Francis Lawrence Says 'Mockingjay' Will Wrap in 5 Days

Francis Lawrence announced via twitter that Mockingjay will wrap in 5 days. FIVE DAYS!! We are assuming that he means 5 business days and that they'll wrap on Friday, June 20th, but that's just a guess. Jeffrey Wright and producer Nina Jacobson chimed in about wrapping as well. And Jeffrey also tweeted about saying farewell to his character, Beetee. 

Judging from YOUR reactions to this news on twitter, facebook and tumblr, we need a fandom group hug. Or a trailer, how about a trailer? That will fix us right up. 

Jeffrey Wright Talks About Mockingjay and Jennifer Lawrence in His Reddit AMA

Jeffrey Wright did a Reddit AMA this morning to discuss his role as Dr. Valentin Narcisse on Boardwalk Empire and to raise money for two of his favorite charities, Tribeca Film Institute and Taia Peace Foundation. He talked a bit about Mockingjay and the joy of working with Jennifer Lawrence.

Jeffrey said he was in Brooklyn for his AMA chat. Wonder if he's wrapped his scenes on Mockingjay already?

How awesome is Jennifer Lawrence really?

She’s really awesome. I have to say, as awesome as you might imagine. The brilliant, vibrant, upbeat and original personality. Working with her is a choice between focusing and laughing yourself into hysterics.

Hi there, I was wondering if you've read the whole Hunger Games series (and if so, your thoughts)? Or what best helped you get a sense of the type of person Beetee is and how to portray him? Thanks!

Yes, of course I’ve read the whole of the Hunger Games series. I think it would have been foolish not to, considering all of the wonderful detail and background story that they contain. They represent the whole cosmology of these character and habits. If I was going to be able to flesh out my character, I needed to know as much as possible, so I went there to discover that. There’s a lot there, but I think that Suzanne Collins tapped into something very much within the moment that we find ourselves in. On set, we’re continually amazed at the way in which the world outside the set is reflected within the world we’re trying to recreate from her books. The books and movies are directed towards young minds, which make them all the more exciting. This moment recently in Thailand, where protesters were throwing up the Hunger Games hand sign in the streets, was just kind of mind boggling and odd in the best way, and only indicative of Suzanne’s stories and ideas, and of these movies we’re all a part of.

Hey I just met a girl named Valerie on Tinder who said she's a pro actor in Atlanta who will be in both Mockingjay 1 and 2. Is it true or is she bullshitting me?

Well, since you’ve only met her online, I think there’s probably any number of questions regarding whether or not she is who she says she is. I would say the chances that she is real are 50/50. That doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Why don’t you ask her who’s the best at forgetting their lines on set, and if it’s me, she might be onto something...

Thanks for bringing life to your character in Mockingjay, and so brilliantly! What is/was your favourite part of working on Mockingjay?

My favorite part of working on Mockingjay, that’s kind of an easy question. My favorite part was working with all of the other actors and Francis Lawrence, our director. And being on set with the crew; the atmosphere and the feeling that was created is a combo of hard work and good focus.

Do you think the message in Hunger Games is actual for nowadays' world?

I think so, and it seems to me that I’m not alone in that, because the popularity of the stories would suggest that. I think the stories are relevant, not only in a way that’s relevant to our time, but I think there’s a kind of universal humanity that touches people that is timeless. Katniss, who is the focal point of this story, is a classically mythic figure, who undertakes these extraordinary adventures and who faces these phenomenal challenges, only to really make her way back home and back to the things that are granular and that are most dear to her and most intimate for her. We all understand that and we all get how meaningful that is.

If you'd like to support Jeffrey's favorite charities, Tribeca Film Institute and Taia Peace Foundation, he's offering you and a guest the chance to join him on the set of Boardwalk Empire. You can enter here. See his entire Reddit AMA here.

Jeffrey Wright's Live Web Chat With L.A. Times

Jeffrey Wright did a live web chat with L.A. Times' Glenn Whipp today, and he spoke to us from his trailer on the Mockingjay set at Tempelhof Airport in Berlin. Jeffrey says he's finished shooting all of his scenes from Mockingjay Part 1 and is on to Mockingjay Part 2 and that they have "a little over a month" left of shooting.

Jeffrey starts talking about Mockingjay at about 13:47.

