The Hunger Games Casts Lenny Kravitz as Cinna, District 12 Stylist
After casting pretty much all of the characters (with the notable exception of President Snow, still yet to be announced) Lionsgate and director Gary Ross revealed their choice to play District 12 stylist Cinna, the kindly primper who helps Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) in The Hunger Games. Musician-actor Lenny Kravitz will don Cinna's metro duds; hear what Ross & Co. had to say about the casting after the jump and tell us if you approve.
"When I saw Lenny's work in Precious I was just knocked out," said director Ross in a statement. "It was quiet and strong and understated and open hearted; all qualities which define this character. I'm really looking forward to this ride."
Kravitz seems a decent choice for Cinna, one of the supporting characters most sympathetic to Katniss's plight; guarded with his emotions but loyal in Katniss's corner, he engineers her "girl on fire" image and helps lead her support team. Suzanne Collins' novel describes him as stylish with green eyes and brown hair; Kravitz's rock star swagger should help establish Cinna as a charismatic favorite among the secondary cast.
He's also got a handful of film credits under his belt, although Nurse John in Precious was a standout lone dramatic role. So chime in, HG fans -- do you approve of your new Cinna?
Lionsgate's character description:
Cinna is Katniss Everdeen's assigned fashion stylist for the highly ceremonial lead up to The 74th Annual Hunger Games. Though he's a mild mannered first time stylist, the designs he creates, such as the "Girl On Fire" costume for the tributes' live televised debut, are show-stopping. With odds being set, wagers being placed, and wealthy benefactors able to occasionally intervene in the games, a high public profile is tantamount to a huge advantage for any contestant entering the arena. The stunning and unique designs Cinna creates for Katniss define her public identity, and in an all too real way, could also contribute to her very survival.
Next up: Who should be cast as the insidious President Snow?
The Hunger Games is set to hit theaters March 23, 2012.
[Press release]
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Comments
this is an epic casting fail. it's like they looked at the character cinna and said "f*** that, we are casting kravitz." i have no faith that this movie will do the books any justice because of this atrocious decision. ross looks to be making a movie for his own enjoyment, not one that honors the book. it's a shame because the story is so great, and collins' characters were so well developed and deserved to be depicted as she wrote them on the big screen. Way to botch up one of the most universally loved characters in the books. so disgusted and disappointed.
I agree, this is an epic casting fail!
I have been a fan of all the other choices so far...but really?!
Cinna was my all time favorite character in the books and they just ruined it for me. What a disappointment. Die-hard fans are not going to like this...I sure as heck don't!
While I don't think most of the roles needed all the fanfare, I think the most important parts for the first movie are Katniss, Peeta, Gale, Haymitch, Effie, Cinna and maybe Rue and Caesar. Does President Snow even appear in the first book? It's VERY important that nothing about the rebellion appears in the first movie. And it's especially important that Cinna's involvement isn't uncovered until right before the Quarter Quell. Can they make Lenny Kravitz appear non-rebellious? Doubtful.
Cinna was calm, silent, caring, but emotionally strong. He wasn't flamboyant or like the other fake capitol residents. The choice of Lenny Kravitz for this role is genius. Second best casting (Oscar Nominee Jennifer Lawrence being another good call). Gary Ross is thinking bigger than most fans of the books. His vision is amazing.
good lord people, calm down. i'm also a huge fan of the books and this casting took me a little off guard, but why can't people trust the director? it's not like he put a blindfold on and picked kravitz, he was the best actor for the part. why is that so hard to believe? let him do his job and maybe he'll surprise you. that's what actors do. suzanne collins has been working closely on the casting and im sure this has her blessing. im not jumping up and down for kravitz, but i for one am happy gary ross isnt going with obvious fan suggestions for these parts and putting together an eclectic and interesting cast.
Would it have killed them to read the books before casting? I really don't care how good Kravitz was in Precious, if you don't look the part you aren't going to sell it. Cinna was a newcomer and first-year stylist. Nowhere does that imply middle-aged rock star. He was subtle. What happened to the Hugh Dancy rumor? He's still not young enough, but would have been a far better choice. So disappointing.
I'm actually intrigued and not overly disappointed with this casting. Nowhere in the book does it say Cinna isn't in his 40's - just that he's a new stylist. Lenny Kravitz has a very calm, urbane vibe, though, that I think matches nicely with how Cinna comes across in the book. Besides - Kravitz has a 21 year old daughter who he's raised mostly by herself from her teen years. I think he's more than capable of pulling off the supportive and caring vibe needed for the character.
Not a big fan of the choice, but we'll see what happens.
THX U!!!!SOMEONE WHOS NOT CRAZY ABOUT IT GIVE THE BLACK GUY A CHANCE LOOK R DESIVEING!!!
YOU DONT KNW HOW GOOD THE MOVIE IS MAYBE IF YOU STOP POWTING AND GIVE THIS BLACK GUY WHO PROBLY MAKES A GOOD CINNA A CHANCE YOU WOULD RELEASE THAT!!!!!JST CUZ U IMAGINE HIM WHITE WITH NICE HAIR YOU MIGHT FREAKIN REALEASE!!!!SO STOP COMPARE IT TO SOME OTHER MOVIE!!!!!ITS THE HUNGER GAMES NT TWILIGHT!!!!!!!!!
Would you all just stop downing Kravitz. I mean really let the director do his job! If the director thinks he's good for the part then he probably is! Why don't you guys just wait until the movie comes out and see if hes good or not before doubting him! The director knows a lot more about who he's putting in the movie then you do! So just be quiet.
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