Jessica
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Posts by Jessica
Trevor Donovan: Finnick is “Dream Role”
May 16th
Some of you may remember Trevor Donovan from this post, where we highlighted his Hunger Games song, “Mockingjay.” Well, the 90210 actor has now thrown his name into the mix for Finnick Odair, which has quickly become the most coveted role in the future of the franchise. Endorsed by Perez Hilton, Donovan had this to say about the role:
I’m humbled and honored, but most of all excited, because Mario [Lavandeira, a.k.a. Perez] is a good guy. All actors have a dream role; playing Finnick Odair is mine. I know the odds are stacked against me. I’ll be going up against big stars like Zac Efron and Armie Hammer, but you know what, I want it more and am very passionate about it, it’s not just another job to me, it’s much more than that. I’m not saying that it is for them. I was a fan before anyone knew the Hunger Games series would be made into movies. I read all the books the day they first came out and knew right there and then I wanted to play Finnick. I’m definitely the underdog in this race, but I’m committed and going to give it all I’ve got. As Effie Trinket says, “May the odds be ever in your favor.”
It would seem that Trevor Donovan is a true fan of the trilogy, but what do you think of him being a part of it? Let us know in the comments how he fits your image of Finnick!
Liam Hemsworth Punk’d Preview
May 15th
We all remember when Josh Hutcherson was Punk’d not too long ago (and if you’ve forgotten, check it out here!) Now it appears to be Liam’s turn. Girlfriend Miley Cyrus decided to play a prank on Liam by– well, let’s let the preview speak for itself!
What do you think of Miley’s prank on Liam? Will you be tuning in to watch the whole thing unfold? The episode airs Thursday, May 17th at 10pm EST on MTV, so check it out and leave your opinions in the comments!
Stanley Tucci: Americans for Marriage Equality
May 3rd
Stanley Tucci appears in a recent Americans for Marriage Equality video that details his support for committed gay and lesbian couples’ right to get married.
Americans for Marriage Equality is a public engagement campaign featuring prominent Americans who support committed gay and lesbian couples getting married. The campaign draws from a cadre of supportive professional athletes, film and music celebrities, and political and civic leaders.
To see more videos such as this one, go here (the Human Rights Campaign website). Other videos feature stars such as Kristen Bell (who, as it happens, is campaigning to play Johanna Mason) and singer Jason Mraz.
Wes Bentley Joining the Cast of ‘Chavez’
May 3rd
Wes Bentley, our beloved Seneca Crane, has just landed the role of Jerry Cohen in the indie drama ‘Chavez.’ The film is being headlined by Michael Pena, America Ferrara, and Rosario Dawson.
Keir Pearson’s script depicts Chavez organizing the largest nonviolent protest in U.S. history to accomplish his ultimate goal of obtaining basic human rights for over 50,000 farm workers in California.
Bentley will play Jerry Cohen, the fearless attorney who became the backbone of the United Farm Workers’ legal efforts. His work resulted in many important constitutional decisions that continue to protect farm workers to this day.
The announcement includes a picture of Bentley– sadly, however, he has lost the famed facial hair. We are sure that he will be just as excellent in ‘Chavez’ as he was in ‘The Hunger Games.’ What are your thoughts on his latest role?
No Hard Feelings at Lionsgate for Gary Ross: ‘Houdini’ Offer
May 2nd
Millions of Hunger Games fans can let out a sigh of relief– though Gary Ross bowed out of continuing on with the franchise that has made over $600 million, there appears to be no hard feelings between him and Lionsgate/Summit, the recently-merged studio that produced ‘The Hunger Games.’ Summit is in negotiations with Ross for a film called ‘Houdini,’ based off the book The Secret Life of Houdini, The Making of America’s First Superhero.
The tome, published in 2006 by Atria Books, became known for insinuating that the master magician and premier escape artist acted as a spy for Britain, helped the Secret Service and was in cahoots with police organizations.
All of the Hunger Games fandom can feel reassured that the split between Ross and the studio was amicable. And the addition of Francis Lawrence to the franchise comes with a bit of an ironic spin–
In a twist that a magician would love, Lawrence is attached to his own Houdini project that is set up at Columbia.
What do you think about the studio’s negotiations with Ross? Are you happy to see him working with them again, or are you still wishing he would have stayed on for Catching Fire?
