Tag Archives: Josh Hutcherson

Watching The Midnight Premiere For The Hunger Games – A Review

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Last night I braved the crowds (full of tweens and despondent parents), the imminent bad weather, and staying up past my self proclaimed bed time for a movie that I have been waiting to see for MONTHS. The Hunger Games finally premiered in theaters last night, and I will go ahead and say this: It was FANTASTIC!

But I am going to take this review in three parts: Pre-movie, the actual film, and the aftermath.

Pre-film:

I have never attended, or wished to attend, a midnight premiere of a film. That is, until The Hunger Games was in the picture. I LOVED the trilogy, I read it in like a three day period and have been anticipating the film since then. So I’ll admit it, I bought tickets to the midnight viewing the day they were available.

I, as a 23 year old adult, totally geeked out for this film. Thanks to our sponsored giveaway from SkinIt, I had a Hunger Games skin on my tablet. While waiting in line, I got tons of compliments for it. Many said they wished they had one like it. The SkinIt skins look seamless. I had it for a Samsung Galaxy Tab, and it fit PERFECTLY.

I also fit in, probably too well, with all the tweens and young kids there, with my District 10 backpack that was custominzed with my name and Capitol citizen number, and my Down With the Capitol t-shirt. That’s right, I wore those things… But it was great.

One of the best things about going to a midnight premiere is the camaraderie. All these people that love a story as much as you do, all experiencing something that you all know is going to be HUGE. I kind of enjoyed that. For once I wasn’t lame for being so excited because everyone else was as excited I was.

The Film:

OH MY. This film was just as good as I thought it was going to be. I had been anticipating this film so much that I was a little worried that I would be disappointed. But I was surprised how closely it actually followed the book.

Honestly, there were a few things they changed that caught my attention, but they changes didn’t detract from the film, or affect the overall story.

Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss surpassed everything I could have expected from her. She is one of the best actresses I have seen in a long time. Every scene was so full of emotion. During the reaping day scenes I really felt and saw her terror when she volunteered. She knew how to act like she knew she was heading to her death. So much acting chops in one actress. I cried during the goodbye scenes before they left for the Capitol. I was so impressed the way she ran through the forest, dodging fireballs, and was able to pull herself up into trees. She embodied everything that is the character of Katniss Everdeen. I honestly do not think that any other actress would have been able to pull it off like she did.

I have mentioned before my love for Josh Hutcherson as Peeta, and it was reinforced by watching the film. He truly embodied the character I had pictured when reading the novel. He easily slipped between love sick baker boy, to warrior with the careers, to weak almost dying tribute. Hutcherson is a very talented actor who made the perfect Peeta.

The whole movie was an emotional roller-coaster that kept you enticed from beginning to end. I felt the same way about the novel when I read that, and was excited to see that that feeling translated to the big screen.

Rue’s death. Seriously. Tears. My face was a waterfall. They overlayed Katniss’s breakdown from her death with scenes of the riot beginning in District 11. It was just. Beautiful. My very manly boyfriend attended the film with me, despite not reading the books, and even he shed a tear at Rue’s death. If you don’t cry or at least tear up at that scene then you are not human!

There is only one scene that was missing from the film that I really wish had been included. When Peeta is still healing in the cave, instead of being put to sleep by the medicine by Katniss, he merely fell asleep. I loved that scene in the novel, and was a little disappointed that it played out differently in the film.

Something I liked that they changed was the way Thresh kills Clove near the end. It was incredibly brutal in the novel, but they tamed it down in the movie. I don’t think I could have handled seeing it the other way.

Every scene with the cornucopia was perfect. Just how I imagined it reading it all those times.

Aftermath:

Gary Ross is a surperb director. He was able to translate the novel almost flawlessly to the big screen. Fans of novel will not be disappointed with this adaptation. Once you get into the film, you stop thinking about the things that are different from the novel and you just fall in love with the characters from the novel all over again.

A big part of why this adaptation is so great, is truly the actors. They were so incredibly talented that they became their characters totally.

As we were leaving, I didn’t hear anyone saying anything other than praises for the film. Even those who had obviously gotten drugged their with their friends, family, and significant others, left the film as a fan.

This is one of the best book to film adaptations I have ever encountered. I don’t think any fan of the book will be disappointed with the way the film played out. It also will make new fans out of those who haven’t read the book.

So, go see it! It is totally worth it.

The Hunger Games Was Almost a Television Series?

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Can you imagine The Hunger Games television series? No, I don’t mean they are thinking of creating one (although they might I don’t know) but rather, fans almost got a television series INSTEAD of the mega blockbuster hit film hitting theaters tonight at midnight (of which I will be in attendance).

