Based on the first book in a trilogy by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games is projected to be the next Harry Potter or Twilight sized hit. Lionsgate is hoping for big bucks with The Hunger Games, and if they keep up with trailers and ads like the trailer they released today they’ll most likely get ’em.
Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Academy Award nominee Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone, X-Men: First Class) stars as Katniss, and she seems to have the character nailed. The film is directed by Gary Ross, the director of Seabiscuit and Pleasantville. Ross is known for being very selective about his film making, having only made two films in twelve years, but his skill is palpable. Lionsgate was smart to get very smart and talented people working on this adaptation, and it looks lie it will pay off very well for them.
The Hunger Games hits theaters March 23rd, 2012.
