Skip to content

Kravitz promises surprises in film version of Hunger Games

Lenny Kravitz says he believes the film adaptation of the mega-popular book trilogy The Hunger Games is “really going to surprise people.”

TORONTO — Lenny Kravitz says he believes the film adaptation of the mega-popular book trilogy The Hunger Games is “really going to surprise people.”

The teen favourite has been dubbed by many as the “next Twilight” with potential for massive box office success based on the popularity of the sci-fi literary series.

Certainly, the end of the Harry Potter saga will leave a hole that fans will want to fill with new heroes and new fantasy adventures.

The books take place in a future where North America is destroyed and in its ruins is the nation of Panen. Every year, one boy and one girl from 12 districts are forced to fight to the death in a televised spectacle.

Kravitz says he was offered the role of Cinna — a stylist who crafts outfits for the protagonist Katniss Everdeen — based on his performance in Precious.

He was excited about the prospect of working with Gary Ross, who previously directed Seabiscuit and Pleasantville.

And once he read the first book in the series, he became a fan and was really into the project.

“It kept me on the edge of my seat, I loved the book,” Kravitz says.

“When I was reading it I had this whole world in my head and interestingly it’s very similar to what Gary Ross is actually doing.

“I liked the role, I wanted to do more films and Gary Ross is a great director so I accepted it and it was an amazing experience.”

He expects the Hunger Games films will be just as big as the books, which have all topped bestseller lists.

“I think it’s going to completely be as strong, I think it’s really going to surprise people.”

Kravitz says he’s also looking forward to taking on a leading role in the not too distant future.

“That’ll be coming, I’m giving (Hunger Games) the respect that it deserves and just taking my time with it. But that will happen.”

As for who he’d like to work with, a couple of directors immediately come to mind.

“I’d love to work with (Quentin) Tarantino one day,” he says.

“And Woody Allen, if I ever got to work with him that would be an absolute dream come true.”