Image Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Image
Elizabeth Banks is in serious talks to play bright-eyed, chipper-voiced Effie Trinket in Gary Ross’ adaptation of The Hunger Games, EW has confirmed. If she indeed signs on for the role, Banks would play the officious candy pink-haired handler of District 12 tributes Katniss and Peeta, brought to life by Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson respectively. EW’s own Keith Staskiewicz has long had his fingers crossed for Banks in the supporting role. (And while he is a total smarty pants, and completely called this potential casting, I have a wildly different take on Effie’s character. “Gleefully,” my foot.)
The Hunger Games goes into production in North Carolina at the end of May.
Read more:
‘Hunger Games’ Central
Team ‘Hunger Games’ talks: Suzanne Collins and Gary Ross talk adaptation
‘Hunger Games’ casts Thresh and Rue
i was hoping for Chenoweth as well. but Banks isn’t a bad choice.
I actually love this casting. I know everyone and their mother wanted Chenoweth, but Elizabeth Banks is a better fit for who I pictured while reading.
Agreed Chelsea. I picture Chenoweth as being a little too sweet and sincere. Effie, in my mind, was always more superficially sweet with a hint of something slightly more mean underneath. I wouldn’t call it malice since she was always portrayed to be too stupid for that…
I read and loved all the books and love Elizabeth Banks. She’s awesome on 30 Rock etc…But I just can’t picture her being chirpy. And saying lines like: Today’s going to be a big, big, big, big day! She’s just not that actress.
Rob, that has got to be the lamest reason not to cast someone. You can’t imagine her saying a line? It’s called acting for a reason and it wouldn’t be the first time she played someone a little upbeat.
I agree–I love Kristin Chenoweth, but I think Elizabeth Banks can better portray Effie and brings more than just bubbly-ness to the role.
yeah rob you’re so lame
:Two down, that’s awesome! This book soduns good. I haven’t read any Harris but loved the movie version of Chocolat.I say over on Bookshelves of Doom that a sequel to Chocolat is in the works. I personally am not thrilled about it just because I like the way (at least in the movie) the story wrapped itself up.
i’m ALL OVER THIS. was never a fan of the chenoweth talk. c’monnnn BANKS!!!
And I’ve never been a fan of Banks, but I love me some Chenoweth. Oh well.
I like Chenoweth but she can be too much to handle. I think Banks can pull it off with pure awesome.
I agree. Chenoweth annoys me.
The character is SUPPOSED to be annoying and a little over the top. I’m not opposed to Banks, but Chenoweth would have been perfect.
@Bee-I’ve heard people say that in defense of characters or actors before and I’ve never understood it. I get that sometimes one character in a story needs to be annoying to other characters-but I personally don’t want to be annoyed. It should be clear why the character is annoying, but it should be entertaining, not grating, to watch. It’s a tricky thing to pull off, but I think Banks can do it.
I want Kristin! I can’t f***ing stand Elizabeth Banks!!!
Nice to see you so riled up about someone you don’t even know.
I actually prefer Elizabeth. She’s not as “cartoonish” as Kristen Chenoweth.
Although, I didn’t picture Effie that young. When I read the books, I thought Effie was in her 40s.
Effie is younger than that… but Banks is almost 40 so there you go
this is the only one they got right
Done it, and it works. Don’t judge the results by my cunrert appearance please! Just go with the flow of the plan and work out, and it’ll come off like it’s supposed to when it’s supposed to. Keep your meals and snacks varied, so you don’t get bored. Drink as much water as you can possibly fit in your body, and count your points (even if you completely go crazy and blow it). It’s good to still see the numbers. You’ve really rocked out with your loss so far!!!
Elizabeth Banks is listed as Effie on IMDB!!!
Casting Elizabeth Banks would officially kill any desire I have left to see the Hunger Games. PLEASE NO!
Producers: Please cast Elizabeth Banks, as I officially don’t want H. to see it.
(Like)
Like this very much
LOL
(thumbs up…LIKE)!
(Like)
Too funny (Like)
Hilarious
I agree that H.’s comment was a little too rash. And yes, I (like).
To me, Effie is annoying but likable. Elizabeth Banks must capture that onscreen.
Mt thoughts exactly-thank you Effe reminds me of a super Diva
Which she did well on Scrubs…
Much as I like Elizabeth Banks, I pictured Effie as someone a bit older who’s been in her position for years (as the books said). Cheno’s still my top choice.
I agree. Cheno is my top choice, but Elizabeth Banks is a decent second choice. She’s long been a fan of the books, which is pretty cool.
I am still hopeful for Chenowith. She is just fantastic. No doubt Banks could do it justice as well. Its just, when I read it I saw Kristen Chenowith.
I agree. When I read the books, I pictured Effie as like the Madame Morrible of the ‘Hunger Games’ world, and I just think Kristin Chenoweth could play that so well.
Elizabeth Banks is who I actually pictured as Effie when I was reading THG. I hope she gets it! Kristen Chenoweth looks nothing like the picture of Effie I have in my mind… if she were cast – I’d add her to the list that I’m unhappy with.
Oooohhh…here we go, the next HG drama! Team Liz vs. Team Kristen! *gets a box of popcorn*
I thought Elizabeth Banks would have been much better as Katniss and Prim’s mother.
I don’t have a huge problem with Elizabeth Banks as Effie, she’s just younger than I pictured her.
agreed.
I think it’s better she look younger than older. Don’t forget the Capitol is all about masking ones age and forever looking young so I think Banks would work well for the role.
I am 100% TEAM LIZ! She is age appropriate and has the acting chops to bring this character to life!
I love this choice! Chenoworth is a bit too one note! Elizabeth Banks will definitely give the character more depth!
Agreed. Effie is not Glinda.
Isn’t Banks pregnant??
No
She and her husband recently had a baby via surrogate. Maybe you’re thinking of her character on 30 Rock bc of that.
Banks is a perfect choice. Well done. I love all the arm-chair casting directors on here who think what they summon in their head is better than people who get paid to cast films.
personally, i don’t really think EB can act and i thought Effie as middle aged.
Me too, I thought of Effie as middle aged, round and chirpy. Elizabeth Banks is all bony and hard looking (lovely, don’t get me wrong…just not what I pictured). I pictured Effie to be more of a Dolores Umbridge character.
I don’t understand why so many people keep mentioning Harry Potter characters and actors. It’s so unimaginative.
Elizabeth Banks? Yes please!!!
She is exactly who i pictured when i read this.