No New Info in the 'Mockingjay' Article From SFX Magazine

"Hunger Games 3: All You Need to Know" was splashed across the top of the latest issue of SFX Magazine. Unfortunately inside there's no new Mockingjay information, it's basically a catch-up (albeit one with major spoilers). Don't play with our poor Mockingjay news-starved emotions, SFX!

And I don't even need to tell you how we feel about "Hunger Games 3." You'll make it up to us later, right guys?

From SFX:

What's Katniss Up To Now?
When we last saw the bowing belle of District 12, she was being carted off by rebels to the fabled-and-decidedly-unwiped-out District 13. So expect Katniss to spend a goodly portion of Mockingjay Part 1 mulling over her new propaganda role in the revolution - as the iconic Mockingjay - before inevitably taking a leading role in the decisive battle against President Snow and the Capitol, a battle that'll take a devastating personal toll on our Kat.

So we'll get to see District 13 this time...
Yep, and it's there that the reluctant pin-up Katniss meets a whole new set of characters.  Chief among these are the propaganda team, led by Natalie Dormer's shaven-headed Cressida alongside Messalla (Evan Ross) and photojournos Castor and Pollux (Wes Chatham and Elden Henson). Another fan-favourite is Kat's bodyguard Boggs (Mahershala Ali) who'll lead a climactic sortie into the Capitol.

Who's pulling the revolutionary strings?
Every revolution needs its Lenin - but is Alma Coin its Stalin? The biggest addition to Panem's expanding role of characters is Coin, District 13's president. When casting the role - as with Philip Seymour Hoffman and Jeffrey Wright - Team Hunger Games have pushed the button marked "class in a morally ambiguous glass": Julianne Moore.

Sounds like things are really about to, er, catch fire...
With the grand finale getting split, [we'll bet $5] on the big movie axe landing just as Katniss - on that major assignment to the Capitol - finds herself taking charge of the big push to President Snow's house: the book's biggest setpiece in the absence of the usual Hunger Games.
"The Capitol IS the arena," suggests director Francis Lawrence, who'll now get to kick off the otherwise action-light Part 2 with the majority of the battle's intense warfare. In retaliation, we'd reckon the book's other skirmishes - the rescuing of (brainwarped) Peeta, the hoverbomber assault on District 8 - become heftier action beats.

Surely some people won't make it out alive
Katniss' little sister Prim, due to a tragic ending at the Capitol battle's finale, will live to see at least another movie, we think. "I'm just trying to avoid thinking about it right now," says actress Willow Shields. "It's one of those scenes that I feel is going to be one of those really sad days, but it could be really cool to shoot."

How are they adapting to the death of Philip Seymour Hoffman?
The awful news of Philip Seymour Hoffman's passing inevitably caused the Hunger Games team some some issues. While he'd finished his Part 1 scenes as secret rebel leader Plutarch Heavensbee, he still had filming left to do on the franchise's finale. They're not recasting though, with sources suggesting they'll go down the digital double route, with some judicious character-shifting.

When to expect it?
Mockingjay Part 1 will be out on November 21 2014 with Part 2 out one year later.

First Trailers for Sam Claflin's Upcoming Movie 'Love, Rosie'

Sam Clafin and Lily Collins's Love, Rosie has debuted its first official trailers.

The romantic comedy sees the pair play Alex and Rosie, two best friends who plan to move to the US together to attend university. The pair's lives change dramatically over the course of the next 12 years but they're still able to preserve their friendship.

Here's the first still thanks to Sam Claflin Fans.

The movie hits theaters in October.

Natalie Dormer on the Similarity Between Her 'Mockingjay' & 'Game of Thrones' Roles

Natalie Dormer talked to Vulture recently about her role as Margaery Tyrell in Game of Thrones. She touched on the one similarity between her Mockingjay and Game of Thrones characters:

Since Margaery plays a war of words, did that help you find common ground, to play Cressida, the propaganda filmmaker from Mockingjay?

You know, that's an interesting point. Cressida is employed by the rebellion in this modern capacity that we would recognize as PR and propaganda, winning over hearts and minds in the civil war. And yeah, what Margaery does is modern PR-stunting. So yes, there would be a similarity between the two characters, that they are astute at media manipulation. But that would probably be the only similarity. [Laughs.] Margaery is not running around with a semi-automatic rifle and army boots! Which I actually quite enjoyed. There was this great scene in episode one this season between Margaery and Brienne, and they talked about the difference between fighting with words and fighting with weaponry, and a woman's lot in Westeros, as it were, but unfortunately a lot of that scene got cut. Maybe it'll end up on the extra features on the DVD.

Can you imagine if Margaery got to be more physical? After all, her brother Loras is a famed swordsman

It would be great if Margaery Tyrell could do a bit of a Katniss Everdeen, and pick up a bow and arrow! In my dreams!  [Laughs.]

Read the entire article HERE.

