The latest image for the big screen adaptation of the first novel in Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games trilogy introduces us to the latest big name to join the cast, Lenny Kravitz.

After his first feature-film role in the 2009 drama Precious, this is only singer-songwriter Kravitz’s second non-cameo role. “In the last 22 years, while I was making my music, I was offered a lot of films,” Kravitz told Rolling Stone. “I just didn’t find the roles very interesting – a lot of clichéd type of stuff and really obvious things. I didn’t want to make films because I can. There’s no point in that.”

The Hunger Games is set in post-apocalyptic North America, now named Panem, where teenagers are chosen to battle to the death in annual televised games where only one can survive, an attempt to maintain control by those living in the Capitol in this very dystopian society.

“I always figured it would come back into my life,” Kravitz says of acting. “I was an actor when I was a kid. When I realized music was my thing, I just gave it up. I put blinders on, just focused on music. It’s come back now and I really am enjoying it.”

Kravitz plays the role of Cinna, a new stylist for the Games who is in charge of looking after the contestants of District 12, which includes main character Katniss (played by Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson). Cinna becomes a confidant to the rebellious Katniss, as he plays a big part in the preparation for these battles, for which he creates a series of striking outfits, including one that is set on fire.

He took the role after meeting with director Gary Ross (Pleasantville) and reading the first novel. “I thought it was really good storytelling,” he said. “I’m very much into stories. The character was interesting. I like Gary’s previous work. And I said, Yeah, let’s go.”

As a musician, and a stylish one at that, Kravitz is used to being in control of his work, which has made it very easy for him to relate to the character. “He’s very streamlined, he’s very quiet. ” Kravitz says of Cinna. “He knows what he’s doing. He’s confident. He’s got a big heart. I just liked the way he moved – very smooth.”

The Hunger Games is set to be released on 23rd March, here’s the new image: