The stars of “The Hunger Games” walked their last ever London red carpet together on Thursday (November 5). But while bidding farewell to the hugely successful franchise, some of the cast said they would be keen to continue the adventure should author Suzanne Collins decide to write a spin-off.
“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2” brings to an end the series of films which have grossed more than $2 billion at the global box office. The stories are based on the dystopian young adult trilogy by Collins, the first of which was published in 2008. Though no other “Hunger Games” novels are in the pipeline, several of the actors said they would be happy to return to their characters and the film set if new material arose.
“I wish she’d [Collins] write 20 more books,” actor Woody Harrelson, who plays Haymitch, told Reuters.
“I’d do these forever, I love it, so fun. Best people,” he added.
Harrelson’s co-stars echoed those comments.
“For sure, I mean, if she [Collins] wrote something that she felt needed to be told and Peeta was a part of it, I absolutely would jump in,” said Josh Hutcherson.
“Sure, I love this character. I love what she represents and how big her heart got over the course of the films and her style. She’s had a great influence on me,” said Elizabeth Banks, who has become a fan favourite as Effie Trinket.
However, Hollywood veteran Donald Sutherland disagreed and said the films should be remembered for their message, not financial rewards.
“I think it would be a terrible mistake. This was designed to politicise young people, not to make profit. This was designed to be an organisation that engages young people to become politically responsible. We’re in a world that’s falling apart,” he told Reuters.
In “Mockingjay – Part 2”, defiant heroine Katniss Everdeen, who goes from competitor of the gladiatorial-like contest to the face of a rebellion, takes a stand against dictator President Snow. The movie is heavy on action, explosives and chases, often in underground locations.
Natalie Dormer, best known for her role in TV’s “Game of Thrones”, said she enjoyed the physical aspects of the production.
“It was a lot of fun to run around with the boys and, you know, that’s what happens when you freedom fight, gender becomes irrelevant. It’s all about liberty. So there’s plenty of examples of that around the world – of women picking up arms with their men to defend liberty. So I’m really proud of this movie,” she said.
“The Hunger Games” films are also famous for their elaborate set designs and costumes. Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence revealed she had taken “a few bows” home as a souvenir, while Harrelson said he took some clothes since Haymitch was “more stylish” than him.
“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2” rolls out across cinemas worldwide from November 18. (Reuters)