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‘Hunger Games’ Ignites Box Office: Experts Weigh In

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

One box-office watcher tells MTV News the book adaptation was ‘the hottest party around and nobody wanted to be left out.’ By Kevin P. Sullivan Wes Bentley as Seneca Crane in “The Hunger Games” Photo: Lionsgate We all knew “The Hunger Games” would debut to enormous opening-weekend numbers, but few could have predicted just how quickly the fire would spread. The YA adaptation opened to an incredible $155 million weekend, passing up “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” and “Spider-Man 3” to have the third-highest opening weekend behind “The Dark Knight” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2.” Early predictions had “The Hunger Games” opening at a respectable $70 million, not even half the actual total and in range of this year’s “The Lorax,” another recent box-office surprise. As the release drew nearer, analysts bumped up the predicted total to a range of $125 million to $130 million. The reason for the initially low prediction lies with another YA series, according to Jeff Bock of Exhibitor Relations . “Many people were comparing this to the original ‘Twilight’ film, which grossed $69 million its opening weekend,” Bock said. “Even though the book series was a huge success, many other young adult novels have been translated to film recently and failed to produce the next ‘Harry Potter’ or ‘Twilight,’ so, as an unproven commodity, expectations were tempered a bit with ‘The Hunger Games.’ Even Lionsgate was estimating that the film would debut with a three-day weekend gross of $75 million earlier in the week; they certainly didn’t expect it to nearly eclipse that number on opening day.” Wanna win a Hunger Games special edition HP laptop from MTV News? Click here to enter! The strong push out of the gate came from a combination of an aggressive marketing campaign by Lionsgate and groundswell created by fans of Suzanne Collins’ best-selling books. Gitesh Pandya of Box Office Guru said it was a precise combination of those key factors that led to such an explosive opening weekend. “The record opening was driven by the loyal fanbase, which is humongous, along with a carefully crafted marketing push that intrigued them and also drew in new audiences in time for the movie’s release,” Pandya said. “Marketing was a key component to the massive debut, as the film wasn’t over-promoted to the point of repelling people. Lionsgate turned the opening weekend of ‘Hunger Games’ into the hottest party around and nobody wanted to be left out.” Lionsgate is certainly not wasting any time in trying to repeat the magic of their biggest hit to date. Production on the sequel, “Catching Fire,” is scheduled to begin this summer with a release tentatively set for November 2013. Pandya believes the next adventure of Katniss Everdeen could even go bigger. “Studios knew to stay out of the way of ‘Hunger Games,’ which is why no other film opened wide this weekend. But now they know how big of a juggernaut it is, and if history is any indicator, the opening of ‘Catching Fire’ will be even bigger in November 2013,” Pandya said. “And unless Disney changes its superhero date, we’re going to see a big-brother battle as Liam Hemsworth’s ‘Catching Fire’ will open just one week after Chris Hemsworth’s ‘Thor 2.’ ” What did you think of The Hunger Games? Give us your review on Facebook ! Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ‘The Hunger Games’ Related Photos Inside ‘The Hunger Games’ Capitol ‘Hunger Games’ Cast Hits NYC

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‘Hunger Games’ Ignites Box Office: Experts Weigh In

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‘Hunger Games’ Vs. ‘Twilight’: Muppets Edition

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Kermit the Frog and new Muppet Walter join MTV News as co-hosts of this week’s ‘Talk Nerdy.’ By Josh Wigler Walter and Kermit Photo: MTV News Want a surefire way to cease all productivity in your workplace? Bring in the Muppets. It works every time. Kermit the Frog and newly-minted man-of-a-Muppet Walter graced MTV News with their presence earlier this week, catching the attention of everyone passing through our newsroom at the time. As you might expect, the “Muppets” stars are quite the charming duo in real life. It’s one thing to see their antics on the big screen; watching them come alive right before you, however, is another experience entirely. The effect they have on even the most serious of grown adults (though, admittedly, we don’t have many of those around these parts) is astounding: Within seconds of laying eyes on Kermit and Walter, years of growth and maturity immediately fade away, leaving you in a temporary state of childlike wonder. In short, I fully recommend meeting Muppets if you ever have the chance. Of course, Kermit and Walter weren’t at MTV News headquarters purely out of the kindness of their hearts, kind though their hearts may be: They were here to promote “The Muppets,” arriving on Blu-ray and DVD on March 20. We were happy to chat with them about the awesome home-video release — it has an intermission feature, everybody! An intermission feature! — but Kermit and Walter had more than just their own movie on their minds: They also wanted to talk about superheroes, vampires, deadly tournaments and more. As such, Kermit and Walter were perfect candidates to fill in as special guest co-hosts on “Talk Nerdy” this week. It’s always fun to geek out with fellow nerds about Captain America and Katniss Everdeen, but hitting those subjects with two of the most popular Muppets out there? Priceless. Here’s a quick list of some of the things I learned from Kermit and Walter’s “Nerdy” appearance.

