Lionsgate have been gearing up for the release of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire nicely this week, treating us a series of character posters for Francis Lawrence’s upcoming blockbuster sequel.
The first instalment in the franchise of course did very big business last year, and we’re looking forward to seeing what Lawrence brings to the table for the sequel in Gary Ross’ place.
The recent series of Capitol Couture portraits most recently gave us our first look at Jeffrey Wright as franchise-newcomer Beetee. And now The Huffington Post have shared the first look at the brilliant Jena Malone as Johanna Mason, a newcomer in the sequel like Beetee.
THE HUNGER GAMES: 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.
Jennifer Lawrence is of course reprising her role as the young female lead, Katniss Everdeen. And she’s joined by another fantastic ensemble, led by Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Sam Claflin, Elizabeth Banks, Jena Malone, Stanley Tucci, Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Willow Shields, and Donald Sutherland.
Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend) is at the helm, directing from a script by the Oscar-winning Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours), with a rewrite by Michael Arndt (Toy Story 3, Star Wars Episode VII), adapting the original novel by Suzanne Collins.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire will be released on 22nd November in the UK and US, and is sure to open big at the box office. Especially since it currently has no competition opening alongside it that weekend. For now, here’s the latest character poster, giving us our first look at the great Jena Malone.
