It’s finally here – the trailer for the movie that will mark first half of the finale of one of the most popular franchises in history, The Hunger Games. The new movie, officially (and somewhat awkwardly) titled The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, will hit theaters on November 21st, just in time for the large crowds of the extra long Thanksgiving weekend.
Jennifer Lawrence returns as heroine Katniss Everdeen, who has become a symbol of resistance to her home district, and must fight to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson). Also returning for this third and penultimate film in the series are Julianne Moore (Crazy Stupid Love), Woody Harrelson (HBO’s True Detective), Liam Hemsworth (The Expendables 2), Elizabeth Banks (Pitch Perfect), Sam Claflin (Snow White and the Huntsman), Donald Sutherland (The Italian Job), and of course the late Philip Seymour Hoffman (The Master). In the hands of returning director Francis Lawrence – who received much praise for his work on the series’ last film, Catching Fire – the movie suffered multiple setbacks during production, including severe winter weather.
The franchise, based on the trilogy of books written by Suzanne Collins, has of course been a huge boon to the career of star Jennifer Lawrence. In addition to The Hunger Games, she has also appeared as Raven in the last two entries in the X-Men franchise, and will be 2016’s X-Men Apocalypse. She has balanced out these commercial movies with more serious-minded fare, receiving critical acclaim for her performances in director David O. Russell’s Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle. She will also star in O. Russell’s next film, Joy. Additionally, the trailer for her latest collaboration with co-star Bradley Cooper, Serena, debuted last week.
But enough about the actors and director – let’s get to the good stuff! Check out the trailer to The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 below: