First look at Hunger Games

During the MTV Video Music Awards this past weekend, the few people who still watch the network caught quick a glimpse of the first teaser trailer for Hunger Games.

It was screened with a quick, pre-recorded introduction from the film’s star, Jennifer Lawrence.

 

Hunger Games is based off of a bestselling young-adult fantasy novel by Suzanne Colins. There is no official synopsis of the film yet, but the books are about a young girl in a dystopian post-apocalyptic North America (called Panem in the novel).

The Hunger Games are gladiatorial games, televised for the punishment and desensitization of the people, the participants are chosen by lot. The Protagonist, Katniss is a Theseus figure who volunteers to take on the games in her sister’s place. During the games, a boy from her own district, whom she knew as a child, declares his love for her, and in response, the game organizers decide to change the rules, declaring that if the two can survive together, they can both win the game.

The Hunger Games is a series of books, and Lionsgate is planning four film series to based on the franchise, though the books only form a trilogy.

The Film stars Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss. Other cast includes Josh Hutcherson Elizabeth Banks, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, and Lenny Kravitz. The story was adapted to screenplay by Gary Ross, who is also directing.

Hunger Games will be released on March 23, 2012.