She Knows talks to Bruno Gunn about Catching Fire and asks Bruno about the strange goings-on on his Twitter account and why he keeps hashtagging #TomBlur.
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Bruno Gunn may be a brutal killing machine as Brutus in Catching Fire, but off camera, he is one likable guy. He stopped by POPSUGAR's LA studio and gave them some exciting details on what fans can expect when they see this blockbuster. Plus, he told them what it's like working so closely with Jennifer Lawrence.
One of our favorite Catching Fire tributes, Bruno Gunn, spoke with Hollywood.com about filming the movie, his relationship with fans, and the process of getting in shape to play District 2 tribute, Brutus.
First off, can you share a little about your experience filming The Hunger Games: Catching Fire? Did you feel a fellowship with your co-stars? Was there competition behind the scenes as well?
I made great memories, new friends, and together we got to travel around the country and make this amazing film. The only competition was on the dance floor and Josh Hutcherson by far had the best moves.
Tell us about your character Brutus. What did you do to prepare to get in the head space to play him?
As a former Victor in one of the richest districts (Two) in Panem, Brutus was afforded a privileged lifestyle. He’s a fierce warrior who was groomed for the Arena. I immediately related to Brutus’ fiery competitive nature. It was also important for me to create a personal back story for him and let that influence what was otherwise a very physical role.
Did you read any of the books before your audition? Do you think the movie will satisfy fans of the book?
Before I auditioned for the role? No. I only knew it was a phenomenon. I got the news I was cast as Brutus in between connecting flights to Italy. Nine hours on a plane with this life-changing news and I couldn’t share it with anyone. Let’s just say I threw myself a small celebration on the plane. I picked them up immediately and they were the best books I ever read. I was immediately immersed in the world. The fans will be very happy.
Obviously you are no stranger to the big screen, but how are you dealing with the fandom of Hunger Games? It is quite a phenomenon. How do you anticipate the release of the movie will impact you personally? Have you given any thought on how best to handle it?
They are well-read, intelligent and creative fans who have a passion for reading. They love Suzanne Collins and pore over every line of her story. It’s been a completely positive experience. It’s great hearing people tell me that they’re discovering some of my earlier work and am excited for them to see future projects.
How much, if any, physical training was involved in the making and preparing of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire?
A highlight of my experience on Catching Fire was the intense two months of training leading up to the film with the stunt team at Eighty-Seven Eleven. A lot of hours and preparation were put in learning martial arts, how to use a spear and choreographing fight scenes. The workouts were exhilarating and exhausting.
Speaking of training, your twitter has a very positive trend of motivation and training. How important is health and fitness to you? Can you share a bit on your philosophy on this and let us know what role health and/or fitness plays in your life?
I played a lot of different sports, so physical fitness has always been important to me. I teamed up with a great professional fitness coach in Los Angeles, Drew Logan. Although I’ve trained hard my whole life, the deciding factor was learning the importance of nutrition and the body working as a machine. Drew taught me the science of food, it all starts and ends with nutrition. You have to make smart food choices. It took me to a whole new level of performance. I maintain a physique we like to call “Home Base” by carefully managing my workouts and nutrition…so that I could gain or lose 5-10lbs if needed in a short time for any role, but oh, that’s not easy…‘cause I love chocolate éclairs.
Touching on social media: It has changed the fan/artist relationship. What is your personal approach to social media? Do you use it to share or interact?
Twitter, what a great platform to reach out and have a dialogue with someone on the other side of the world. I’ve met all kinds of incredible people through social media. It’s information and culture at our fingertips. I’m a huge fan.
Be sure to check out the rest of the article at Hollywood.com.
One of our favorite Catching Fire cast members, Bruno Gunn talked with his hometown paper, The Canton Repository, about his upcoming turn as Brutus in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
Image by Julie Vennitti/CantonRep
“It should be interesting to say the least, having someone come up and say, ‘Gosh, you’re Brutus!’ when I’m pumping gas,” Gunn said, during a recent interview at Bender’s Tavern.
