'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay' will be split in two

Although rumors of Lionsgate splitting the third and final book in Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games" trilogy into two films have been swirling since last summer, the studio made it official this week when it announced two separate release dates for the forthcoming adaptation.

Mockingjay concludes the series.

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1" will be released Nov. 21, 2014, while "Part 2" will arrive 12 months later on Nov. 20, 2015.

Production is set to get underway soon on the second novel of the trilogy, "Catching Fire," with the film set for release on Nov. 22, 2013. The film will be directed by Francis Lawrence, who is replacing "The Hunger Games" director Gary Ross

Last summer, it was revealed that Lionsgate included the possibility turning the trilogy into four films in the cast's contracts, unlike those for the "Harry Potter" and "Twilight" series, which had to be adjusted after each added a movie by splitting the final installment in two.

"The Hunger Games," released in March, has grossed $404 million domestically and $678 million worldwide.

Philip Seymour Hoffman officially joins 'Catching Fire'

Lionsgate and the filmmakers of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" announced that Philip Seymour Hoffman has been cast in the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, head gamemaker for the Hunger Games, in the  film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' hit novel "Catching Fire. "

Philip Seymour Hoffman

The actor and filmmaker just wrapped a Broadway run as Willy Loman in the revival of “Death of a Salesman,” for which he was nominated for a Tony Award. He will next be seen in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “The Master” and the indie film “A Late Quartet” alongside Catherine Keener and Christopher Walken.  More recent films include “Moneyball,” “The Ides of March” and “Jack Goes Boating,” which marked Hoffman’s feature directorial debut.

"Catching Fire" begins as Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) has returned home safe after winning the 74th annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell)--a competition that could change Panem forever.

"Catching Fire" will be directed by Francis Lawrence, who is replacing "The Hunger Games" director Gary Ross, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy that has more than 36 million copies in print in the U.S. alone. Lionsgate will release "Catching Fire" on Nov. 22, 2013.

Hoffmam was first reported to be in talks for the part last month and now becomes the first official addition to the cast. Last week, Jena Malone ("Sucker Punch") was offered the role of Johanna Mason and is in negotiations.

"The Hunger Games" crossed the $400 million mark this past weekend at the domestic box office and has grossed $650 million worldwide.

Jena Malone in negotiations for role of Johanna Mason in 'Catching Fire'

With two actresses reportedly in contention, "Catching Fire" has finally reaped its Johanna Mason.

Jena Malone

According to Heat Vision, Jena Malone ("Sucker Punch") has been offered the role and is in negotiations for "The Hunger Games" sequel.

Malone beat out fellow actress Zoe Aggeliki for the part, who was also in contention. Johanna is described as sarcastic and mean-spirited. She won her original Hunger Games by pretending to be weak and waiting until only a few opponents were left before revealing herself to be a skilled killer.

Malone portrayed Rocket in "Sucker Punch," as well as a younger version of Jodi Foster in "Contact."

The actress joins potential series newcomer Philip Seymour Hoffman, who has been offered the role of gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee.

Lionsgate is looking to start production on "Catching Fire" in September with the release date scheduled for November 2013 under director Francis Lawrence ("I Am Legend," "Water for Elephants"), who is replacing "The Hunger Games" director Gary Ross.

Cast members Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Lenny Kravitz and Donald Sutherland are all expected to return, reprising their roles from "The Hunger Games."

The first film, which was released this past March, grossed more than $400 million domestically and $650 million worldwide.

Zoe Aggeliki joins chase for Joanna Mason in 'Catching Fire'

Let the games begin. On the heels of a report that "Sucker Punch Star" Jena Malone was in the running for the role of Joanna Mason in "Catching Fire," it now seems that actress Zoe Aggeliki may be the new frontrunner.

Zoe Aggeliki

Deadline is reporting that is in the most serious talks of those up for the part in the forthcoming "Hunger Games" sequel to be directed by Francis Lawrence ("I Am Legend," "Water for Elephants").