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Jennifer Lawrence Says Shooting ‘Catching Fire’ Will Be ‘A Blessing’

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I got to play this character that I love, and then whatever I didn’t like, I can fix next year,’ ‘Hunger Games’ star tells MTV News. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Jennifer Lawrence Photo: MTV News “The Hunger Games.” has yet to hit theaters, but preparations for the next flick in the series, “Catching Fire,” are already in the works. Still, the franchise’s leading lady, Jennifer Lawrence, is just trying to catch her breath for the first film, out March 23, before she can catch fire. “It’s kind of like when we’re there, let’s talk about it. But until then I’m sick of hearing about myself as Katniss,” she laughed to MTV News when asked how she feels about having to hit the set for the next film. “And also we’ve been focusing on getting this one out so much that we haven’t really had time to talk about the second one. I’m sure they’ve had time.” “Catching Fire” picks up where the first novel/movie leaves off. (Warning: Minor spoilers ahead!) With the latest round of the Hunger Games over and Katniss and her pal, Peeta, standing victorious, there’s rebellion under way against the Capitol. But that’s not the only upheaval. There’s a special edition of the Hunger Games announced that will up the stakes once again for the two friends and everyone they know. “I think one and three are my favorites [in the franchise],” she said of her favorite novels in the Suzanne Collins-penned trilogy. “But ‘Catching Fire,’ I’m looking forward to shooting ’cause it kind of becomes more of a war movie.” While some actors might not be ready to commit to a multiple film franchise, the Oscar nominee saw it as a chance to create the Katniss character in a fully realized way. “That was definitely something to take into consideration. But then I was like, I’m an actor so I would be doing a film, at least a movie a year anyway,” she explained. “And then the opportunity to play a character that you love and something you’re really passionate about, that happens rarely, if at all, in somebody’s life. So now it’s a blessing ’cause I got to play this character that I love this year and then whatever I didn’t like, I can fix next year.” Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: Jennifer Lawrence Related Photos ‘Hunger Games’ Blazes Into U.K. ‘Hunger Games’ World Premiere Red Carpet The Hunger Games

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Jennifer Lawrence Says Shooting ‘Catching Fire’ Will Be ‘A Blessing’

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N.W.A Movie Progressing At ‘High Speed,’ Ice Cube Says

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

’21 Jump Street’ star tells MTV News, ‘We’re waiting to hire a director and then bring it all home.’ By Kevin P. Sullivan, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Ice Cube Photo: MTV News In addition to his comedic work in “21 Jump Street,” Ice Cube has been busy behind the camera, attempting to put two passion projects together as a producer. In recent months, rumors have swirled about a fourth “Friday” movie and a biopic on the members of N.W.A. When MTV News’ Josh Horowitz sat down with the rapper-turned-actor and producer, Cube offered an update on the latter. Addressing rumors that his “Boyz n the Hood” director, John Singleton , could possibly helm the project based on the rap group, Ice Cube basically said that he couldn’t say. “We’re interviewing a lot of directors. I don’t want to say ‘ye’ or ‘nay,’ but we’re interviewing directors,” he said. “So, the movie’s in progress in this high speed, and it’s coming along. Hopefully, we get it done.” The director remains the biggest missing piece of the puzzle, as Ice Cube confirmed that the script is where it needs to be for the flick to move forward. “I’m happy with the script. The script is about 75 percent there. We’re waiting to hire a director and then bring it all home,” he said. “It’s always stumbling blocks in Hollywood. There are always ways that the movie can not get made. Until they green-light the picture, start cutting checks, it’s still just a dream.” The most prevalent rumor around casting the film has been that the members’ sons will play their fathers. Cube said he wouldn’t have a problem with his son playing him, but he wants a traditional casting process first. “That’s a dream come true, but we’re going to find the best actor to do the job. That’s the thing about movies: You have got to find the best people to do the role,” he said. “It is going to be a role that I think is right for unknowns, people who you haven’t seen before. I think that’s the best way to pull this off.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: ’21 Jump Street’

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N.W.A Movie Progressing At ‘High Speed,’ Ice Cube Says

