The third installment of the blockbuster “Hunger Games” franchise will open in cinemas next week, and we can’t wait to watch it. Here are some things you need to know:
The movie will be two hours and three minutes long and will take you to District 13. “There’s really nothing in this movie that you’ve seen before of Panem… It’s a whole new journey for the audience,” said producer Jon Kilik.
Expect a lot of action. Director Francis Lawrence said, “This chapter gave us a chance to reveal entirely new locations with amazing action sequences.”
Julianne Moore will play President Coin. Jennifer Lawrence, who plays Katniss Everdeen, said, “When I heard she was going to play Coin, it was the most exciting, unbelievable news in the world. I think Julianne is one of the greatest actresses of all time, just absolutely phenomenal. She was even more impressive in person. She is such a sweet family woman and also hilarious. Working with her was a dream come true.”
It’s Gale’s time to shine. Gale fans will get a bigger dose of the character in the movie. “He’s had enough as far as The Capitol’s abuse goes, so he’s not scared to stand up to it. He feels ready to go to war…” said actor Liam Hemsworth.
Josh Hutcherson was excited to play a darker Peeta in the film. “It’s actually what I was most looking forward to as an actor from reading the books,” he said.
Plutarch Heavensbee is Philip Seymour Hoffman’s last role before he passed away. Francis Lawrence said, “Phil was so great, hitting both on Plutarch’s sene of humor and his politican maneuvering.” The film is dedicated to him.
You will still see Effie Trinket in the Mockingjay films, a change that came with the blessing of “Hunger Games” author Suzanne Collins. Francis said, “When Suzanne saw ‘Catching Fire,’ she called and said, “There’s no way Effie Trinket cannot be in the Mockingjay films.”
District 13’s strict rules may ban colorful outfits, but Effie still manages to have fun with fashion. Elizabeth Banks, who enjoyed working with design team Kurt and Bart, said, “We called her outfits the ‘Project Runway’ of District 13, turning the standard issue stuff people wear and turning it inside out.”
“Game of Thrones”’ Natalie Dormer will be playing Cressida.
Grammy winner Lorde handpicked the movie’s soundtrack.
“Mockingjay” Part 1 opens in cinemas on Nov. 20.