The newcomer has roles in the upcoming "R.I.P.D." and "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters."

Joanna is described as sarcastic and mean-spirited. She won her original Hunger Games by pretending to be weak and waiting until only a few opponents were left before revealing herself to be a skilled killer.

Whoever gets the part will the list of potential series newcomers which now consists of Philip Seymour Hoffman, who has been offered the role of gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee.

Lionsgate is looking to start production on "Catching Fire" in September with the release date scheduled for November 2013 under Lawrence, who is replacing "The Hunger Games" director Gary Ross.

Cast members Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Lenny Kravitz and Donald Sutherland are all expected to return, reprising their roles from "The Hunger Games."

The first film, which was released this past March, grossed more than $400 million domestically and $650 million worldwide.

'Sucker Punch' star Jena Malone in the running for 'Catching Fire' role

Casting continues on the anticpated "Hunger Games" sequel, "Catching Fire," with actress Jena Malone reportedly the latest to join the discussions.

Jena Malone

According to Entertainment Weekly, Malone is in the running for Joanna Mason, the female tribute from District 7 taking part in the 75th annual Hunger Games, which plays a large role in the second book in Suzanne Collins' best-selling trilogy.

Joanna is described as sarcastic and mean-spirited. She won her original Hunger Games by pretending to be weak and waiting until only a few opponents were left before revealing herself to be a skilled killer.

Malone portrayed Rocket in "Sucker Punch," as well as a younger version of Jodi Foster in "Contact."

The actress joins potential series newcomer Philip Seymour Hoffman, who has been offered the role of gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee.

Lionsgate is looking to start production on "Catching Fire" in September with the release date scheduled for November 2013 under director Francis Lawrence ("I Am Legend," "Water for Elephants"), who is replacing "The Hunger Games" director Gary Ross.

Cast members Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Lenny Kravitz and Donald Sutherland are all expected to return, reprising their roles from "The Hunger Games."

The first film, which was released this past March, grossed more than $400 million domestically and $650 million worldwide.

Philip Seymour Hoffman offered role in 'Catching Fire'

Philip Seymour Hoffman has been offered the role of Plutarch Heavensbee in "The Hunger Games" sequel "Catching Fire."

Philip Seymour Hoffman

Heat Vision is reporting that the actor was offered the role the same day he split with his agency Paradigm.

Heavensbee is the new gamemaker, replacing Seneca Crane (Wes Bentley) from the first film.

According to the report, Lionsgate is looking to start production on the film in September with the release date scheduled for November 2013 under director Francis Lawrence ("I Am Legend," "Water for Elephants"), who is replacing "The Hunger Games" director Gary Ross.

Cast members Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Lenny Kravitz and Donald Sutherland are all expected to return, reprising their roles from "The Hunger Games."

The first film crossed the $400 million mark this past weekend at the domestic box office and has grossed $650 million worldwide.

Hoffman was most recently seen in "Moneyball." He won the 2006 Academy Award for Actor in a Leading Role for his work in "Capote." He also earned two nominations for best supporting actor in 2007 for "Charlie Wilson's War" and in 2008 for "Doubt."

Analysis: 'Hunger Games' crosses $400 million

This weekend, "The Hunger Games" became the 14th film to cross $400 million at the domestic box office, and the 11th to achieve the feat during its initial release.

It's the 14th film to cross $400 million.

The movie, which hit theaters on March 23, crossed the mark Sunday, its 80th day of release. Of the 11 films to cross $400 million at the domestic box office, "The Hunger Games" was the slowest to do so.

It's also the second movie of 2012 to cross $400 million after "The Avengers," which conversely did it the fastest, in only 14 days. The only other year to see two movies reach the mark was 2009 with "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" and "Avatar."

The point of this analysis is to look at how "The Hunger Games" has performed at both the domestic and worldwide box offices and what it portends for the future of the franchise.

