Philip Seymour Hoffman Talks the Politics of The Hunger Games

10/28/2012Philip Seymour HoffmanEllie

Philip Seymour Hoffman is one of the biggest names now attached to The Hunger Games films. Excitement is building on how this extremely talented actor can make our new Head Gamemaker come to life. The Independent caught up with Hoffman to discuss his film, The Master, but also discussed The Hunger Games along with other films. He has some great thoughts on The Hunger Games!

Warning: Mockingjay book spoilers ahead.

Currently shooting Anton Corbijn’s political thriller A Most Wanted Man, he already has musician tale A Late Quartet in the can and there’s talk he will direct again – a supernatural drama called Ezekiel Moss. But, most intriguingly, he’s about to star in Catching Fire, the sequel to The Hunger Games. Based on the hit books by Suzanne Collins, in which teenagers in a totalitarian society are forced to fight to the death for mass entertainment, Hoffman will play Plutarch Heavensbee, the politically astute head gamemaker, who organises the tournament.

“I wasn’t aware of the books until the film came out and people made me aware of them,” he says. “I’m in the middle of reading the last one now; they’re very special.

“She’s written these books for teenagers about fascism and they overthrow fascism, and then what overthrows fascism is as bad as the fascist government. It’s so smart.” Does he think teens get the political subtext? “I can’t see how they couldn’t. She’s very clear.” So does this mean he’s about to become a teen idol? “I don’t think that will happen!” And he smiles – a rare ray of sunshine across a cloudy face.

Read the full article here!

It sounds like he really gets the themes of the books, and is really impressed with our beloved Suzanne Collins. We could not agree more! It’s always great to see that our actors really appreciate the books. What do you think? Are you excited to see Plutarch come to life?

Source: The Independent via HG Girl on Fire