According the NYDailyNews, Producer Joe Drake supposedly revealed at the Cinema Society’s post-premiere party for the picture on Monday night, that the project was almost adapted into a series for the small screen. Apparently this was a big reason on why the 2008 novel took so long to become a major motion film.

Although there was no reason given for why the switch was made from television to film, I’m pretty sure most people are probably happy with the decision.

The film hasn’t even premiered yet and it has already begun breaking records at the box office. It seems it will be one of the biggest pictures of the year.

The Hunger Games is the movie adaptation of the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins. It is followed by the sequels Catching Fire and Mockingjay. 

The plot for the film is as follows:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the governing body, the 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. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her sister from going in to the ghastly arena. She is joined by Peeta Mellark, a boy she knew who once saved her life.

You can see the official cast below:

  • Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
  • Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark
  • Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy
  • Willow Shields as Primrose “Prim” Everdeen
  • Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne
  • Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
  • Lenny Kravitz as Cinna
  • Paula Malcomson as Mrs. Everdeen
  • Amandla Stenberg as Rue
  • Alexander Ludwig as Cato
  • Dayo Okeniyi as Thresh
  • Isabelle Fuhrman as Clove
  • Jacqueline Emerson as Foxface
  • Leven Rambin as Glimmer
  • Jack Quaid as Marvel
  • Donald Sutherland as President Snow
  • Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman
  • Wes Bentley as Seneca Crane
  • Latarsha Rose as Portia

New Exclusive Clip: Peeta’s Interview With Caesar

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I hate myself a little bit for watching this clip. Some of you may remember that this scene was on my list of scenes I was most excited to see in the film. I kind of wish I hadn’t watched it, but I couldn’t resist! The film is less than two weeks away and I am getting antsy.
This clip features favorite character Peeta professing his love for Katniss Everdeen on stage in front of all Panem (and who wouldn’t love her?)
Good did come out of seeing this clip though. Peeta, being my favorite character in the whole series, I was a little worried that he wouldn’t be portrayed the way I wanted. I knew Josh Hutcherson was casted perfectly for the film, but when it comes to book adaptations, sometime you worry.
I think he did a fantastic job delivering this scene. And once again, I am incredibly anxious to see this movie at midnight next week.
You can watch the new clip below:
The Hunger Games is the movie adaptation of the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins. It is followed by the sequels Catching Fire and Mockingjay. 

The plot for the film is as follows:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the governing body, the 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. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her sister from going in to the ghastly arena. She is joined by Peeta Mellark, a boy she knew who once saved her life.

You can see the official cast below:

  • Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
  • Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark
  • Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy
  • Willow Shields as Primrose “Prim” Everdeen
  • Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne
  • Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
  • Lenny Kravitz as Cinna
  • Paula Malcomson as Mrs. Everdeen
  • Amandla Stenberg as Rue
  • Alexander Ludwig as Cato
  • Dayo Okeniyi as Thresh
  • Isabelle Fuhrman as Clove
  • Jacqueline Emerson as Foxface
  • Leven Rambin as Glimmer
  • Jack Quaid as Marvel
  • Donald Sutherland as President Snow
  • Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman
  • Wes Bentley as Seneca Crane
  • Latarsha Rose as Portia

Journey 3: Profit!

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A Trip to the Moon

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island has already raked in over $270 million at the box office worldwide.  With such a huge success, the only logical thing is to milk it for more.  Warner Bros. has tapped director Brad Peyton with writers Brian and Mark Gunn to create the next movie.  It is not known yet whether we will see Josh Hutcherson, Dwayne Johnson or Michael Caine in the next movie.  If they really wanted to make it a grand tie in, they’d have all three plus Brendan Fraser from the first movie.

The film which is a sequel to Journey to Center of the Earth 2008, is also inspired by Jules Verne, The Father of Science Fiction.  The movies thus far have followed the naming convention of Verne’s novels as well as the general setting.  However I doubt the Rock is really what the first nerd author had in mind.

Obviously the movies take place with a familiar, more contemporary start point than what the books were written for; back in the 18th century and all.  Even the characters are written from scratch and have no bearing on the current day story.  Starting from present day civilization, the adventurers find themselves in extraordinary places and situations.  Then again, not all of Verne’s work is cut out for adaptation.  It would be funny though if I ever saw a Journey movie called Dick Sand, A Captain at Fifteen.  It’d be more hilarious if they could somehow bend the movie away from the topic of slavery; maybe they’d make it about vampires.