Elizabeth Banks on Fashion and Twitter
May 1st
Elizabeth Banks sat down for a quick interview with Lucky Magazine, where she sometimes guest 
blogs. She began with what she was wearing (for she has a fashion sense that even Effie would envy!)
On her glittering plum dress: ”This is Matthew Williamson Fall collection. It has wings. And slits, so it’s edgy. See that? I’m edgy.”
On the awesomeness of Twitter: ”I love Twitter and the interaction with fans, but there’s also not the expectation that I HAVE to interact with them.”
On growing up in Western Massachusetts: ”I got zero fashion inspiration. I grew up in a very small town—we didn’t have a mall until I was a teenager. It was only one story, and it was not a place you went on a Friday night. We had a JC Penney, Sears, and TJ Maxx. So if you looked in Vogue and tried to approximate something you’d see in Vogue, you’d go to TJ Maxx and spend five hours looking through the racks.”
The sign of a true fashionista: resourcefulness! Check out the rest of the interview here, and let us know what you think of her answers in the comments!
Leven Rambin’s Pre-Games Workout Regimen
May 1st
We all know that it took incredible dedication on the cast members’ parts to get themselves into 
shape for ‘The Hunger Games’– but what exactly does one do to get into Career-mode? Leven Rambin, who played Glimmer from District 1, talked to the L.A. Times about her fitness routine that got her ready for the film.
I had about two months to prepare for the fight sequences and physically train. I did lots of spinning, probably an hour and a half a day. I also did boot-camp-style exercises — rolling kettle bells and balls that weighed 30 pounds across the room, using ropes, and rolling tires around, military style.
Every other day, on the days that we weren’t training, I would go hiking or running around Los Angeles, by myself or with my friends. I also did some sprinting — I was pushing myself. Dieting was also a big part of it, so no dairy and no carbohydrates whatsoever.
And that’s only the tip of the iceberg! Leven goes on to explain how she had to work specific muscles for the fighting sequences, especially with swords and other weapons. The interview also delves into how varied terrains affected Leven’s workout and fitness– training in a studio is far different from running outside in North Carolina!
For more on Leven’s fitness regimen and training, check out the article here. How many of you think you could last two months as a full-fledged Career? Let us know!
Donald Sutherland to be Honored at Film Festival
Apr 27th
Donald Sutherland, our President Snow, is going to be presented an award at the inaugural Champs-
Elysees Film Festival. Occurring this June, the festival is set to include both American and French films. There will be recognizable names in attendance, from Harvey Weinstein to Christina Ricci and Wes Craven.
Sutherland will also be at the festival for an homage to his prolific career. The actor will also be named Commander of Arts and Letters by the French cultural minister. The Alan J. Pakula-directed Klute (1971) will screen followed by a “Hollywood conversation” with Sutherland.
Congratulations go out to Donald Sutherland for achieving such an honor and being recognized in a festival’s inaugural year! If you’re in Paris, you’ll be pleased to know that most of the festival is open to the public, so feel free to check out the main article here and makes plans to attend!
Gary Ross to Speak at USC Commencement
Apr 27th
A lucky graduating class at the University of Southern California will have Gary Ross as their 
commencement speaker this May!
“The Hunger Games” director Gary Ross will be the commencement speaker at the USC School of Theater’s graduation on May 11.
Ross, who has earned four Oscar noms to date, received USC’s scripter award in 2004 for “Seabiscuit.”
“Gary is a wonderful example of a superb artist who combines a rigorous aesthetic standard with stories that have broad-ranging appeal,” said Dean Madeline Puzo.
Wow! Anyone out there from USC who is excited as we are? Let us know how you feel in the comments!
Josh Hutcherson Wins CinemaCon’s Breakthrough Performance of the Year
Apr 27th
Josh arrived at the CinemaCon Awards last night to accept the award for Breakthrough Performer of the Year. The awards were held at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.
At the awards, Josh had time to talk about his thoughts on Francis Lawrence directing Catching Fire, the Catching Fire scene he cannot wait to shoot (SPOILERS!), how he’s adjusting to stardom, his previous works, and what he looks for in a girlfriend!
What do you think of his responses? We’re all very happy to see Josh’s hard work being recognized and know it’s the first award of many.
