bloody-disgusting.com

CATCHING-FIRE

New Image From ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ Cools Off

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on April 11, 2013 @ 9:49am
Category: Movies / Images

Lionsgate/Summit has released a new image for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, which depicts Katniss returning home. I know some of you wonder why we cover the series – it’s because of its thematic tues to Battle Royale and its’ dystopian take on the future. I know I liked the first movie.

In theaters November 22, “The sequel begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a “Victor’s Tour” of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) – a competition that could change Panem forever.”

Jennifer Lawrence, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz, Jena Malone, Donald Sutherland and Josh Hutcherson all star. Head inside for the image. READ MORE

Hunger_Games_Catching_Fire_Banner_Effie_3_4_13

Elizabeth Banks Lounges Around In Latest ‘Catching Fire’ Poster

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on March 04, 2013 @ 3:32pm
Category: Movies / Images

Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Catching Fire will again feature the great Elizabeth Banks in her role as Effie Trinkett. I like Banks a lot, so I’m hoping she has more to do this time. Update: We’ve added a poster of Stanley Tucci as the host of the games, Caesar. Apparently they’re starting with the purple-haired characters first.

In theaters November 22 from director Francis Lawrence, “As the sequel to the 2008 bestseller “The Hunger Games,” it continues the story of Katniss Everdeen and the fictional, futuristic nation of Panem. Due to the events of the previous novel, a rebellion against the ruling Capitol has begun, and Katniss and fellow tribute Peeta are forced to return to the arena in a special edition of the The Hunger Games.”

Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones, Woody Harrelson, Jena Malone, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Lynn Cohen, Patrick St. Esprit, Meta Golding, Bruno Gunn, Maria Howell and Sam Claflin all star.

Head inside for the posters! READ MORE

New Images And Poster For ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ Blaze Up

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on January 14, 2013 @ 1:41pm
Category: Movies / Images

Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, hits theaters November 22, 2013 from director Francis Lawrence. That’s still a ways away, but the stills and now posters are beginning to emerge.

“‘Catching Fire’ begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a “Victor’s Tour” of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) – a competition that could change Panem forever.”

Head inside to check out the stills and the poster! READ MORE

First Image From ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ Targets Your Face

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on January 09, 2013 @ 10:33am
Category: Movies / Images

We now have the first official image for Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, in theaters November 22, 2013 from director Francis Lawrence. Not a lot of analysis to be had here, in the images from the first film she was facing to the side, now she’s facing forward.

Head inside for a better look! READ MORE

‘Catching Fire’ Has Started Shooting

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on September 11, 2012 @ 9:53am
Category: Movies / News

Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Catching Fire officially started shooting yesterday in Atlanta, Georgia. Francis Lawrence is directing the film and Lionsgate has set a release on November 22, 2013. Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones, and Woody Harrelson will return in their roles.

The film will be produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force with producer Jon Kilik.

Recent Catching Fire castings include Patrick St. Esprit, Jena Malone, Lynn Cohen, Amanda Plummer and Philip Seymour Hoffman. READ MORE

Philip Seymour Hoffman Becomes Head Gamemaker For ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on July 09, 2012 @ 12:28pm
Category: Movies / News

Philip Seymour Hoffman has officially been cast in Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Catching Fire as Plutarch Heavensbee, head gamemaker for The Hunger Games, says Variety.

The studio signed Francis Lawrence to direct Catching Fire in early May. Lionsgate is planning to shoot the movie starting in the fall for a November 22, 2013 release date.

Suzanne Collins’ “Catching Fire” story features a special edition of the Hunger Games every quarter-century in which tributes are “reaped” from the victors of past games. Slumdog Millionaire screenwriter Simon Beaufoy is crafting the “Fire” script.

Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones, and Woody Harrelson will return in their roles. The film will be produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force with producer Jon Kilik.

Lionsgate has not set the release dates for the final two films in the franchise, based on the concluding “Mockingjay” tome in Collins’ trilogy.

Jena Malone Will Be ‘Catching Fire’

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on July 03, 2012 @ 6:02pm
Category: Movies / News

Last week there were reports that Jena Malone (pictured above; Sucker Punch, The Ruins) was in the running for the pivotal role of strong-willed tribute Johanna Mason in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and now it’s been confirmed despite some last minute reporting to the contrary.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, “Malone has the offer and is in early negotiations for the part, according to sources. The move nixes premature reports that pegged newbie actress-model Zoe Aggeliki as the front-runner to play the ax-wielding former Hunger Games winner from District 7.” The character is described in author Suzanne Collins’ bestseller as possessing “a wicked ability to murder,” winning her Hunger Games by pretending to be weak and then picking off the other tributes.

As previously reported, Francis Lawrence will be taking the directing reigns from Gary Ross on the sequel. It starts filming in late September and is due in theaters November 22nd, 2013.

Philip Seymour Hoffman Offered Lead Role In ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on June 12, 2012 @ 1:23pm
Category: Movies / News

While rampant speculation on who is or is not in the running for the role of “Finnick Odair” in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire continues to set the Internet ablaze, producers have reportedly made their first offer for another pivotal role in the sequel.