Based on the best-selling book by Suzanne Collins, "The Hunger Games" starred Jennifer Lawrence ("Winter's Bone," "X-Men First Class") as Katniss Everdeen with Josh Hutcherson ("The Kids are Alright") as Peeta Mellark and Liam Hemsworth ("The Last Song") as Gale Hawthorne. The cast also included Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Wes Bentley and Toby Jones.

"The Hunger Games" was directed by Gary Ross ("Seabiscuit," "Pleasantville") based on a screenplay from Bill Ray ("State of Play").

Super Bowl Comercials: 'The Hunger Games' trailer

Stanley Tucci and Jennifer Lawrence in "The Hunger Games"

And finishing our Super Bowl trailer coverage is the one that I didn't actually see tonight: "The Hunger Games."

Although the trailer debuted online a few days ago, I was waiting to see it live during the big game, but somehow missed it. I'm going to have to back through my DVR recording to see if I can find it.

Anyway, the trailer for the highly anticipated feature adaptation of the first novel in Suzanne Collins' best-selling trilogy is definitely worth the wait. Unfortunately, I can't embed the trailer, but you can click this link to watch the 60 second spot.

Although the TV spot includes mostly footage from the full trailer, it does add several new scenes, most noticeably a peak at Caesar Flickerman's (Stanley Tucci) interview with Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence). We also get to see Katniss imploring Gale (Liam Hemsworth) to look after her family.

Fans of the books will note that the movie is apparently deviating from the source material as to how Katniss comes to possess the mockingjay pin, which becomes an important plot device in the books. I'm not surprised since the person who gives Katniss the pin in the books is ultimately a minor character.

'The Hunger Games' to get one-week IMAX release

IMAX Corporation and Lionsgate on Thursday announced that Lionsgate’s "The Hunger Games," the first installment of the trilogy based on Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novels, will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX format and released in IMAX digital theatres in North America day-and-date on Friday, March 23. The film will have a limited one week engagement in IMAX theatres.

The film hits theaters March 23.

Written and directed by Gary Ross and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik, "The Hunger Games: The IMAX Experience" stars Academy-award nominated actress Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth.

Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novels have already developed a massive global following, with more than 23.5 million print copies in the United States alone.

“With this news, the release of 'The Hunger Games' has truly become an epic event,” said Lionsgate’s Joe Drake. “'The Hunger Games' and IMAX are a match made in heaven--fans love this book because its world is so vividly imagined and seeing the film in IMAX will make them feel as if they have landed right in the middle of the action. It is the ideal way for fans to experience this film for the first time.”

“'The Hunger Games' is one of the most popular properties in recent memory and we’re excited to offer this passionate fan base the opportunity to experience this exciting adventure in the most immersive way,” said Greg Foster, chairman and president of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. “We’re proud to kick off our relationship with Lionsgate around this highly anticipated film that will make a strong addition to our 2012 film slate.”

The IMAX release of 'The Hunger Games' will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology

'Hunger Games' social media game to launch simultaneously with the movie

Funtactix, a worldwide developer and publisher of social games based on the world’s premiere entertainment brands, in partnership with Lionsgate, a leading global entertainment company, announced Wednesday that "The Hunger Games Adventures" will launch day and date with the highly anticipated film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' bestselling novel on March 23.

The film hits theaters March 23.

 "The Hunger Games Adventures" is an adventure-based social game where fans can explore the world of Panem--the setting for The Hunger Games trilogy, the companies said. Players will explore Panem and complete missions that will take them to each of the Districts and the Capitol where they will interact with the familiar characters from the book. With each mission they complete, they will advance their own storyline within the world.

As the official game of the series, "The Hunger Games Adventures" will be the first place fans can see the official map of Panem, and how the districts are laid out. Details for the Map of Panem will be rolled out in the game with a steady stream of chapter expansions as the game, and the world, reveals itself over time.

'The Hunger Games' will feature two new President Snow scenes

Next month's adaptation of Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games" will include two scenes featuring President Coriloanus Snow that were not in the best-selling novel.

