Just when you thought it could not any better than the new Catching Fire trailer that debuted Saturday at Comic-Con… Lionsgate has released the first true photo of Sam Claflin as Finnick Odair, the dashing victor from Suzanne Collins’ best-seller who causes confusion and attraction for Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss. And it’s not hard to see why, is it? Claflin was confirmed for this role last August, beating out such better known names as Channing Tatum and Armie Hammer. We’ve seen a Finnick portrait already and we’ve seen his Catching Fire profile, but this is our first look at the character in his often-half-naked state. So stare and decide: Is Claflin hot enough to portray Finnick? Yes, hubba hubba! Not even close! Eh, he’ll do View Poll »
Just when you thought it could not any better than the new Catching Fire trailer that debuted Saturday at Comic-Con… Lionsgate has released the first true photo of Sam Claflin as Finnick Odair, the dashing victor from Suzanne Collins’ best-seller who causes confusion and attraction for Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss. And it’s not hard to see why, is it? Claflin was confirmed for this role last August, beating out such better known names as Channing Tatum and Armie Hammer. We’ve seen a Finnick portrait already and we’ve seen his Catching Fire profile, but this is our first look at the character in his often-half-naked state. So stare and decide: Is Claflin hot enough to portray Finnick? Yes, hubba hubba! Not even close! Eh, he’ll do View Poll »
Romeo Miller tells MTV News he’s already met with Lionsgate about possibly appearing in one of the ‘Hunger Games’ flicks. By Kevin P. Sullivan Romeo Photo: Romeo Miller (formerly known as Lil’ Romeo) has racked up an impressive number of credits in the decade or so that he’s been acting. As the 22-year-old makes moves in his career as an adult actor, Romeo has his eyes set on one franchise in particular. One of Miller’s ideal projects would be a trip to Panem for ” The Hunger Games ,” he told MTV News during a recent interview for ” Madea’s Witness Protection .” In fact, he’s already met with Lionsgate to discuss the possibility. Although he got his start as the rap star son of Master P, Miller has been acting for years now. “A lot of people don’t know I’ve been doing this for 10 years now,” he said. “I felt that all of that was practice, leading up to the time now.” But for his next roles, Miller has his sights set on an acting career similar to Will Smith. “I want to be the next big action hero or I want to do a lot of romantic type movies, romantic comedies, a little bit of everything, but definitely the next action hero,” Miller said, and then added, “You can see me in ‘The Hunger Games’ or something like that. Just throwing that out there.” Though he admitted to not being very familiar with Suzanne Collins’ books, Miller confirmed that there has been some discussion about possibly joining “Catching Fire,” which is currently casting. “I actually just met with Lionsgate about that, so you may be seeing me in one of the ‘Hunger Games.’ That’s all I’m saying,” Miller said. “Not a particular role, we just had a meeting, seeing if it was something I was interested in. I can’t really talk too much, or they’ll kill you. You know how ‘The Hunger Games’ is.” Who should Romeo play in “Catching Fire”? Leave your comment below! Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com .