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Elizabeth Banks Is A ‘Total Geek’ Around ‘Hunger Games’ Author

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I’ve professed my love for her pretty much,’ Banks tells MTV News of Suzanne Collins. By Josh Wigler, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket in “The Hunger Games” Photo: Capitol Couture Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth — all names you’ll want to stand up and applaud for when the credits roll on “The Hunger Games,” no doubt. But if there’s one person you’ll really want to tip your hat to, it’s Suzanne Collins. Like J.K. Rowling with the “Harry Potter” series and Stephenie Meyer of “Twilight” fame, Collins is the novelist who dreamed Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark and Gale Hawthorne into existence. Without her, you wouldn’t have a tribute to fight for. Without her, you wouldn’t be on the cusp of what’s sure to be 2012’s biggest blockbuster so far. Certainly, actress Elizabeth Banks identifies Collins as the great hero of the “Hunger Games” franchise. In fact, “hero” isn’t a strong enough description — to Banks, Collins is a full-fledged rock star. “To me, the biggest star here is Suzanne Collins,” the actress and hard-core “Hunger Games” fan told MTV News about her feelings on the novel’s author. “She created this entire world, all of this pandemonium, all these characters. She birthed this whole situation. She couldn’t be a nicer lady. She’s the loveliest lady, and I’m a total geek around her. To me, she’s a total rock star.” Just as many fans would kill for the chance to spend time with the “Hunger Games” cast, so too did Banks swoon over getting one-on-one time in with Collins. “I’ve professed my love for her pretty much,” Banks laughed. “The books are done, and they’re the books, so she doesn’t need me to dissect them with her, but I’m very happy that she’s happy with the film. So to me, it was always about, ‘Let’s make director Gary Ross happy with the film, let’s make Suzanne happy. Everyone else, who cares.’ ” Of course, Banks cares very much about the fans, a group she described as “unbelievable.” “The passion of everyone here is crazy. It’s very exciting,” said Banks. “I’m very excited to see this movie with an audience. I saw it in a small room with two other people, so the energy in the room is going to be ballistically bananas. I brought tissues. It’s very emotional, this movie! I cried making it; It’s very emotional for me.” If Banks is already emotional over “Hunger Games,” she’ll want to bring plenty of tissues with her for “Catching Fire,” the planned sequel to the Collins-inspired movie. Though Banks wouldn’t confirm a start date for “Catching Fire,” she did tease a fashion item that she might end up wearing in the sequel. “In the books, Effie appears at the Reaping in a green dress,” she teased. “I did not wear the green dress in the movie. But we have it. It exists. So I think we’ll break that one out in ‘Catching Fire.’ ” Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos Live From ‘The Hunger Games’ Red Carpet Premiere Related Photos ‘Hunger Games’ World Premiere Red Carpet

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Elizabeth Banks Is A ‘Total Geek’ Around ‘Hunger Games’ Author

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‘Hunger Games’ Stars Talk Most-Anticipated Sequel Scenes

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson also reveal to MTV News who they would have liked to play if not Katiss and Peeta. By Kara Warner with reporting by Josh Horowitz Josh Hutcherson and Jennifer Lawrence Photo: MTV News Another day, another juicy segment of our interview with the cast of “The Hunger Games” to roll out and examine. Tuesday’s (February 7) installment has a slight caveat, however. For those who have yet to read Suzanne Collins’ book “Catching Fire” — the follow-up to “The Hunger Games” — please take this as a friendly warning that the proceeding comments from stars Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson veer heavily into spoiler territory for the tentatively planned big-screen sequel. When MTV News caught up with Lawrence and Hutcherson recently, we asked them what they hope to see in a sequel. Lawrence quickly brought up a very big step in the relationship between Katniss and Peeta. “We get married!” the actress exclaimed, looking at Hutcherson and pointing to her ring finger with girlish enthusiasm. “[It’s] very exciting,” Hutcherson said, though we detected a bit of hesitation in his voice. Lawrence revealed that she did the “ring finger move” to Hutcherson whenever she wanted to annoy him on set. “God, I sound really annoying whenever I talk about myself in the past,” she admitted. The Oscar nominee then apologized to Hutcherson, who seemed genuinely entertained by her commentary. Looking even further ahead, past “Catching Fire,” we asked about talk that the third book might be split into two films. “It’s always hard, every time you convert a novel into movies, because you have to cut so much out,” Lawrence said. “[So], in a weird way it’s kind of a relief because you get to keep everything in there. It is a lot more work [to shoot four films] and we’ll probably do them back-to-back.” Finally, we asked the two stars if they had to play another “Hunger Games” character besides their own which they would choose. “I would probably say President Snow,” Hutcherson said. “If I were President Snow, I could make some changes and give some power back to the people.” “Well, now I’m left with a goat,” Jennifer joked of the dwindling character options. “Umm.” “Effie has great style,” Hutcherson offered. “Effie! That’s it,” Lawrence agreed about the pink-haired District 12 escort played by Elizabeth Banks. “God, yeah Effie. Thanks!” Who would you have cast Jennifer and Josh as in “The Hunger Games,” besides Katniss and Peeta? Tell us in the comments! Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: Jennifer Lawrence And Josh Hutcherson Super Bowl 46: Movie Spots Related Photos The Hunger Games