According to multiple reports, EW reports that Oscar-winner Philip Seymour Hoffman (pictured) has been asked to play “Plutarch Heavensbee,” the new Gamemaker at the Capitol after Seneca Crane (Wes Bentley) was creatively executed at the end of The Hunger Games. Plutarch is a far savvier political animal than his predecessor, and he plays a crucial role in the events of Catching Fire.

Director Francis Lawrence is due to begin shooting the film later this fall with Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones and Woody Harrelson all set to return.

As the sequel to the 2008 bestseller “The Hunger Games,” it continues the story of Katniss Everdeen and the fictional, futuristic nation of Panem. Due to the events of the previous novel, a rebellion against the ruling Capitol has begun, and Katniss and fellow tribute Peeta are forced to return to the arena in a special edition of the The Hunger Games.

Francis Lawrence Officially Directing ‘Catching Fire’ For November 2013 Release; Full Cast Announced!

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on May 03, 2012 @ 12:32pm
Category: Movies / News

Lionsgate officially announced today that Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend, Constantine) has officially signed on to direct Catching Fire, the sequel to The Hunger Games, based on the second in a series of books by Suzanne Collins that has 36 million copies in circulation in the US alone.

“It is truly an honor and a privilege to bring “Catching Fire,” the second chapter of Suzanne’s beloved trilogy, to the big screen,” Said Francis. “I fell in love with the characters, the themes and the world she created and this chapter opens all of these elements up in such a thrilling, emotional and surprising way. I can’t wait to dive right into it and bring this chapter to life along with the truly superb cast and filmmakers involved.”

Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth will reprise their roles as Katniss, Peeta and Gale, with Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones, and Woody Harrelson also returning to their respective roles.

The film will be produced by Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. Production is slated to begin this Fall, and the film will be released on November 22, 2013.

The Hunger Games has broken many box office records since it opened on March 23, 2012. It achieved the highest grossing opening weekend ever for any non-sequel film and the third biggest opening weekend in box office history. It has already grossed $373 million at the North American box office, ranking in the top 20 films of all time, and it recently crossed the $600 million mark in worldwide box office.

Francis Lawrence Catches Offer To Direct ‘Catching Fire’

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on April 19, 2012 @ 8:28pm
Category: Movies / News

So much for David Cronenberg, Alfonso Cuaron and Bennet Miller, The Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire will be directed by Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend, Water For Elephants). Or at least it’s been offered to him (he’ll take it).

Per Variety, “Lionsgate has offered the ‘Catching Fire’ directing gig to Francis Lawrence… Lionsgate is planning to shoot the movie starting in the late summer.”

Earlier reports had claimed Lawrence as the frontrunner because his schedule was open. Lionsgate wants to get the sequel into production by August for a release date of November 22nd, 2013. The script will again be adapted by both novelist Suzanne Collins and screenwriter Simon Beaufoy. The Hunger Games, which echoes Running Man and Battle Royale, has surpassed $500 million worldwide – so I understand the need for a sequel. What I don’t understand is the rush to a release date. If the director of your big hit bows out in part because of time issues, it makes more sense to me to create time for him rather than find someone who will now have even less time to prepare.

It’s not like this thing isn’t going to be a hit – it is. I’m not necessarily against Lawrence, I’m against the rush. Lionsgate has a potential Harry Potter on their hands, a franchise of mega blockbuster films that could actually be known for being good, but they’re treating it like another Twilight. At least one HP film shifted release dates because it wasn’t ready. And another switched away from being in 3D because it didn’t look good. It’s too bad that choices from that mindset are comparatively bold.

The sequel, “features a special edition of the Hunger Games every quarter-century in which tributes are “reaped” from the victors of past games. Among the key new characters is Finnick, a combatant in the second book who leads a revolt against the Capitol, and the head Gamemaker in the second book who turns out to be working stealthily for the uprising.“

[News Bites] ‘Catching Fire’ Director List Grows, ‘Infected’ & ‘Monster Project’ Announced, Tim Burton’s ‘Vampire Hunter’ Art Contest & ‘Killer Klowns’ Toys!

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on April 18, 2012 @ 10:50am
Category: Movies / News

The official Facebook page for Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is hosting quite a unique contest. They’re asking artists to submit their own Lincoln-inspired work and fans to vote on their favorite. The top 5 will be narrowed down by none other than Tim Burton! Winner receives a midnight provate screening. Go straight to the entries and vote.

American World Pictures announced via their website that Jason Dudek has gone behind the camera for the sci-fi horror Infected, which will star Vinnie Jones (The Midnight Meat Train), Danny Glover (Saw), Taylor Handley and Margo Harshman. Here’s the logline: “A pharmaceutical company recruits a well-known scientist to help develop a vaccine against a deadly virus.”