‘Hunger Games’ star beats out Daniel Radcliffe, Channing Tatum, Ryan Gosling and Joseph Gordon-Levitt for the coveted Golden Popcorn. By Ryan J. Downey Josh Hutcherson wins at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images UNIVERSAL CITY, California — “The Hunger Games” stormed the box office to the tune of nearly $400 million, and at Sunday’s MTV Movie Awards , the man fans know and love as Peeta Mellark clutched a different type of riches in his hand: a Golden Popcorn. Thanks to the massive number of fans who voted for him, Josh Hutcherson took home the award for Best Male Performance at the 21st annual awards show. “Oh, my god. I’ve wanted to hold a Golden Popcorn since I was like 4 years old. This is incredible,” he said from the stage, as he accepted the award from Emma Watson, Logan Lerman and Ezra Miller. “It’s insane too, because every single one of those actors I admire and I want to be, so to even be up here is blowing my mind right now.” Hutcherson thanked “Hunger Games” author Suzanne Collins, director Gary Oldman, his producers like Nina Jacobson and Jon Kilik, Lionsgate and, of course, the fans. “You guys are the best fans in the world,” he gushed. “You’re crazy and passionate and you make our job amazing.” The 19-year-old Kentucky-born actor joined an esteemed list of A-listers, guy’s guys and heartthrobs who have taken home the esteemed award, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Denzel Washington, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio. The former child star beat out a formidable array of challengers who all more than earned their places in the category: , Channing Tatum , Ryan Gosling and Joseph Gordon-Levitt . Radcliffe was nominated for his final performance as the world’s most beloved boy wizard in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2.” Tatum cruised into the category for his role opposite Rachel McAdams in the tear-jerking romantic drama “The Vow,” which also earned him a nomination for Best Kiss. Gosling, who won the Best Kiss category once upon a time (with McAdams) thanks to “The Notebook,” was nominated for the darkly pensive and critically acclaimed drama “Drive.” Gordon-Levitt, who we’ll be seeing again in “The Dark Knight Rises” this summer, gave a nuanced performance in “50/50.” Anticipation for the next entry in the “Hunger Games” series, “Catching Fire,” is already running high. Earlier in the week, “John Carter” star Taylor Kitsch shot down rumors that he’d play dreamy District 4 tribute Finnick Odair, something Robert Pattinson debunked himself, as well. The 2012 MTV Movie Awards are officially under way! Stick with MTV News for minute-by-minute coverage, and don’t forget to go to MovieAwards.MTV.com to cast your vote for Best Movie! Related Videos 2012 Movie Awards: Most Talked-About Moments 2012 Movie Awards: Pre-Show Highlights Related Photos 2012 Movie Awards: MTV Stars At The Awards
Emma Stone, Kristen Wiig and Rooney Mara are also up for Best Female Performance tonight! By Kara Warner Jennifer Lawrence in “The Hunger Games” Photo: Lionsgate If you like your leading ladies with a touch of chutzpah, a natural survival instinct and great comedic timing, the nominees for Best Female Performance at this year’s 2012 MTV Movie Awards are right up your alley. Here’s a look at your five lovely nominees: Emma Stone, “Crazy, Stupid, Love” Emma Stone has quickly become America’s sweetheart, further solidified by her just plain likable performance in the ensemble romantic comedy “Crazy, Stupid, Love.” Not to mention her other Movie Award-nominated moment, in which her rain-soaked character gets exactly what she wants: one of the year’s steamiest onscreen kisses from heartthrob Ryan Gosling. Emma Watson, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2” The fact that the “Harry Potter” movies were able to keep the same actors in their roles for eight movies over the course of 10 years deserves some sort of historical award, let alone its Movie Awards recognition over the years. Emma Watson’s dedicated and fan-loved years of service to Hermione Granger are everything the Best Female Performance award is all about. Jennifer Lawrence, “The Hunger Games” From the moment Jennifer Lawrence was announced as Katniss Everdeen, the pressure was on the Oscar-nominated actress to deliver on millions of fans’ hopes, dreams and general love for Suzanne Collins’ respected, role-model-worthy heroine. The fact that the film went on to totally dominate the box office is due in large part to Lawrence’s compelling, award-worthy performance. Kristen Wiig, “Bridesmaids” Fans of “Saturday Night Live” have known the scope of Kristen Wiig’s comedic chops for years, along with those who loved her scene-stealing moments in movies like “Knocked Up” and “MacGruber,” but it wasn’t until the release of “Bridesmaids” last summer that the entire nation fell in love with Wiig’s talents, both her acting and writing. Rooney