Latest news with #Mockingjay
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Elle Fanning Finally Reacted To 'Sunrise On The Reaping' Fans Calling For Her To Play Effie
The cast might be the best movie cast of 2026 — and it definitely proves that the Hunger Games team knows exactly what to look for when casting a role. Joseph Zada as Haymitch? Jesse Plemons as Plutarch? Ralph Fiennes as President Snow? I didn't think it could get much better than then it was announced that Elle Fanning is joining too. And OG Effie, Elizabeth Banks, just weighed in! Here's what Elle Fanning said about playing Effie Trinket in Sunrise on the Reaping. Who's playing Effie Trinket in Sunrise on the Reaping? Elle Fanning will step into the role of a young Effie Trinket (played by Elizabeth Banks in the original Hunger Games series), who serves as the District 12 stylist in the 50th Hunger Games. And Elle's convinced the fans had something to do with the role. 'I think fans made this happen in a way. [Lionsgate] said they were getting kind of hounded online, like, 'Elle needs to play Effie,'" Elle told MTV. "Effie has always been my favorite character. I think Elizabeth Banks, she to that character. I love her." "I'm super excited. I texted the producers as well, and I think she's perfect," Elizabeth Banks told at her The Better Sister premiere May 21. "I think everyone's really happy. And I'm really happy about that. I'm excited for the next generation to have their Effie." And the internet has gone crazy. "The most locked in casting director of recent memory," one X user , while another , "she's so perfect for the role." "if this is true then their casting is on point!" a third person . (It is true, and it is on point). But could we see Elizabeth Banks return, too? The actress told that she'd be open to returning — maybe in a Sunrise on the Reaping epilogue? "Yeah, of course, I love her," she says. "I would, if the fans want to." "I love Effie, it's one of my favorite characters," she continues. "She was not really in Mockingjay, so a lot of that came from the empathy that I got to bring to that character and the community I built with all of the collaborators on that film, including Suzanne Collins, and I think that Effie and Haymitch together became such a phenomenon that it's no surprise to me that Haymitch is getting a story now too." Who else do you want to see in the cast? Check out our with producer Nina Jacobson for more! This post has been updated. Solve the daily Crossword
TimesLIVE
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Another well-deserved bow
This time round, the story manages to take you back to the world Collins initially introduced her readers to, and she has produced a Hunger Games narrative that's closer to the first two books. There's an arena with a cornucopia of vile things devised by the game-makers. There's loss and anger and cruelty and glimpses of humanity through scheming and plotting — both in and out of the arena. It's not quite the mastery of Katniss's Hunger Games, mostly because it's lacking our original heroine, but it gets close, and it offers a hint of that addiction that laced the first three books. What this book does offer — and what I relished — is more threads with which Collins weaves her backstory. Whether she always had these details in the back of her mind when she started writing this body of work, or whether she's conceptualised them now as she's expanded the origins of this dystopian world she's built, they are satisfying regardless. They're not spoilers or unnecessary details, but rather what I think of as post-the-hunt Easter eggs that click into place with a nostalgic familiarity. We're offered more of the Covey, the nomadic, music-loving group-come-family from which Lucy Gray hailed, are given a glimpse into the forming of Plutarch Heavensbee's rebel tendencies, and meet a fresh-faced Effie Trinket. There are also new characters who are tied to familiar names you would remember from Mockingjay. That said, nothing quite prepares you for what lies in store for Haymitch by the end of it all. But while the ending is one of loss and despair, these are not the feelings readers are left with. The epilogue makes a redeeming save with what gave me the feeling that we've reached the end. I don't think that Collins is going to squeeze out another book — and I certainly don't think she should. This is the final chapter we needed — it's the tiny, neat, red ribbon with which she's tied together a prolific body of work.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Where to watch all four Hunger Games films for free ahead of Sunrise of the Reaping