Jena Malone Talks 'Mockingjay' on Her Reddit AMA

Jena Malone and Lem Jay Ignacio did a reddit AMA this morning in support of their band The Shoe's upcoming debut album release (be sure to check out I'm Okay on June 3. Pre-order in their store or iTunes). Jena answered some of your Mockingjay questions during the Q&A and even confirmed  - once again - that she's a Joniss shipper.

We've transcribed all the Hunger Games/Mockingjay-related questions for you but you can also check out the entire reddit AMA HERE.

I've always wondered this about movies - did you really strip naked during the elevator scene in Catching Fire, or did you have something to cover up?

naked!
hahah no not really. I had little stickers on parts I wanted covered

Has it been difficult to interpret Johanna in Mockingjay?

Mockingjay is a whole new world !! It's very thrilling and nerve wracking making it perfect.

First, thanks for doing this AMA! And congrats on the new album! I pre-ordered the vinyl and I'm super psyched to hear it! (Spoilers ahead for those silly enough not to have read the Hunger Games trilogy..)
For Jena - I'm a huge fan of your work and particularly fond of Johanna. Since we only experience Katniss's perception of Johanna after her torture in Mockingjay, how did you get inside her head? How different was portraying this Johanna from the one we know in Catching Fire?

PS - I know you were upset they didn't make a Johanna Mason barbie, and I may or may not definitely have gotten one commissioned by this badass girl who does amazing custom barbies. When I get it, I will definitely post you a photo!

Johanna was very hard bird to crack. I think the first entry into her was discovering what true anger felt like and living in it for a prolonged amount of time.
Can't wait to see a little Johanna doll!

I would like to ask Jena, what was it like to act along with such amazing group in Catching Fire? What would you say about Jennifer Lawrence? And I love The Shoe, really want to get that album. xx

Its been a dream working with the Hunger Games cast. I love them all so much. Jenn is the best person ever (besides my little sister) and she is truly inspiring to work with

Hey Jena, do you have an OTP (One True Pairing) from the Hunger Games? x

I don't know what this is.

You guys create such beautiful music together, you should be seriously proud. Thank you for becoming The Shoe and sharing your magic with us! Jena, YOU SHIP JONISS. You don't understand how crazy we all went when you replied to a fans twitter question the other day and answered with 'Joniss.' How did you come to like Johanna and Katniss together, and do you see them purely as a friendship or do you see the chemistry that hundreds of us can totally see?! Joniss rules.

I recently discovered the whole "joniss" phenomenon and think it is so amazing that the fans have created our backstorys and worlds out of these characters!! I can't help but love it!

Jena, what was the most rewarding experience in filming Catching Fire? Also, did anything funny happen on set? I preordered the signed album. I can't wait!

The most rewarding experience was getting to work the amazing cast. We have all kind of fallen in love with each other so going to work every day is such a treat

Hi Jena! Big fan of yours since Sucker Punch, also loved you as Johanna Mason and congratulations on The Shoe. My question is how was it like filming the Hunger Games now knowing that the end is approaching & that you'll no longer play Johanna Mason?

It makes me sad, actually.

Jena, what was your favourite part of playing Johanna?

The fans!

Hey Jena, do you think you (not Johanna) would be capable of winning the Hunger Games?

Yes!!! I would totally win!
hahah not really prob just run and hide

Hi Jena, If you could have written music for any movie you have already starred in, which would it have been? And would you have preferred writing the score or just a single song?

Gosh we would love to write something for the new Mockingjay films!!

Elizabeth Banks Wraps Up Playing Effie and Says, "That Was Heartbreaking For Me"

Elizabeth Banks as Effie. Photo courtesy Vanity Fair Oct '13Elizabeth Banks said in a recent article,

“I just wrapped playing Effie Trinket and that was heartbreaking for me. She was one of my all-time-favourite characters that I’ve played.”

Elizabeth is out promoting her new movie, Walk of Shame (in theaters May 2nd) and, of course, EVERYONE asks her about The Hunger Games. 

Fans (including this fan) are speculating (hopefully) whether Effie's part in the Mockingjay films is expanded from the tiny part her character played in the final book.

Thousands Lined up for the 'Mockingjay' Casting Call in Berlin

Tributes at the Mockingjay casting call in Berlin. Photo courtesy Berlin MorgenpostThousands of people queued up for the Mockingjay casting call at the Delphi Movie Palace in Berlin today. According to Berlin Morgenpost, over 3500 people were funneled through the theater by 11:00am today and the line was still growing. We've translated the article for you here but keep in mind that we're not expert German translators, so it may be a bit rough! And they aren't stating "officially" that this casting is for Mockingjay but it seems like pretty common knowledge unofficially.

Photo courtesy Focus online

From Berlin Morgenpost (translated):

The human chain, hundreds of meters long, snakes down the street to the Delphi Film Theatre. People of all colors: blond, dark, light-skinned, Asian, dark-skinned, tall, short. They all hope to be part of a major Hollywood production.

The Berlin-based agency "Film Faces" is doing the extras casting. The first to arrive came two hours before admission. Wwin brothers Burkhard and Stefan Klimek have been in line longer, "For the past eight hours we've been here", says Burkhard, "but it's still fun. The weather is beautiful, the people are nice."