Mara, “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” One look at Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander in “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” and you can see the actress’ commitment to the role, without her uttering a single word. Mara’s transformation is as remarkable as her compelling, calculated and cold take on the brilliant hacker/ master of revenge/ mystery solver extraordinaire. Head over to MovieAwards.MTV.com to cast your vote for Best Hero and Best Movie now! The “Movie Awards Punk’d Pre-Party” starts at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the 21st annual MTV Movie Awards live tonight at 9 p.m. ET! Related Videos 2012 Movie Awards: Best Female Performance Nominees Behind The Scenes At The 2012 MTV Movie Awards Related Photos 2012 MTV Movie Award Nominees
“Bristol Palin is the daughter of Sarah Palin. She got pregnant by accident just as her mom was added to the 2008 Republican ticket, at which point she pretended to be engaged to Levi Johnston, then attempted to cash in on her 15 minutes.” Lifetime’s press release for Bristol Palin’s new reality show COULD say that, and it wouldn’t be incorrect, but alas, their bio is a bit different. Bristol Palin: Life’s a Tripp (get it?!) premieres on June 19 with two (!) episodes. Here’s Lifetime’s explanation of why you should watch it: “Viewers will get the chance to experience the life of one of America’s most famous young mothers, Bristol Palin, in the new docuseries … showcasing Bristol’s journey growing into womanhood with her young son, Tripp.” “With never-before-granted access to Bristol’s real-life experiences, the show follows her everyday life as a single mother living under intense media scrutiny that comes from her lineage as the daughter of former Alaska Governor and V.P. candidate Sarah Palin .” “The series follows Bristol’s move from Wasilla to Los Angeles with Tripp and her sister Willow, and back to Alaska as she deals with parenting and disciplining her toddler without Tripp’s father.” “Giving viewers a unique look at the difficult decisions she makes for relationships, career and family, Bristol Palin: Life’s a Tripp will capture how true-to-life challenges test her resolve as she single-handedly writes the next chapter in her and Tripp’s life.” “The former first daughter of Alaska, Bristol has become one of the country’s most high-profile teen mothers after the 2008 birth of Tripp.” “She has since dedicated her life to being a leading advocate for the prevention of teen pregnancy, working with such organizations as the Candie’s Foundation to educate people about the issue.” “In 2010, Bristol appeared on ABC’s hit reality competition series Dancing with the Stars , on which she placed in third. Most recently, she published her New York Times best-selling book, Not Afraid of Life: My Journey So Far , which candidly chronicles her public and personal life.” “Bristol also launched her own blog , where readers can get her views and opinions on various topics such as politics, pop culture and parenting.” Eh, our bio is still better. There’s something to be said for brevity. Will you watch Bristol Palin’s new show? [Photo: WENN.com]
Adam Lambert has made history. The former American Idol runner-up shot past another famous series alumnus this week and claimed the number-one spot on the Billboard 200 for his latest album, “Trespassing.” In doing so, Lambert became the first openly gay man to sit atop the chart. Yes, Clay Aiken achieved the same status with his 2003 CD, but he did not come out of the closet until five years later. Of course, the important thing is not Lambert’s sexuality; it’s his success. The eccentric crooner sold 77,000 units of “Trespassing” in the seven days since its release. Well done, Adam! Here’s a look at the Billboard top five: Adam Lambert, Trespassing: 77,000 Adele, 21: 63,000 Carrie Underwood, Blown Away: 54,000 Norah Jones, Little Broken Hearts: 45,000 Tenacious D, Rise of the Fenix, 44,000
He already has one franchise under his belt. Might Robert Pattinson soon add another? According to Movie Fanatic, the Twilight Saga star is under consideration for the role of Finnick Odair in Catching Fire , the wildly anticipated sequel to The Hunger Games . Finnick is described in Suzanne Collins’ novel as a ridiculously handsome former champion of the competition at the center of the triology’s story. He’s muscular, tan and blonde-haired (doesn’t exactly sound like R. Patt, does it?) and he harbored a troubled personal life. The Pattinson rumored has gained momentum because Francis Lawrence will direct Catching Fire and he worked with Rob in Water For Elephants . “As with the first film, we won’t be confirming, denying or commenting on any casting rumors for this title,” the studio said in a statement in response to this chatter. “We will announce news wide when there is official casting news to announce.” Until then… let’s speculate! Who should portray Finnick?
