And here we thought that Lionsgate intended to parcel out the casting info for The Hunger Games slowly. But no, it would seem that the studio is ready to open the floodgates as yet another piece of the puzzle has fallen into place. Newcomer Willow Shields has won the prime role of Primrose Everdeen.
Prim, as she’s often referred to in Suzanne Collins’ novel, is the younger sister of main character Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence).
In the book’s ravaged future America, the various areas of the country are under the iron-fisted rule of the central government. In order to crack down on revolts and disruptions, two children from each of 12 districts are chosen to battle it out in lethal combat. When Prim is among those chosen, her sister goes in her place to spare her life and Katniss’ adventure is kicked off.
"It's so exciting to find an amazing young actress like the one we just met,” director Gary Ross enthused in a statement picked up by the LA Times. "Prim is an emotionally demanding role and in many ways she is the cornerstone of the story. Willow Shields will make an amazing Prim and we're lucky to have her." Shields is a film newcomer, though she has cropped up in US cable TV series In Plain Sight.
Just yesterday, another batch of Tributes was announced and Elizabeth Banks is also in talks to play Katniss’ handler. The film kicks off shooting soon and will arrive on March 23 next year.