I’m beginning to think Lionsgate will find a way to continue to cast The Hunger Games until the end of time. Never before can I remember a movie where every single member of the cast was revealed in a press release. However, I guess the casting of Donald Sutherland as President Snow, the autocratic ruler of Panem is newsworthy, as well as a good casting decision.
Sutherland joins a massive cast and as far as “name” actors go, he joins Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Woody Harrelson and Lenny Kravitz.
Filming on The Hunger Games is already underway from a script penned by director Gary Ross and “The Hunger Games” author Suzanne Collins. The story is set in the ruins of what was once North America, as every year the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. Part twisted entertainment, part 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 (Lawrence) is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy (Harrelson). 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.
As far as Sutherland is concerned, the character of President Snow has what is described as a snake-like appearance and is cruel and ruthless in his intimidation and control tactics. While I was reading I can’t say I necessarily pictured Donald Sutherland, but now that he’s been cast it is actually a very good selection, probably the first casting decision I actually heard and thought, Now that makes sense.
The Hunger Games will be released by Lionsgate on March 23, 2012.