Donald Sutherland

According to Entertainment Weekly, actor Donald Sutherland ("The Mechanic"), who is portraying Snow in the upcoming film, wrote to director Gary Ross seeking the role.

"It was a long thoughtful analysis of the way power is wielded and why, how it controls people and what the use of the Games were and how pernicious they were and the way that they were used as an instrument of political control," Ross told EW. "It was so eloquent and brilliant that it actually inspired me to write two extra scenes for him that I think are pivotal in the movie and that Suzanne really loves."

Ross said he came up with the new scenes while filming in Asheville, N.C.

"So I sat down in this chair and stared at the lake and came up with these two scenes," he said. "And I realized that not only were the scenes vital but they actually fit a piece that was missing. That was a gift I got from the actor."

Snow has a limited role in "The Hunger Games" novel but is featured much more prominently in the two sequels, "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay."

"The Hunger Games" will hit theaters March 23.

Haymitch, Cinna showcased in latest 'Hunger Games' still released by Lionsgate

The latest still from "The Hunger Games' features Cinna and Haymitch.

Lionsgate has release its latest production still from its upcoming adaptation of "The Hunger Games."

The new photo shows Peeta (Josh Hutcherson, "Bridge to Terabithia") talking to the drunkard Haymitch (Woody Harrelson, "Zombieland") and stylist Cinna ("American Woman" singer Lenny Kravitz).

Neither of the latter character received much screen time in the film's full-length trailer, and the new photo provided perhaps the best glimpse thus far of the pair.

Anticipation is high for the first of what is expected to be three (or possibly four) films based on the best-selling trilogy from author Suzanne Collins. What little of the film we've seen so far has looked pretty solid.

"The Hunger Games" follows Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence, "Winter's Bone") and Peeta as they are chosen to participate in an annual fight to death involving two children chosen from each of the 12 districts of Panem. Haymitch is tasked with mentoring the pair, while Cinna works to make Katniss memorable. Peeta has his own stylist.

"The Hunger Games" is being directed by Gary Ross ("Seabiscuit," "Pleasantville") based on a screenplay from Bill Ray ("State of Play"). It is set for a March 23, 2012, release and is expected to be rated PG-13.

'The Hunger Games' wraps principal photography

Lionsgate announced Thursday the close of principal photography on the highly anticipated film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' bestselling novel "The Hunger Games."

It will be released March 23, 2012.

Lionsgate will release "The Hunger Games" on March 23, 2012. The film is the first in a series that Lionsgate is making based on the book trilogy that has become a worldwide phenomenon.

Filmed entirely in North Carolina, the locations spanned from a dense forest in which the arena that hosts the games themselves was created to a town that stood in for Katniss' home, District 12, to a sound stage that was the platform for the fantastical sights and sounds of The Capitol, the futuristic capital city of the nation of Panem. Principal photography on the 84 day production began on May 23.

The film pairs Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence ("Winter's Bone," "X-Men First Class") with Josh Hutcherson ("The Kids are Alright") and Liam Hemsworth ("The Last Song") in the key young adult roles. Rounding out the cast is a who's who of acclaimed adult actors: Oscar nominee Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Wes Bentley and Toby Jones.

"It has been an absolute thrill watching 'The Hunger Games,' a project that has truly become part of Lionsgate's DNA since our acquisition of the book in 2009, come to life. What I observed on set was impressive on every level, and reinforced my confidence that we have assembled precisely the right team to bring Suzanne Collins' brilliant novel to the big screen," said Joe Drake, Lionsgate's co-COO and motion picture group president.

Steven Soderbergh speaks out about 'The Hunger Games'

A month after it was first reported that Steven Soderbergh ("Ocean's 11," "Traffic") was on the set of "The Hunger Games" helping out with some second unit work, the director is speaking out about his experiences with the project.

Steven Soderbergh

Attempting to quash rumors why he was he was helping out, Soderbergh spoke with Moviefone, saying, "I show up in North Carolina, a crewmember Tweets, 'Steven Soderbergh's here.'' And immediately the...firestorm starts. 'Why is he here? What's going on? Is the movie in trouble? Is he directing footage from the second one?" All of this crazy-ass speculation. People just spinning off.