Wright said that, "people have a more personal relationship with this material" than any other project that he's done. He shared, "In Mockingjay, this world, this society, that's been created by these books is now completely undone. It's now set ablaze."

On Jennifer Lawrence: "This is a wonderful cast led by Jennifer Lawrence. And fortunately she is just, beyond being an intensely interesting actor, she's a riot and one of the funniest people you ever hope to meet."

On Beetee: "He has a sense of clarity about his response to this unjust society and the oppression of the Capitol. There's a sensitivity about him that conflicts with the brutality of his work."

Join Jeffrey Wright For a Live Web Chat on Tuesday, May 27

Jeffrey Wright will be joining LA Times for a live Web chat on Tuesday at 10 a.m. PDT about his role as underworld figure Dr. Valentin Narcisse on "Boardwalk Empire."

The LA Times says they'll also mix in a Hunger Games question or two: 

Wright will be returning for the two-part Mockingjay conclusion to the mammoth series. Wright's character, electronics expert Beetee Latier, survived the 75th Hunger Games - barely. Before accepting the part, Wright - who had appeared in the James Bond movies Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace - had to be convinced by his agent that The Hunger Games was actually bigger than Bond. We're guessing he just might have a fuller idea of the series' scope now.

Tweet your questions for Jeffrey with the hashtag #asklatimes.

First Look at 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1'

We are thrilled to share the official DIGITAL FIRST LOOK at THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 1. With the debut of the new website TheHungerGamesExclusive.com, fans are given insider access to the most highly anticipated film of 2014: THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 1.

Series #1 features an exclusive look at District 13's President Coin, along with a video interview with Julianne Moore and a Q&A with director Francis Lawrence, producer Nina Jacobson, and screenwriter Peter Craig. Additionally, get first look images and behind-the-scene stills, an interactive sneak peek at a page from the film’s script, and the official motion poster.

Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee and Julianne Moore as President CoinWoody Harrelson as Haymitch AbernathyJeffrey Wright as Beetee

US fans will also be given the chance to win an official page of the Mockingjay Part 1 script, featured on the site, signed by the cast and filmmakers by entering TheHungerGamesExplorer.com

There is SO much to explore on the new site, so head to TheHungerGamesExclusive.com for your all-access pass to the making of MOCKINGJAY!

Catching Fire Fan Camp - Day 2

Josh Hutcherson made a surprise visit to Catching Fire Fan Camp today! He joined Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, and Jeffrey Wright at the table to sign for fans. Francis Lawrence made a surprise visit to Fan Camp right after that signing. The fan sites got to hang out in the press pit the entire time to take pictures. It was amazing for us to get such access to the cast! We were not even two feet away from them during the entire signing. The cast is so gracious and kind. We were surprised how much energy they had after their whirlwind press and European tour. 

Josh Hutcherson walking in to surprise the fans at Catching Fire Fan Camp. This video courtesy HG Girl on Fire.

The cast signing autographs for fans.

Sam, Jena and Jeffrey signing at Fan Camp. Photo courtesy The HobHeeeeere's Joshy!

Sam acting totally normal at the signing

Sandy from My Hunger Games, Tiffany from Mockingjay.net and I posing "with" Josh

So close I could smell him - delightful.

Francis surprises the fans!

Francis sees the big Mockingjay for the first timeThis is what he was looking at. It will be on fire tomorrow!

I met Francis! There we are!

VIDEO: Jeffrey Wright On GMA Plus a NEW 'Catching Fire' Clip

Jeffrey Wright kicked off GMA's The Hunger Games: Catching Fire coverage this morning with a new clip from the movie! WARNING: the clip does contain spoilers so use caution if you're trying to avoid them.

PHOTOS 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' World Premiere in London

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire had it's world premiere today in London. Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Willow Shields, Elizabeth Banks, Donald Sutherland, Jeffrey Wright, Stanley Tucci and Francis Lawrence attended the premiere in Leicester Square. There are SO many incredible photos to share. Check out this gallery of 105 HQ images from the Catching Fire premiere!

Recap - Victory Tour Houston

While the Catching Fire Global Fan Day festivities were going on across social media yesterday, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Jeffrey Wright, Stephanie Leigh Schlund and Alan Ritchson were in Houston for the last stop on the National Victory Tour.

Check out some of the photos and video from their visit to Texas.

Thanks to pageturnersblog for the video!

VIDEO: The 'Catching Fire' Cast Speak To We Live Film at Victory Tour Cherry Hill

We Live Film's Zachary Marsh and Scott Menzel ventured out to the Cherry Hill Mall to partake in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Victory Tour fan event on Sunday November 3rd. They spoke with Bruno Gunn (Brutus), Sam Claflin (Finnick), Jena Malone (Johanna Mason), and Jeffrey Wright (Beetee) about the film on the red carpet.

And FYI, Jeffrey Wright says the film is "staggeringly good."

Recap: Victory Tour at Cherry Hill Mall

Top photos courtesy TheHob.org & Hunger GamesDWTC.com

Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Jeffrey Wright, Bruno Gunn, and Meta Golding were your Victors at the Victory Tour stop at Cherry Hill Mall today! Thanks to the coverage by The Hob and Hunger Games Down With The Capitol, who attended today's event, we have some great photos, Q&A coverage, and video from the tour stop.

 Video thanks to noplaceforgirlonfire.tumblr.com

Sam Claflin said he relates to Finnick's insecurities hidden under a charming persona. He spoke about his transformation into Finnick, particularly the "six pack, tan, and waxed chest". He also spoke about how much he enjoyed the experience of working with the amazing cast, and, our favorite bit, said that the Hunger Games fans are like his family.

Jena Malone loved going to the gym to train and not only matching the men but beating them. She  spent a lot of time chopping with an axe. She even called herself the biggest fan from the cast before filming, as she read all 3 books in 48 hours. She said "We are too old to be the revolution. YOU are the revolutionaries! Take it! Kill it!"

Jeffrey Wright said how much he likes being part of the solution to a corrupt government, and it's something he feels people can relate to. If he could choose another character (besides Beetee) to be from the Hunger Games, it would be Peeta. He says his favorite character is Peeta because Josh Hutcherson is so cute (!!) and his soldier's journey is incredible. All the cast members put their mics in his face when he was asked how he would combat the Capitol in real life, and he said he would fight the Capitol just how Beetee did it. He talked about the relaxed nature of the set, and said that the movie ROCKS!

Bruno Gunn's favorite bit of being a part of the series is meeting all of the fans. He admires the respect and passion everyone has for The Hunger Games.

Meta Golding likes her sharpened teeth, and called Enobaria a "badass" rather than a "baddie". She also said she threw up on the second day of training for the role, and was worried about whether she could complete it or not. Her favourite character is Katniss, and she loves the concept of surviving in the Hunger Games.

Special thanks to TheHob.org and HungerGamesDWTC for their great coverage of the event all the photos! 

Stay tuned for our coverage of the Victory Tour stop at Mall of America on Tuesday, Nov 5th. Please say hello to Dan from our site if you're attending!

Sam Claflin talked about his transformation into Finnick, particularly the "six pack, tan, and waxed chest". He also spoke about how much he enjoyed the experience of working with the amazing cast, and mentioned that the fans are like his family.

Jena Malone loved being able to beat the boys in the gym and spent a lot of time chopping with an axe. She even called herself the biggest fan from the cast before filming, as she read all 3 books in 48 hours. Apparently, the fans are like a revolution to her!

Jeffrey Wright said how much he likes being part of the solution to a corrupt government, and it's something he feels people can relate to. If he could choose another character (besides Beetee) to be from the Hunger Games trilogy, then it would be Peeta! Jeffrey said this was because of the character's journey (and also because Josh is so cute!) He mentioned the relaxed nature of the set, and that the movie ROCKS!

Meta Golding likes her sharpened teeth, and called Enobaria a "badass" rather than a "baddie". She also told how she threw up on the second day of training for the role, and was worried about whether she could complete it or not. Her favourite character is Katniss, and she loves the concept of surviving in the Hunger Games.

Bruno Gunn's favourite bit of being a part of the series is meeting all of the fans. He admires the respect and passion everyone has for The Hunger Games. - See more at: http://www.quarterquell.org/#sthash.9jRurPA3.dpuf

New York Magazine's Interview with Francis Lawrence

New York Magazine published an article on the recent surge in popularity of the Young Adult genre. In addition to several others, Catching Fire director Francis Lawrence was included in those being interviewed - and of course, there are a couple bits about the upcoming film.

A few popular YA books have struggled recently as film adaptations, like Mortal Instruments and Beautiful Creatures. Why does Hunger Games work?
Author Suzanne Collins was raised in a military family, so she grew up learning about the consequences of war. Even though it’s sort of an alternate world, it’s still relatable.

You have all these pedigree actors coming in, from Philip Seymour Hoffman in Catching Fire to Julianne Moore in Mockingjay. You could have had no-name actors, and the fans would have accepted that.
If you can have Philip Seymour Hoffman, get Philip Seymour Hoffman! And he loved the books, so he signed on. Same with Jeffrey Wright. Same with Julianne. If you can just get those amazing actors, then that’s 80 percent of my job.

The first film skimped a little on showing us the strategy behind the Katniss-Peeta love story. 
I felt the same. I felt the love story in general was, um, a bit buried in the first one. I wanted to bring the love story to the surface. And when I say love story, I mean the triangle.

Jeffrey Wright on 'Catching Fire' and It's Importance to the Fans - He REALLY Gets Us!

Our friends at The Hob found a great interview from HuffPost Live with our Beetee, Jeffrey Wright, talking about Catching Fire and the deep meaning it has to the fans - and fansites - he spoke with at Comic Con.

Jeffrey Wright:

It's been a fantastic experience and as a matter of fact, when I finish Boardwalk we're going to go back in and start filming the next installments. But Catching Fire, which is the second of the books, comes out Thanksgiving and it's an EPIC, epic story. It does have all the bells and whistles. It's big budget stuff, but at the same time there are some interesting themes being addressed, particularly for younger audiences.

We went out to Comic Con and promoted the trailer, and I had the opportunity to talk to some of the more enthusiastic fans who've set up some of the websites, and they're hardcore. It was great because I asked each of them, 'Why are you so passionate about this stuff?' Each of them had an individual answer unique to their own experiences. You know, some of it was political, some of it was because they were drawn to this strong female hero at the center of it. Some of it was because they found themselves in some of the other characters who had struggles that were similar to their own. But it wasn't superficial, it was all very personal and I think that's exciting. You have big budget, thrilling film making but you also have elements that touch people in very honest ways, and I'm all for it.

VIDEO: The 'Catching Fire' Cast Speaks to High5 About The Movie

Interviews of the Catching Fire cast from Comic Con keep popping up all over the place. Here are a couple we haven't seen before from Germany's High5tv. They speak with Jennifer Lawrence, Jena Malone, Jeffrey Wright, Francis Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Lenny Kravitz and Willow Shields. 

Francis Lawrence says there's going to be an HOUR of the arena in the movie (and say goodbye to shaky-cam - hooray)! 

Via our friends at The Hob

PHOTOS: Willow Shields, Jena Malone and Jeffrey Wright Autograph Signing

Willow Shields, Jena Malone and Jeffrey Wright followed up the Catching Fire panel with an autograph session at the Lionsgate booth. We can only imagine how excited the fans were to meet these guys after that trailer premiere! 

 Photos courtesy @thehungergames on instagram and @willowshields on instagram

VIDEO: Jeffrey Wright on Beetee in 'Catching Fire'

It's SO great to see Jeffrey Wright talking about his character, Beetee in Catching Fire! Jeffrey spoke with ClevverTV about the character, working with the great cast, and how the movie is relevant to what's going on in the world today. Love this interview! 

'Catching Fire' Cast Autograph Signings At Comic Con

Bruno Gunn, Stephanie Leigh Schlund, and Meta Golding are on their way to Comic Con! Looks like our Brutus, Cashmere and Enobaria will be signing autographs today at the Lionsgate booth.

Erin Poulin, Senior News Editor for Mockingjay.net posted this photo of the wristband she snagged for the signing. Lucky girl! You can follow her updates at @Neinora.

Page To Premiere gave us a look at the autograph area, and it looks like Willow Sheilds, Jena Malone, and Jeffrey Wright will be signing autographs right after the Catching Fire panel on Saturday, July 20th at 3:00pm. 

Thanks to Page To Premiere, Erin Poulin, and The Hob for the information! 

Jeffrey Wright: Teaser for His New Role on 'Boardwalk Empire'

Jeffrey Wright (Beetee) plays Valentin Narcisse, the man who runs Harlem, in the upcoming fourth season of HBO series Boardwalk Empire. Check out a teaser below. And that's DOCTOR Narcisse, buddy! "Only kings understand each other."