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Elizabeth Banks ‘Can’t Wait’ To Work With ‘Catching Fire’ Director

‘I think he’s going to do great,’ Banks tells MTV News of Francis Lawrence. By Kara Warner Elizabeth Banks Photo: MTV News Although “The Hunger Games” has been out in theaters for well over a month now, the $600 million behemoth is still making headlines via box-office records , a director change-up and casting speculation — not to mention the fact that the crowd-pleaser is set to make a fine showing at our 2012 MTV Movie Awards with its eight nominations . When MTV News caught up with castmember Elizabeth Banks recently as she promoted her latest movie, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” we asked for an update on the “Catching Fire” casting rumors, as well as her thoughts on new director Francis Lawrence. More specifically, though, is there room in “Fire” for her “Expecting” husband Ben Falcone (of “Bridesmaids” fame)? “Yes, he’s Finnick,” Effie Trinket herself joked. “I’m here to announce that he’s replacing President Snow.” “Right,” agreed Falcone. “Yes.” “You are the new president of the Capitol,” she informed her co-star. “Yes. No thanks, Donald Sutherland,” Falcone joked of the actual President Snow. Getting serious for a second, we then asked Banks what she thinks of Lawrence taking over directorial duties on the film’s sequel, “Catching Fire.” “[I’m] very excited. I mean, I can’t wait,” Banks said. “I haven’t met him, but we’ll see. I think he’s going to do great.” Banks’ fellow “Hunger Games” co-stars Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth have also weighed in on their new director, echoing Banks’ excitement. “Francis is extremely talented, and everyone I’ve talked to says he’s the best guy in the world,” Hutcherson said. “So I think he’s going to bring a lot.” Check out everything we’ve got on “Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com .

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Elizabeth Banks ‘Can’t Wait’ To Work With ‘Catching Fire’ Director

Carrie Underwood Is ‘Loving’ New ‘American Idol’ Panel

‘Steven and J.Lo are doing such an amazing job,’ she tells MTV News. By Kara Warner Carrie Underwood Photo: MTV News Carrie Underwood has come a long way since she was the wide-eyed winner of “American Idol” back in 2005 — with a Grammy-winning country career under her belt — but she still takes the time to watch the show that made her a star. When MTV News caught up with Underwood recently as she promoted her acting debut in the new film “Soul Surfer,” we had to ask her thoughts on the changes to the new season, particularly the new faces added to the judges’ panel. “I am loving the judges,” Underwood said. “I know Simon [Cowell] was always such a huge part of the show, but if I had just started watching now, I wouldn’t miss it, you know what I mean? I think Steven [Tyler] and J.Lo are doing such an amazing job. I actually got the chance to talk to Steven Tyler, and I was like, ‘I’m finding out that I like you more than I thought I did.’ ” Underwood said she liked the Aerosmith frontman before he joined the show, but she’s enjoying seeing a softer side of his rock-star persona. “I’ve always liked Steven Tyler the artist, but as a person, he’s really coming across [as] charming and warm and friendly and encouraging,” she said. “Of course we always knew that J.Lo is sweet and beautiful, and she’s just confirming all of our previous thoughts about her by being on the show. I’m really enjoying watching it.” So who are her favorite contestants? “I always have a few that I’m watching, but I never say who they are because I remember what it was like when I was on the show, and I never liked that [when past contestants picked favorites].” Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

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Carrie Underwood Is ‘Loving’ New ‘American Idol’ Panel