Image Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Image
Yes! Elizabeth Banks will be taking on the role of Effie in the upcoming adaptation of The Hunger Games. About an hour ago, the actress coyly asked Twitter followers to name the origin of the quote “I’m smiling at you even though you’re aggravating me,” which, we know, is a line from none other than that effervescent escort to extinction, Ms. Trinket. The actress then retweeted the correct answer along with “Yes! And I can now confirm I’m EFFIE TRINKET in @TheHungerGames. So excited!”, confirming that she would indeed be reteaming with her Seabiscuit director Gary Ross to play the character in his big-screen version of the bestselling YA novel.
Banks was reported to be in discussions for the role last week. She’ll join Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Paula Malcomson, Willow Shields, and the slew of other actors in the smaller tribute roles that have already been cast. Right now, Haymitch, District 12’s former winner and current alcoholic, is the only major part left to cast. There’s also President Snow who, while he only has a small role in the first book, becomes much more important in the sequels.
I’ve mentioned elsewhere why I think the 30 Rock actress is ideal for the role, so naturally I’m ecstatic. We’ll have to wait to see if the book’s many fans agree with me. Filming for the movie is scheduled to start at the end of May.
Read more:
‘Hunger Games’ Central
‘Hunger Games’: Why Elizabeth Banks would make the perfect Effie
‘The Hunger Games’: Meet the Cast
Perfect choice
I agree. I just imagine her character in Spiderman (J Jonah Jameson’s asst) with the same cheery attitude, but with crazy outfits and skin tones.
I want Donald Sutherland as President Snow and Alfred Molina as Haymitch!
@Flip – Oooh! Donald Sutherland as President Snow? That is an awesome choice. Now I can’t stop thinking about it.
AWFUL choice. I wanted Chenoweth. So pissed right now.
Boo hoo.
Perfect choice.
Who will they cast as buttercup?
a) a very old geriatric cat that is also a great actor because after all in movies and tv old cats always play kittens.
b) a red or black cat with acting experience and awards nominations because after all color is not important they will dye its hair and acting is more important. Plus it’s impossible to cast a yellow cat that also has acting talent.
c) a black old cat that became famous not because his acting but its singing but had a 5 minute role in a movie and gary ross liked his acting.
d) Cate blanchet! She is an oscar winner actress and because of that she can pull off anything. If you don’t think she is the right one watch all of her previous movies. She even played BOB DYLAN!
e) a yellow mashed-in nose,half of one ear missing, eyes the color of rotting squad.
f) a squirrel or a dog because there is one thing called makeup and there’s also Hollywood magic.
G)None of the above they will just cut out Buttercup because he is a minor role.
Ever since I first saw the suggestion of Elizabeth Banks as Effie on EW, I can’t stop picturing her when I read HG… so excited!
She will be great. But i still want Chenowith.
And Cinna, he’s pretty important, too. And Cato.
Yes Cinna! I have only read the first book (on the second now) – love that character so far.
Yeah, I’d prefer Cheno as well, but she’s a great choice! I’m happy with it =)
I still picture Cheno when I read or think about Effie.
Me too. I’m very disappointed.
*squee!* I love this I’m a huge fan of Ve Neill I really love her on the TV show Face Off. I can’t wait for this movie and I am going to wear a gold liner look when I go and see it. Cinna is my faoirvte character, after all.
perfect choice!!! i just want to know who will be cato and clove and foxface!!! hurry!!! the movie comes out in like 10 and 1/2 months and they have to start filming! this will be the most epic movie of all time! i read the series 3 times and i wanna read it again!!!!
They’re filming from late May until early August….so they are starting soon!
PERFECT PERFECT PERFECT! And she must be extra excited since she’s such a big fan of the books. WOO!
I am so behind the times when it comes to pulp ftciion, and especially when it’s fantasy based. I’ve heard so much about The Hunger Games, but I haven’t gotten past page one. I just can’t get into anything that involves alterna reality, I don’t know why. I could definitely get into the China Glaze nailpolishes based on the book, though, the warm neutral shades are perfect for everyday wear. Oh, and that glitzy orange? Amazing!xox,Cee
I haven’t even read these books, thanks for the upadte on the movie. I can’t believe that’s Elizabeth Banks, she looks pretty amazing! Had no idea Lenny Kravitz was acting, now I’d really want to see that!I like the glaze colours, they are so unusual. Not shades that are we commonly see, I like Fast Track and Smoke & Ashes
I’m way interested in who they cast as Cinna.
Me too–I have such a solid picture of Cinna in my mind that if they don’t get someone with those warm, kind eyes in the quiet, serene face I picture, I’ll be completely devastated. Even more than I was over that not-hot-enough-by-half Liam guy they cast as Gale. ;__; #BenBarnesforGale
Yes yes YES!
SHe’s a good fit but Chenoweth would have been better >.>
Kristin would’ve been amazing. What a wasted opportunity.
Get over it!!!
She has a new tv series. To much overlap in filming. Watch her in that and Elizabeth in this. Both are great actress’s.
I think she’s a good pick. Haymitch’s casting will be so crucial to getting things right. What about Paul Bettany as Snow?
I like Paul Bettany for as Snow, too! I hadn’t thought of him but I truly think he could pull it off..he seems a little young but makeup etc would do wonders! I picture him meeting with Katniss and how he could possess such evil while pretending to be friendly. Good idea!
I think that John C. Reilly will get the role. I might be wrong though. But lately the people in talks are the ones announced to take the roles.
Yeah, I’d say it’s certain it will be JCR. Every leak for Hunger Games has turned out to be true.
I think JCR will be perfect by the way.
Ugh, no! Not Reilly. He’s too Everyman. I can’t see him do subtle menace for Book 1–or subtle anything.
I think Paul Bettany is too young for Snow. Snow’s supposed to have been the President for quite a while. I do love Paul Bettany though. I am liking Zeljiko Ivanek, Malcolm McDowell or Patrick Stewart for Snow, personally.
Banks is always great, especially on Modern Family (“She’s Yoko: she’s small, Asian and she broke up our band”).
hoping for john slattery as snow and honestly no matter who they cast for Haymitch, I’ll probably continue reading the books as if it’s Hugh Jackman. Although if the John C. Reily rumors are correct that will make me happy.
I am so excited that Elizabeth Banks is going to be playing Effie!! She will do such an amazing job and play the part perfectly!
She is EXACTLY what I pictured! ♥