I haven’t watched these movies.  Up until I saw the title, I didn’t even remember they existed until I saw the trailers for both.  If I look away from the screen right now, I’m convinced that the memories will fade again and I’ll have to start tracking the memory by drawing on myself with a marker.  So I have no real reasonable argument to make against watching these movies.  In saying that, I’m not a very reasonable person.

Where’s the steam punk action?  The novel that this movie is loosely based on is a tie in to Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.  Even back then, publishers were all about sequels and crossovers.  As I understand it, there is a scene in the movie where the heroes need to take Nemo’s Nautilus, but that’s backwards!

The third movie Journey 3 is currently being slated for release sometime in 2014.  The next adventure will most likely be called Journey 3: From the Earth to the Moon.  It’s pretty much planted as the Rock gives Sean the very same Jules Verne book in the current movie.  In Verne’s story, a gun club fires an oversized bullet ship into space; via the gun called Columbiad.  It’s not that different than being shot to the moon by a rocket called Columbia.

What can we expect from adventures on the moon?  Well if we can look past the deadly sentient robots, we can enjoy what Fungineers have created.

We’re whalers on the moon,
We carry a harpoon.
But there ain’t no whales
So we tell tall tales
And sing our whaling tune.

Catching Fire Script Delivered to Suzanne Collins

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The Hunger Games hasn’t even been released yet, and the world already knows it is going to be a hit. (I’ll admit it, I bought tickets for the midnight showing… something I have never done before). So it was no surprise when a few months ago it was confirmed that the other novels in the series, Catching Fire and Mockingjay, were also going to be adapted.

It was recently confirmed that the script for the second film based on the second novel has been sent to author Suzanne Collins for review. This is a big step forward for the film to begin production even though it is scheduled to be released more than a year from now.

Screenwriter Simon Beaufoy recently said regarding the script:

 “I just finished the first draft, literally a few days ago. I’m waiting to see what everyone thinks.”

He also went on to say that Collins knows her audience very well and knows what they can and can’t cut out.

“Actually, she’s reading possibly right now the first draft. She’s involved a lot and there will be things. She just knows her audience brilliantly and she’ll say, ‘That bit you just can’t cut out because they’ll all go crazy.’ And other bits she’ll go, ‘This is fine. You can change this.’ But she really knows her readers and because she’s been in the film world, she understands about adapting, that things have to go and things have to change. She’s been fantastic to work with.”

Beaufoy revealed that he had actually worked very closely with Collins on The Hunger Games script and the same is going to be true for Catching Fire. It has also been confirmed that the three lead stars, Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson, have already signed on for four movies of  the franchise.

Beaufoy also said that similarly to The Hunger Games it will be a very close adaptation with only a few minor tweaks here and there.

“Things always do have to change otherwise there’s always something very flat about very faithful adaptations,” he said. “But on the other hand, there’s an extremely loyal fan base and readership and you just have to be careful of how many liberties you do take.

He also said,

“So fortunately Suzanne is here to help me,” he continued. “She’s reading this draft at the moment and she’ll tell me, ‘You can’t do that. You must do this.’ Because there are some things that are sacrosanct to her readers and she knows them very well and she’ll let me know.”

Catching Fire follows Katniss as she and Peeta leave the Capitol and head home following the events of The Hunger Games. Once home, however, she and Peeta must act the part of a loving couple in an attempt to quell growing anxiety and rebellion among the citizens on Panem. Instead things grow worse and she has to figure out where she stands as the girl on fire and deal with the new twist thrown into the 75th Hunger Games Quarter Quell.

Lionsgate has announced that Catching Fire is set to hit theaters on Nov. 22, 2013.

Suzanne Collins Praises Hunger Games Film

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I would be lying if I didn’t say that despite my excitement for the movie adaptation of The Hunger Games, I was a little worried about it missing the mark of the novel. So it was a relieve to hear that author, Suzanne Collins, has praised the finished project.

Collins recently wrote on the official Hunger Games Facebook page that she was “really happy” with the finished movie. She also had great things to say about Gary Ross for remaining faithful to the novel but she commented that he added a “rich and powerful vision” to the society she created.

“And, my God, the actors,” Collins added. She singled out the “extraordinary” Jennifer Lawrence, who stars as the young heroine, Katniss.

It is really great to hear that Collins enjoyed the adaptation. To many times we have remakes that anger not only the fans but also the writers. It is even worse that there is so much hype around this particular film that there is a lot of pressure to make it awesome. With the endorsement of the author it seems that this will at least do the novel justice. And I can say I will be right there on opening night to find out.