Soderbergh and "The Hunger Games" director Gary Ross have worked together before, as the former helped produce the latter's 1998 film "Pleasantville."

According to Soderbergh, "The story is really simple. Back in April, Gary--who is a close friend of mine I've exchanged creative favors with non-stop over the last 15 years--when he got the boards for the shoot in April called me and said, 'Hey, first week of August, I got these two days of second unit. Is there any way you can come down and help me out? Because I'd rather have you do it than hire somebody who I don't know.' I said, 'Actually, that works out.' We'll just be finishing 'Contagion' and prepping 'Magic Mike' and, yeah, it could be fun."

First teaser of 'The Hunger Games' now online

The first teaser for 'The Hunger Games" is now online.

"The Hunger Games" adaptation may not be hitting theaters until March, but the buzz has been red hot the last couple of weeks since it was announced the first teaser would be released during last Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards.

Well, the VMAs came and went, and we got our first 60-second glimpse of actress Jennifer Lawrence ("Winter's Bone") as heroine Katniss Everdeen.

When I first watched the teaser (available below), I have to say I was a bit underwhelmed. Not by the footage itself, but by how lacking in context the clip was. As a fan of the books, I knew what was going on, but I'm betting a sizable proportion of Sunday's audience has never read the books and quite a few had never even heard of them until the clip interrupted their "musical" entertainment.

First teaser of 'The Hunger Games' to debut during MTV VMAs

Fans of Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games" will get their first taste of Lionsgate's film adaptation Sunday evening when lead actress Jennifer Lawrence unveils a clip during MTV VMAs telecast.

The film will debut March 23, 2012.

"The Hunger Games" is being directed by Gary Ross ("Seabiscuit," "Pleasantville") based on a screenplay from Bill Ray ("State of Play"). It is set for a March 23, 2012, release and is expected to be rated PG-13.

Lawrence ("Winter's Bone," "X-Men: First Class") plays Katniss Everdeen, who along with Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson, "Bridge to Terabithia") are forced to enter a battle to the death with teenagers from the 12 districts of Panem.

The cast also includes Donald Sutherland ("The Mechanic") Lenny Kravitz ("Precious"), Woody Harrelson ("Zombieland"), Liam Hemsworth ("The Last Song"), Elizabeth Banks ("The Next Three Days"), Paula Malcomson ("Sons of Anarchy"), Wes Bentley ("American Beauty"), Stanley Tucci ("The Lovely Bones") and newcomer Willow Shields ("Beyond the Blackboard").

Jennifer Lawrence will sing for 'The Hunger Games' soundtrack

Jennifer Lawrence (left) will be featured on "The Hunger Games" soundtrack.

"The Hunger Games" star Jennifer Lawrence will be featured on the film's soundtrack with a recording of "Rue's Lullaby."

According to MTV, music producer and co-composer T-Bone Burnett revealed the news last night and Lawrence, who plays Katniss Everdeen, has already been in the studio to record the track.

Fans of the books will know what the context of the song, but everyone else will have to wait until March 23, 2012, when the adaptation hits theaters.

Earlier this month, Lionsgate along with Universal Republic announced a partnership on the soundtrack, which they said will not only include music being recorded by major artists for inclusion in the film, but a series of companion recordings that will feature new songs directly influenced by the themes and subject matter of "The Hunger Games," recorded by "some of music's most successful and acclaimed artists."
Burnett is collaborating with composer Danny Elfman on the film's score, which will also be released by Universal Republic.

Based on the best-selling novel by Suzanne Collins, "The Hunger Games" is being directed by Gary Ross ("Seabiscuit," "Pleasantville") based on a screenplay from Bill Ray ("State of Play").

'Catching Fire' will blaze into theaters Thanksgiving 2013

There's no time like the present to plan ahead. At least that seems to be the thinking in Hollywood these days.

The sequel will be released Nov. 22, 2013

Lionsgate announced today that "Catching Fire,"  the second film in "The Hunger Games" series, will be released Nov. 22, 2013. The first movie, which is still filming with director Gary Ross, won't hit theaters under March 23, 2012.

The films are based on the best-selling books by Suzanne Collins which include "The Hunger Games," "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay."

The Hollywood Reporter quoted Lionsgate co-COO and Motion Picture Group president Joe Drake saying, "The magical thing about 'The Hunger Games' trilogy is that the books have such a vastly broad appeal. The stories truly offer something for everyone, and the period around the Thanksgiving weekend is such an opportunity for families and friends to make an event of going to the movies."

It was reported in June that Lionsgate had included options in the all of the actors' contracts for a possible fourth film should the studio decide to split the final book in two, following the trend set by the "Harry Potter" and "Twilight" franchises.

At the time I said I wasn't convinced "Mockingjay" really needs to be spread over two movies, but having seen the success of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," I'm more open to the idea. Still, a final decision won't be made until the studio sees how well the returns are for the first film.

This news comes on the heels of Columbia Picture's announcement that the sequel to next summer's "The Amazing Spider-Man" will be released May 2, 2014.

Steven Soderbergh helping out 'The Hunger Games'

Director Steven Soderbergh ("Ocean's 11," "Traffic") has joined "The Hunger Games" production as second unit director.

Entertainment Weekly today confirmed earlier reports Soderbergh was helping out the project.

The film arrives March 23, 2012.

“It’s true he’s shooting two days of second unit,” director Gary Ross told EW. “He’s one of my best friends and we all help each other a little bit on these things.”

In addition to his work here, Soderbergh produced Ross' 1998 film "Pleasantville."

Ross also gave EW an update on where filming is on the adaptation of Suzanne Collins' best selling trilogy.

“We’ve already done a lot of action-y stuff,” Ross said. “We’ve burned down a forest, we’ve had the fire sequence, we blew up this pyramid of stuff that went 150 feet up in the air, and we had suitcases flying over a quarter of a mile.”

The cast for "The Hunger Games" includes Jennifer Lawrence ("Winter's Bone"), Josh Hutcherson ("Bridge to Terabithia"), Donald Sutherland ("The Mechanic") Lenny Kravitz ("Precious"), Woody Harrelson ("Zombieland"), Liam Hemsworth ("The Last Song"), Elizabeth Banks ("The Next Three Days"), Paula Malcomson ("Sons of Anarchy"), Wes Bentley ("American Beauty"), Stanley Tucci ("The Lovely Bones") and newcomer Willow Shields ("Beyond the Blackboard").

The film is set for a March 23, 2012, release.  

Lionsgate, Universal Republic to release 'Hunger Games' soundtrack

Lionsgate along with Universal Republic announced today a partnership on the soundtrack to the film studio's adaptation of "The Hunger Games," which is set for release on March 23, 2012.
 

It will be released March 23, 2012.

According to the joint press release, unlike typical soundtracks, this collection will not only include music being recorded by major artists for inclusion in the film, but a series of companion recordings that will feature new songs directly influenced by the themes and subject matter of "The Hunger Games," recorded by "some of music's most successful and acclaimed artists."

"We are absolutely thrilled to be joining forces with Universal Republic," Lionsgate's Head of Music Tracy McKnight said. "There is a tremendous opportunity for us to draw from so many different musical genres with this soundtrack. The setting for 'The Hunger Games' ranges from what could be perceived as the rural Southern part of the U.S. all the way to the most advanced metropolis imaginable, and it all takes place in a vividly imagined future. The list of artists that could participate, and the opportunities for them to write and record, are really unlimited."

The film's executive music producer and co-composer T Bone Burnett will produce many of these recordings, and will oversee all production. It was previously announced that Burnett will be collaborating with composer Danny Elfman on the film's score, which will also be released by Universal Republic.