The Hunger Games franchise is one of the biggest in the world and now fans can soon enjoy a back-to-back marathon of all four films for free. The Hunger Games fans can look forward to watching the Jennifer Lawrence saga for free ahead of the next prequel's cinema release. The Hunger Games, based on Suzanne Collins' best-selling novels, made its blockbuster debut in 2012 and has since become one of the globe's most successful film franchises. Set centuries into the future in the post-apocalyptic nation of Panem, the narrative unfolds under the oppressive rule of the Capitol. Each year, the Capitol enforces a brutal tournament, compelling each district to send a boy and girl to partake in a televised battle to the death, until only one victor remains. When Katniss Everdeen's (portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence) sister is selected for The Hunger Games, she steps forward in her place. Now, fans are in for a treat as they'll have the opportunity to binge-watch all four films in a free marathon. Starting with the original film, followed by Catching Fire and then Mockingjay parts one and two, the marathon will be available to stream from 4.55pm on Sunday, July 27, via Pluto TV. No subscription is necessary to enjoy Pluto TV's free content, which can be accessed through the Pluto TV app or a streaming service device like Roku or an Amazon Fire Stick. This Hunger Games marathon comes as anticipation builds for the franchise's next prequel, set to hit cinemas on November 20, 2026. Back in 2024, it was revealed that the prequel Sunrise on the Reaping was in development, following the release of Collins' novel earlier this year. The film is set to take place 24 years prior to the first film, focusing on the 50th Hunger Games, which featured Woody Harrelson's character Haymitch Abernathy. Harrelson's younger counterpart will be played by actor Joseph Zada, known for his recent role in the Prime Video thriller We Were Liars. Joining him will be Gossip Girl's Whitney Peak, The Great's Elle Fanning, Young Sheldon's McKenna Grace and Stranger Things' Maya Hawke. All four films will be available for streaming consecutively on Pluto TV's free Moviesphere channel from 4.55pm on Sunday, July 27.
Metro
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Gripping prequel soars up Netflix charts as fans declare it 'best in franchise'
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes has just dropped on Netflix, and fans are already calling it the 'best film in the franchise'. It's proving so popular, in fact, that following its Netflix debut this week, it's climbed into the top 10. Released in November 2023, the action/adventure movie is based on the 2020 novel of the same name, serving as a prequel to 2012's hugely successful The Hunger Games, which starred Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson. Set decades before the iconic Mockingjay era, this dark and dazzling prequel tells the origin story of a young Coriolanus Snow—the man who would later become Panem's most feared president. Long before he wore white suits and ordered rebel bombings, Snow was just another ambitious teenager clawing his way out of poverty and into power. He's played by Tom Blyth with an unnerving mix of charm, desperation, and icy control, making the fall from grace feel both inevitable and hard to watch. Opposite him is Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird, a District 12 tribute with a voice that hypnotises and a will to survive that rivals Katniss', though she's anything but a carbon copy. Lucy Gray is no rebel, and Zegler cleverly brings her to life with her electric performance. From her haunting ballads to her quiet tricks, she commands every scene she's in—and fans can't stop talking about her. 'I like how they made another strong female character without having to resort to Katniss' clone who fights good,' @nogoodpho wrote on Reddit. Add in a show-stopping performance from Jason Schwartzman as Lucky Flickerman and Viola Davis as the terrifying Dr. Gaul, and you've got a film that's part dystopia, part musical, and 100% watch-worthy. When it hit cinemas in late 2023, Songbirds and Snakes received mixed reviews—some critics loved its ambition, while others were put off by its slow burn and darker tone. It did, however, gross $349million (£255.6m) off its $100m (£73.2m) budget. And now that it's streaming, audiences are giving it—and its 64% Rotten Tomatoes score—a second look, and this time, they're hooked. Social media is buzzing with praise, fan theories, and 'I told you so' posts from people who always believed the prequel would be a game-changer. @nolanpflan wrote: 'In my opinion this hands down the best movie in the Hunger Games franchise.' 