The Hunger Games is the movie adaptation of the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins. It is followed by the sequels Catching Fire and Mockingjay. 

The plot for the film is as follows:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the governing body, the 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. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her sister from going in to the ghastly arena. She is joined by Peeta Mellark, a boy she knew who once saved her life.

You can see the official cast below:

  • Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
  • Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark
  • Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy
  • Willow Shields as Primrose “Prim” Everdeen
  • Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne
  • Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
  • Lenny Kravitz as Cinna
  • Paula Malcomson as Mrs. Everdeen
  • Amandla Stenberg as Rue
  • Alexander Ludwig as Cato
  • Dayo Okeniyi as Thresh
  • Isabelle Fuhrman as Clove
  • Jacqueline Emerson as Foxface
  • Leven Rambin as Glimmer
  • Jack Quaid as Marvel
  • Donald Sutherland as President Snow
  • Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman
  • Wes Bentley as Seneca Crane
  • Latarsha Rose as Portia

New Hunger Games Promo And Photo Stills Released

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New Hunger Games content was released today that was met with excitement all around. A new trailer was released that featured the song Safe & Sound. Also released today were new stills from the movie featuring President Snow, Haymitch, Seneca Crane and Katniss.

Even though the movie is pretty close to being released, the media marketing for the film is not ending just yet. Also today, the MPAA has officially released its rating for the film ass PG-13 for “intense violent thematic material and disturbing images – all involving teens.”

The Hunger Games takes place every year in the ruins of what was once North America. The governing body, the 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. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her sister from going in to the ghastly arena. She is joined by Peeta Mellark, a boy she knew who once saved her life.

The film is the big screen adaptation of the novel written by Suzanne Collins and was directed by Gary Ross. It stars Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark, and Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne. It also includes Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, and Lenny Kravitz as supporting characters.

(Personally, I don’t think I could be more excited about this film!)

We have seen tons of new trailers recently, but this one is slightly different. One new scene they actually featured in this trailer was a bigger glimpse into the first meeting between Katniss and Peeta, even if just for a moment. You can watch the new promo video below:

You also get a better look at some of the films supporting characters such as President Snow (Donald Sutherland), former Hunger Games champion Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson), and deadly District 2 “tributes” Cato (Alexander Ludwig) and Clove (Isabelle Furhman). You can see the new images below:

Photos courtesy of Lionsgate and Entertainment Weekly.

The Hunger Games Cast To Help The Fight Agaisnt World Hunger

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The stars of The Hunger Games have teamed up to aid in the fight against world hunger. (seriously, could they have picked a better organization to team with!) Stars Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson have recorded a video announcement for the cause which you can view below.

The message from the video reads: “The Hunger Games, the cast and producers are teaming up with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Feeding America to raise awareness about hunger in the United States and around the world.”

I am loving that they did this. I think that with the popularity of the film, it will bring much needed attention to the cause and problem that is world hunger.

Top 3 Scenes From The Hunger Games I Am Most Excited To See

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With the massively anticipated film, The Hunger Games, little less then a month away from hitting theaters, my personal anticipation for the film is growing. Yes, I preordered midnight showing tickets, and yes I read all three books in less than three days, and most certainly, yes, I am team Peeta (and no I can’t believe I just said that…) Either way, the point is, we are all excited for this film.

After reading the novel and considering the film, I have decided these are the three scenes from the book that I am most excited to see in the big screen adaptation. Unfortunately, we know that when it comes to movie adaptation of books, often things are left out for time purposes (although director Gary Ross maintains this is a very faithful adaptation) so hopefully these three scenes will remain intact for our viewing pleasure.

:::::Caution: there are a few tiny spoilers if you haven’t read the novel:::::

The Interview With Caesar Flickerman

I had to put this one, because I am girl who can’t resist a good proclamation of love. And I would be lying if I said my heart didn’t melt when Peeta professed his love for Katniss. I mean what girl didn’t enjoy that (even albeit slightly). It was a sweet moment, even if at the time you weren’t sure if it was a true revelation or manipulation. Thankfully, we all know it was a revelation of true love. When I read it, I read into its sincerity and thats something that Peeta isn’t able to fake during the games or even afterward. I hope Josh Hutcherson (who plays Peeta) will be able to pull off the sincere admission of love in the movie.

Either way, it was a great scene in the novel and I am looking forward to squealing in girlish delight when the scene plays in the theater.