Clearly, Gunn is hoping The Hunger Games: Catching Fire will take him to the next level. “Faith it till you make it” is his longtime mantra.
While unable to divulge any specifics about his action-heavy scenes in Catching Fire — filmed last year in Atlanta and the Hawaiian jungle — Gunn spoke in reverent tones about his fellow cast members.
“You get to the set and look around and it’s just one great actor after another,” he said. “The first night there I was having dinner with Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Jennifer (Lawrence), Josh (Hutcherson), Stanley Tucci, Jeffrey Wright, Amanda Plummer. Not just great actors but good human beings.
“I’d be in makeup talking art with Woody Harrelson,” Gunn recalled. “Watching Stanley Tucci act was like a master class in acting. That goes for Jennifer and Josh, too. I’d hang back, watch and learn as much as possible.”
After receiving the news that he’d been cast as Brutus, Gunn first made an ecstatic phone call to his fiancée. But as fate would have it, he was flying to Italy that very day to visit with friends and family, and decided to wait until he arrived to tell them.
“Here I am with this life-changing news and I’m stuck on a plane for nine hours,” he said. To his amusement, the majority of his fellow passengers were watching the first “Hunger Games” as the in-flight movie.
To prepare for his Catching Fire role as Brutus, a strong and brutal returning Hunger Games victor, Gunn worked out intensively three to four hours daily with trainer Drew Logan, doing a lot of weights, a lot of cardio and 500 situps every night.” “I was in good shape when I got the role, but I wanted to bring a stronger, bigger, more physical Brutus.”
Apparently, Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins was pleased with Gunn’s casting as Brutus.
“When I met her,” he said, “she dove in and gave me a big bear hug.”
Cleveland's 102.1 FM had our very own Brutus, Bruno Gunn, on their show this morning! They interviewed him about (of course!) Catching Fire, as well as what it was like to work with Jennifer Lawrence. He also discusses the fandom! You can listen by clicking the link above.
Photo by Steve Schofield/Bruno Gunn imdb
Our Brutus and Ohio native, Bruno Gunn will be the Master of Ceremonies this Saturday, September 21st at the Pathway Caring for Children 40th Anniversary Gala in Canton, Ohio. If you live anywhere near Canton, this is a great opportunity to support a great cause and see one of our favorite Catching Fire cast members up close and personal.
Details from the Times Reporter:
Pathway Caring for Children will host “An Evening with Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy” at 6 p.m. on Sept. 21 at Canton Civic Center, 1101 Market Ave. N., Canton, OH.
The event features a presentation at 6:45 p.m. by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, who inspired the movie The Blind Side, and includes dinner and a cash bar at 6 p.m. Actor Bruno Gunn of Canton will be the event's master of ceremonies. Gunn has a supporting lead role in the upcoming movie The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The event is a celebration of the 40th anniversary of Pathway Caring for Children.
General admission tickets for the presentation are $12. The cost for the dinner and presentation is $125 per person. Purchase tickets here.
Pathway Caring For Children offers foster care and adoption services for children of all ages. The organization specializes in caring for those who have suffered from abuse, neglect or abandonment.
Thanks to Hunger Games Trilogy for the tip!
Last week The Hunger Games Explorer gave us 20 new Catching Fire character stills. Today, our friends at QuarterQuell.org posted the full, uncropped, Hi-Res versions of the stills and we have them here for you. Also, be sure to check out the Catching Fire Movie page on The Hunger Games Explorer for movie posters, cast and crew bios and tons of pictures.
See the rest of the full size images in our Gallery (click each image to enlarge).
Brutus is the most recent addition to the Victors Revealed banner on the Hunger Games Explorer! Check out our Bruno Gunn looking mighty fierce as Brutus.
Click to check out the full size banner with Brutus added:
