Jennifer Lawrence has already earned an Oscar nomination and drew attention as Mystique in X-Men: First Class. Now she steps into Katniss Everdeen as The Hunger Games lands in theaters. In discussion about the project, she shared how she approached the iconic role and what it means for audiences across North America.
How excited are you for people to see the movie? Extremely excited. After months of hard work and the stress that comes with a major release, she looks forward to hearing how viewers respond.
Fans had strong opinions about the Katniss casting, but she says she does not follow online chatter. She avoids the Internet and learned of reactions to her appearance only after interviews, by which time her hair had already shifted from blonde to brown.
How did you prepare for the movie? Preparation involved grueling physical training: free running, sprint work, endurance runs, combat drills, and intensive stunt practice.
How important was it to put your mark on the role versus staying faithful to the book? She described shaping Katniss through her own interpretation, a balancing act between the source material and her instincts, not a pure page‑by‑page copy.
What were some of the challenges involved in this shoot? Filming took place outdoors in the forests of North Carolina, where weather was a constant factor. Frequent rain, stifling heat, and high humidity affected schedules and daily takes.
How was working with Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson? On set, they were terrific partners. They brought warmth, humor, and clear talent, making scenes with them enjoyable every day.
What is it about the story that appeals to readers and hopefully moviegoers? Katniss’s arc speaks to many: a girl thrust into heroism who becomes a symbol of freedom and revolt while the story critiques society and humanity. It invites viewers to consider how modern life can numb itself through spectacle.
Will the movie be as dark as the book? Yes. The intensity of the violence anchors the heartbreak, and the production chose to preserve that gravity rather than soften it, ensuring the emotional impact remains true to the source.
Thank you to Jennifer Lawrence. For more on The Hunger Games, readers can check the latest issue of The Magazine. Images courtesy of Lionsgate