Roughly two weeks after Gary Ross’s departure from and Francis Lawrence’s rumored attachment to Catching Fire , Lionsgate has officially announced Lawrence as its man to direct its mega-anticipated Hunger Games sequel . “From the very beginning of this brilliant trilogy’s journey from page to screen, our first priority has been to stay true to the heart and soul of Suzanne Collins’ powerful stories,” producer Nina Jacobson said in a statement just over the transom at Movieline HQ. “From my first conversation with Francis, I knew he would make a great partner for both me and Suzanne. His passion for Catching Fire and inspired ideas for a faithful adaptation make him the perfect director for this movie. I know this will be a wonderful collaboration and I cannot wait to get started.” Added Lawrence: “It is truly an honor and a privilege to bring Catching Fire , the second chapter of Suzanne’s beloved trilogy, to the big screen. I fell in love with the characters, the themes and the world she created and this chapter opens all of these elements up in such a thrilling, emotional and surprising way. I can’t wait to dive right into it and bring this chapter to life along with the truly superb cast and filmmakers involved.” Mazel tov! And get to work : Catching Fire opens November 22, 2013. [Photo: Getty Images]
‘After difficult but sincere consideration, I have decided not to direct ‘Catching Fire,’ ‘ Ross says in a statement. By Katie Byrne and Kara Warner Gary Ross Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/ Getty Images A roller-coaster week for “The Hunger Games” just got even bumpier: Director Gary Ross has officially announced he won’t direct the sequel, “Catching Fire.” The week began positively enough, with “The Hunger Games” topping the box office for the third weekend in a row, earning nearly $303 million since its debut. But that news was quickly followed Monday with a surprising Playlist story claiming Ross wouldn’t return for the movie adaptation of “Catching Fire,” a report that has now been confirmed via statements from Ross himself and “Games” studio Lionsgate. “Despite recent speculation in the media, and after difficult but sincere consideration, I have decided not to direct ‘Catching Fire,’ ” Ross said in his statement. “As a writer and a director, I simply don’t have the time I need to write and prep the movie I would have wanted to make because of the fixed and tight production schedule. “I loved making ‘The Hunger Games’ — it was the happiest experience of my professional life,” the statement continued. “Lionsgate was supportive of me in a manner that few directors ever experience in a franchise: they empowered me to make the film I wanted to make and backed the movie in a way that requires no explanation beyond the remarkable results. And contrary to what has been reported, negotiations with Lionsgate have not been problematic. They have also been very understanding of me through this difficult decision.” Lionsgate echoed Ross’ disappointment in the ended “Games” partnership: “We’re very sorry that Gary Ross has chosen not to direct Catching Fire. We were really looking forward to making the movie with him. He did an incredible job on the first film and we are grateful for his work. This will not be the end of our relationship, as we consider Ross to be part of the Lionsgate family and look forward to working with him in the future.” Ross’ heartfelt sentiments did not end with his thanks to the studio. “I also cannot say enough about the people I worked with: Producer Nina Jacobson, a great collaborator and a true friend; the brilliant Suzanne Collins, who entrusted us with her most amazing and important story; the gifted and remarkable Jennifer Lawrence whose performance exceeded my wildest expectations, and the rest of the incredible cast, whom I am proud to call my friends,” he added in his statement. “To the fans I want to say thank you for your support your faith, your enthusiasm and your trust. Hard as this may be to understand I am trying to keep that trust with you. Thank you all. It’s been a wonderful experience.” There will likely be a long list of directors gunning to fill Ross’ shoes, but until we receive word of an official list of names, we have a very well-thought-out list of our own we hope Lionsgate considers. 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: Gary Ross Related Photos The Hunger Games