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‘Hunger Games’ Stars Talk Most-Anticipated Sequel Scenes

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‘Hunger Games’ Sequel Recruits Writer Simon Beaufoy

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘Slumdog Millionaire’ scribe takes over ‘Catching Fire.’ By Kevin P. Sullivan Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth in “Hunger Games” Photo: Lions Gate Back in November, Deadline reported that Lionsgate already had a short list of writers they wanted to pen the sequel to “The Hunger Games.” According to the report, Simon Beaufoy, the writer behind the Academy Award-winning “Slumdog Millionaire” script, topped the list. Now the Los Angeles Times is reporting that not only has Beaufoy signed on to write “Catching Fire,” but that director Gary Ross will return as well. There had been no direct confirmation that Ross would return, and until “The Hunger Games” comes out, there probably won’t be, but as things stand, Ross will likely direct. Ross and author Suzanne Collins originally planned to reteam for the “Catching Fire” script, after having collaborated on the “Hunger Games” screenplay. Postproduction work on the first film and the looming proposed release date for the second didn’t allow Ross to begin work on the sequel. Beaufoy, whose other writing credits include “127 Hours” and “The Full Monty,” will adapt Collins’ book, with Ross overseeing. There are four films planned for the three-book series. The final book, “Mockingjay,” will likely be split into two flicks if the producers stick to their original plan. The first film of the series — starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth — is scheduled for release March 23. For now, “Catching Fire” is scheduled to hit theaters November 22, 2013. The stars of “The Hunger Games” are all expected to return, per sequel clauses in their contracts. Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games.” For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com . Related Videos The ‘Hunger Games’ Cast Answer Your Burning Twitter Questions ‘The Hunger Games’: 2011 In Review Reactions To The First ‘Hunger Games’ Trailer Related Photos The Hunger Games

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‘Hunger Games’ Sequel Recruits Writer Simon Beaufoy

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Lionsgate Wants Gary Ross, Slumdog Writer for Hunger Games Sequel Catching Fire

Posted on November 16, 2011 by | Leave a comment

The jury’s still out as far as I’m concerned on whether or not director Gary Ross ( Seabiscuit ) was the right director to helm Suzanne Collins ‘s The Hunger Games , even with the mostly-satisfying first trailer debut earlier this week. Lionsgate, however, seems more confident in Ross, as they want him to return to helm the second Hunger Games installment, 2013’s Catching Fire , with writer Simon Beaufoy ( Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours ) reportedly in the running to script.

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Real Talk: Which Actors Could Actually Pull Off a Role in The Hunger Games?

Posted on February 8, 2011 by | Leave a comment

As the YA-addicted world awaits the conclusion of The Twilight Saga , internet storms are a-brewin’ over the next teen franchise with Twilight -level potential: Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games trilogy. But with casting speculation at a fever pitch (director Gary Ross should anoint his chosen ones any week now), it’s time for some real talk: Most of your favorite young thespians aren’t going to make the cut.

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Real Talk: Which Actors Could Actually Pull Off a Role in The Hunger Games?

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Countdown has a field day with Palin’s "God hand" excuse and her spotty memory about who treated her brother’s burns.

Posted on March 8, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news , world news , and news about the economy These two stories have been catching fire on the inter-tubes all day today. The Washington Post picks up on the God hand story. As does the New York Daily News . While Mudflats tries to get to the bottom of the Canadian health care story. A story that is much too juicy for the Huffington Post to ignore. I was talking to a friend today about the reliability of Sarah Palin to make at least one stupid gaffe a week and how exhausting it must be for the Palin-bots to constantly try to cover for them. No wonder Meg Stapleton finally ran screaming from the asylum. The only question is what took her so long?

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Countdown has a field day with Palin’s "God hand" excuse and her spotty memory about who treated her brother’s burns.

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