Movie Mogul Ltd (Panic Button) have announced that their new feature film Monster Project has gone into development, says Screen Daily. Described as a “cross-genre” film, “‘Monster Project’ follows six teenagers who undergo a harrowing transformation into monsters, imbued with various abilities and ailments, and are forced to go on the run, fighting for their survival.” John Shackleton will write, direct and co-produce with Movie Mogul director of operations, Gareth I. Davies.

Playlist reports that Moneyball helmer Bennet Miller and I Am Legend‘s Francis Lawrence are also in contention to direct Catching Fire, Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games sequel. The slot recently fell open when Gary Ross bailed, and since then David Cronenberg, Alfonso Cuaron and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu have been targeted for the replacement job. “The sequel continues the story of Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and the fictional, futuristic nation of Panem. Due to the events of the previous novel, a rebellion against the ruling Capitol has begun, and Katniss and fellow tribute Peeta are forced to return to the arena in a special edition of the The Hunger Games.”

Amok Time has finally announced that they are now accepting pre-orders on their psychotic action figure duo – “Tiny” and Shorty” – from the cult classic film Killer Klowns From Outer Space, reports Figures. The pair, acquired by Amok way back in 2008, have faced an uphill battle to see release, but they are now slotted to arrive this November (this still leaves me skeptical). SOTA released just one Klown in 2006 – these two complete the trio of bloody bozos! Images inside. READ MORE

‘Hunger Games’ Sequel: Could Cronenberg Be ‘Catching Fire’?

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on April 12, 2012 @ 5:30pm
Category: Movies / News

Ok, let’s just say that for the sake of argument, you were annoyed that we covered Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games. Would have bothered you if, let’s say, David Cronenberg directed it?

The LA Times is reporting that now that Lionsgate and Hunger Games director Gary Ross have parted ways, the studio has been quickly cobbling together a list of directors who would fit their criteria.

The master list is seven or eight names long, all men, and all have some significant credits to their name. Lionsgate is basically hoping to re-create the Harry Potter moment when Warner Bros. brought Alfonso Cuaron to direct the third film in the series. In fact, Cuaron is in the mix for Catching Fire, along with David Cronenberg (The Fly, The Brood, Videodrome) and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu (Babel), among others.

The studio wants to get the sequel, Catching Fire, into production by August, and the task will require someone who can wrangle a large ensemble of actors, juggle the demands of a swift schedule and collaborate on a script with Suzanne Collins and writer Simon Beaufoy.

Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games, which echoes Running Man and Battle Royale, is nearing $500 million worldwide.

Simon Beaufoy Gives Updates On Danny Boyle’s Potential ‘Sharp Teeth’ And ‘Hunger Games’ Sequel ‘Catching Fire’

Movies
Posted by EvanDickson on March 09, 2012 @ 5:37pm
Category: Movies / News

SharpTeeth30912 Simon Beaufoy Gives Updates On Danny Boyles Potential Sharp Teeth And Hunger Games Sequel Catching Fire

Simon Beaufoy, along with Alex Garland, has become one of Danny Boyle’s go-to screenwriters with projects like 127 Hours and Slumdog Millionaire. He’s also writing Boyle’s upcoming (should Boyle approve the adaptation) almost werewolf movie Sharp Teeth. Sharp Teeth will be an adaptation of the novel-length poem by Toby Barlow.

Speaking to io9 he revealed that they might use real dogs (presumably enhanced), “It’s gangland LA. Except the gangs happen to also shapeshift into dogs. It’s all about pack dynamics… We have to make life much more difficult for ourselves and use real dogs. That would be the best, because that would be truly terrifying. I think animation would allow too much distance from it.”

He’s also working on the Hunger Games sequel, Catching Fire and I wholeheartedly agree with his philosophy on adaptations, “ one has to be very loyal to a fan base that is rigorous beyond anything I’ve ever come across. And yet, you still have to do the kind of brutal process of turning it into a film. Just transposing the book wholesale onto the screen, isn’t doing nobody any favors I don’t think. I always think faithful adapatations are a real mistake. That’s not reinventing what’s wonderful about the book onto the screen. That’s just a slightly scared way going, “We’ll keep it the same and it will be fine!” And it actually won’t because it’s the brother or the sister of a book, it’s not its twin, it’s different.” READ MORE

Oscar Winner to Pen ‘Hunger Games’ Sequel, ‘Catching Fire’

Movies
Posted by MrDisgusting on November 17, 2011 @ 2:53am
Category: Movies / News

Oscar Winner to Pen Hunger Games Sequel, Catching Fire

While Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games doesn’t arrive in theaters until March 23, the studio is playing it smart and planning ahead.

The mini-major is getting serious about the second installment as they’re already courting Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours scribe Simon Beaufoy to write Catching Fire, the second installment of the three book series that tracks the life and death adventures of Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence).

Deadline adds that Gary Ross, who directed The Hunger Games, is coming back for the sequel. It’s unclear if this is exciting news as we’ve yet to see the first film. Based on the newly released trailer, I’m mixed.

There is no start date on the sequel, but it is high priority. READ MORE