collins which is currently being adapted into a major motion picture from Lionsgate with Gary Ross attached to direct. The book is about a government organized, televised, battle to the death in which one boy and girl from each district are required to participate and kill each other.

Directed by John Lyde, the purpose of this short was to serve as an audition for “several actors I know [that] are talented enough to be involved with the feature film,” according to YouTube. The clip in question focuses on the main character Katniss, played by Danielle Chuchran, and her friend Rue, played by Savanna Kylie Lewis. It got the attention of The Hollywood Reporter, it has our attention and it might just grab yours too if you check it out after the break. Read More »

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