'I was gripped the entire runtime and never felt an ounce of boredom. I just wish they went the extra mile and went a full three hours for the sake of the last act, but I'm still very pleased.I truly think this is leagues above the other four Hunger Games films,' @tacomasters added. Another viewer, @karpaensi, praised the release: 'You know it's a good movie when it haunts you. I watched it and I've been thinking about it all day.' And they're not wrong. Unlike the later films in the original series, which leaned heavily into politics and revolution, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes—which features the song Can't Catch Me Now from Glastonbury headliner Olivia Rodrigo—keeps the focus on the arena and the twisted beginnings of the spectacle we came to know. It's brutal, raw, and unflinching in its depiction of how easily human suffering can be turned into entertainment—and how fast a desperate boy can become a monster. Director Francis Lawrence, who helmed Catching Fire (2013) and both Mockingjay (part 1 in 2013 and part 2 in 2015) films, returns with a sharper eye, creating a world that's more grimy than glossy—and all the better for it. This is Panem at its most fragile and dangerous, and the Capitol isn't the polished powerhouse we're used to—it's the definition of chaos, and it is just starting to realise how powerful fear can be. More Trending Without giving too much away, it pulls the rug out from under you, then pulls it once again, just when you think you're back on your feet. Everyone has a different theory, and that's all part of the magic. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is streaming now on Netflix. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Andrew Lloyd Webber shares safety fears over Rachel Zegler's Evita stunt MORE: Rachel Zegler's Evita faces backlash over trigger warnings – but critics miss the point MORE: Evita fans give verdict on Rachel Zegler's controversial balcony performance
Digital Trends
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Digital Trends
3 underrated HBO Max movies you should watch this weekend (June 6-8)
Fans of Succession will be surprised to see that Jesse Armstrong has returned from his brief hiatus with a new project, Mountainhead. The movie was written and filmed earlier this year. It's now on HBO Max. Now that's efficiency. No one knows how to dump on the rich better than Armstrong. One of the highlights this month is the first four Hunger Games movies. One of the entries, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1, is on this list of underrated movies to watch this weekend. Check out all of our picks below. Recommended Videos We also have guides to the best new movies to stream, the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max, and the best movies on Disney+. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014) Looking back at the 2010s, the Hunger Games franchise dominated pop culture thanks to memorable phrases like 'I volunteer as tribute' and the arrival of Jennifer Lawrence as an A-list star. The first two movies are significantly better than the final two in the quartet. That being said, Mockingjay — Part 1 is arguably the most politically charged of the four movies. After escaping the arena in Catching Fire, Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence) is transported to the underground District 13, where the rebels prepare their attack against the Capitol. Katniss must embrace her Mockingjay identity and become the symbol of hope. The Hanging Tree scene and the final cliffhanger with Peeta are two of the top 10 moments of the franchise. Stream The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1 on Max. Tangerine (2015) Sean Baker became the talk of the town this past year with Anora. The off-the-rails dramedy won five Oscars, with Baker becoming the first person to win four for one movie. With Baker's Oscar win still fresh, revisit Tangerine, the movie considered by many as his breakthrough. Like most of Baker's protagonists, Tangerine features sex workers at the center of the story. Sin-Dee (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) is a trans sex worker fresh out of a short stint in prison. After finding out her pimp cheated on her, Sin-Dee and fellow trans sex worker Alexandra (Mya Taylor) set out on a journey across Los Angeles to find him. Tangerine highlights Baker's best qualities — do-everything filmmaking, innovative style, visual flair (shot on iPhones), and expertise in balancing comedy with drama. Stream Tangerine on Max. Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009) Before he investigated the Yellow King and piloted a mission across the galaxy, Matthew McConaughey was Mr. Rom-Com. Ghost of Girlfriends Past is the final movie in his rom-com run before taking a break to reevaluate his career. In this interpretation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, McConaughey plays Connor Mead, a playboy bachelor who holds multiple relationships with women at once. The day before his brother's wedding, Connor runs into Jenny Perotti (Jennifer Garner), the one who got away. After making a fool of himself, Connor encounters the spirit of his late uncle Wayne (Michael Douglas), who says he will be visited by ghosts of his romantic past, present, and future. Dickens' fans can rest easy knowing Ghosts of Girlfriends Past is not better than its source material. However, the B-movie is a charming showcase for McConaughey and Garner. Stream Ghosts of Girlfriends Past on Max.