The 49-year-olds have acting experience. What are their chances of success? "Well, we have the twin advantage," they say at the same time and have to laugh.

The agency had sent out the first casting call for gaunt Mediterranean or Asian-looking men with eccentric, character faces and tattoos. The twins have long black hair and easygoing faces.

Shortly before 10:00 am it begins. Agency head Johanna Ragwitz starts the process. "And nobody has to sing and dance," she calls out to the crowd, which now pushes into the cinema. Fill in the application form, take a photo, and you're done. "Is Dieter here?", calls a young man. "No, and Heidi's not here either" answers Ragwitz.

They're referring to Dieter Bohlen, the judge of StarSearch Germany and Model-mom Heidi Klum. Inside there is the registration list. Categories on the list: eye color, hair color, hair length. "Hair length" asks Stefan Klimek. "Maybe one meter," his brother comes to the rescue. The dress size question triggers a frown and shrug.

Actually, the movie they're casting is not official yet. The rumor has spread anyway. It is said to be Mockingjay Parts 1 & 2, the third and fourth "Hunger Games" films. Actress Jennifer Lawrence announced at the premiere of Catching Fire that they'd be shooting in Berlin soon.

However, the casting Agency and Studio Babelsberg in Potsdam remain silent on what film is actually being cast. Also, access to the movie theater, where the candidates are getting photographed, remains restricted only to those applying. Actually, the agency allowed access at first, but shortly thereafter restricted access.

Shortly after 11:00am, police estimate that 3,500 people have already been funneled through the cinema.

Video of the queue for the Mockingjay casting in Berlin today.

Read the original casting call post here.

Sam Claflin Talks Finnick Odair and Fan Negativity

Photos by Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

Sam Claflin talked a bit about playing Finnick Odair in Catching Fire and dealing with fan negativity about his casting with Reuters while promoting his new movie, The Quiet Ones. Sam keeps coming back to this subject and we sort of want to shake him and say, "Hey, Sam, we LOVE you as Finnick. Please move on!" Though we totally get it - that must have been absolutely brutal.

Q: You've often played the love interest. Are you worried about being typecast as the romantic hero?

A: It's definitely something that still scares me. Even now I'm in the process of making a decision of where I'm going to be going after "Hunger Games," and I want to make the right decision. I want a long-lasting career as opposed to someone that does the same thing over and over again, people get bored of you, and you then get washed up because the next young, better-looking version of you will arrive. I want to try my hand at new things, I want to be a character actor, I'd like to think of myself as a chameleon.

Q: What drew you to Finnick Odair in "Catching Fire"?

A: Knowing the journey that he goes on, where he begins; he's got this exterior, he's a confident, charming man, very good-looking and often judged on the way he looks, and I think he's the epitome of Hollywood ... but actually what's going on inside, there's a lot more going on. He's very similar to me in that sense, I think I put on a brave face a lot of the time, but actually what I'm thinking is I'm so nervous and intimated by what's going on. He's so vulnerable and naive to the world, he's just had to put on a front.

Q: What's been the most intimidating moment in your career?

A: I think portraying Finnick Odair would be the poignant moment in my career in the sense of I put most pressure on myself. I felt hugely intimidated entering into a franchise I was already a fan of, and had the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson, Philip Seymour Hoffman coming on board, I didn't know what to do with myself. A lot of the fans showed a lot of negative thoughts with the role.

Q: How do you deal with that negativity?

A: I use it to my advantage. To me, that made me work harder ... it pushed me further, whereas I think if everyone was like, "He's perfect the way he is," I wouldn't have done anything; I would have just turned up. But I felt like, "I'm going to prove you wrong," and I can only do as much as I can do, and if they still hate me, they hate me, I can't change my face, I'm sorry. Well, I can with surgery! (laughs)

Jennifer Lawrence #37 on Yahoo's 50 Greatest Actors Alive List

Jennifer Lawrence comes in at #37 on YahooMovies' 50 Greates Actors Alive list.

From YahooMovies.com:

Greatest Actor Alive (No. 37): Jennifer Lawrence

Age: 23

Stating the Case: True, the artist known as J.Law may not have the most expansive body of work, but show us another actor with such consistently bravura performances over the past five years.

It was her rough-and-tumble performance in "Winter's Bone" (2010) that first got everyone wondering who this remarkable young actress was — and where she was going. In no time she was playing a superhero (2011's "X-Men: First Class") and, in 2012, Lawrence became an international superstar as Katniss Everdeen in "The Hunger Games." That year also had Lawrence proving she could still impress the Academy while also being a bona fide movie star with her Oscar-winning performance in "Silver Linings Playbook."

Following last year's double header of "American Hustle" (which earned her a Golden Globe and another Oscar nom) and "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" (which earned roughly a bajillion dollars), there's just no stopping this ultra-talented beauty who's known as much for her charming (and admirably oddball) off-screen persona as she is for her brilliant on-screen characterizations.

Read the rest of the lengthy article, including clips from Jen's top 5 movies HERE.

Thanks to our follower @MarceEscoto for the tip!