Tripping of Tracker Jacker Venom

This was definitely one of the more intense moments of the novel. Katniss drops the nest of tracker jackers on the careers camp, killing two of them. However, in the process she gets stung several times and begins to hallucinate. I am very curious on how they are going to film this because basically, she was tripping. Her hallucinations are vivid and bright and incredibly weird.

I am excited to see this scene, because I think watching it will be pretty powerful compared to just reading about her tripping on the acid. I am also curious how the visualization of the weird things she sees will translate on screen.

The Feast

Easily my favorite scene in the novel. (The end with the berries is pretty awesome too, but c’mon you knew they would both live or there wouldn’t be two more books!) While reading, you know there is so much at stake when Katniss drugs Peeta to go to the feast and retrieve precious medicine and materials they need.  It was pretty intense and I couldn’t force myself to stop reading this. I can guess its going to be even more intense of the big screen. The feast scene adds more intensity when Katniss is about to be killed and Thresh saves her life.

While this is easily one of the most brutal scenes in the novel (I mean Thresh does cave in Clove’s skull) I know they will probably lighten it a little bit, however, even if it is a little less bloody, I really hope they retain the immense anxiety and fast paced imagery that the novel employs. Seriously, it was brutal.

I have mentioned before how much I loved this book series, and I still do. And frankly, I haven’t been this excited for a movie since Arrested Development announced chances of a movie. I will be moderately happy with the adaptation if at least these three scenes remain relatively intact. (But hopefully this really is a faithful adaptation and I will love it) I think all three are crucial turning points in the novel and should remain as they are.

The Untold Secrets of The Hunger Games

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The people over at The Hollywood Reporter recently did a photo shoot and interviews with the stars and director of the highly anticipated film, The Hunger Games. They also highlighted several “untold secrets” regarding the casting and production of the film adaptation.

The Hunger Games film is the big screen adaptation of the novel written by Suzanne Collins. The film is the first of a four film franchise that will adapt the two sequels to the novel, Catching Fire and Mockingjay. 

“After the trailer launched Nov. 14, we had 8 million views in the first 24 hours,” says Lionsgate Films president Joe Drake. “We were the number one Twitter trend on the planet. Since then, the book sales have jumped 7.5 million copies. That kind of data gives us enormous confidence.”

As you may know the film stars Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark, and Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne. The rest of the cast includes Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz and Elizabeth Banks.

Some of the secrets included:

Jennifer Lawrence, the actress who plays Katniss Everdeen, took three days to accept the lead role. While several actresses were considered for the role, Lawrence was ultimately rewarded the spot. Even though she hesitated when it came to accepting the role. Lawrence has stated that she credits her mother for accepting the role.

“I called my mom and she called me a hypocrite, because when I was doing indie movies and everyone was asking why I didn’t do studio movies, I said, ‘The size of the movie doesn’t matter.’ And she said, ‘Here’s a movie you love and you were thinking of turning it down because of its size.’ I thought, ‘I don’t want to miss out because I’m scared. Me being scared, I never want that to stop me fromdoing something.’ But I knew in my heart that I wanted it — it was about working out all the fears.”

It was also revealed that Lionsgate operated on a very tight budget to make the film. It was reported that the film eventually cost a little more than $90 million, reduced to $78 million after subsidies.

They also confirmed that the lead trio are in fact contracted for the entire franchise which includes 4 movies based on the three books of the series. Also that director Gary Ross is committed to working on the sequel as well, which will hopefully begin shooting in September.

You might not know that Lawrence had an accident while training for the film that almost halted filming of the adaptation. The actress revealed during the interview:

“I had to do 10 ‘wall runs,’ where you run at the wall as hard as you can to get traction, I ran at it and my foot didn’t go up, so I caught the wall with my stomach. My trainer thought I had burst my spleen. I had to get a CAT scan and go into a tube where they put this fiery liquid in your body. I was still pretty bulked up from X-Men: First Class, So a lot of the training was getting muscle back, heightening the muscles without building them. I loved the archery — well, I have a love-hate relationship with it.”

Probably the most unnerving parts of filming the project was the fact that the set was 100 degrees and included bears. During the interview with THR, Ross related that not only were there bears in the woods they were shooting but also 100-degree heat and rain that was almost daily. He added:

“we’d only get to shoot four or five hours a day,”

Liam Hemsworth also revealed that when he got the role of Gale in the movie, that his brother gave him a little bit of advice regarding his new project.

“My brother Chris texted me before shooting and told me to lose weight. He said, ‘It’s called The Hunger Games, not The Eating Games!’ “

You can read the entire article from The Hollywood Reporter here or watch the behind the scenes video from the photo shoot below: