The Hunger Games: Catching Fire - Why The Odds Are In It's Favor By Total Film

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire landed the number 30 spot in Total Film’s Future 100: their preview of the hottest incoming movies, stars and trends. Here's why they think the odds are in it's favor:

Its Got Solid Cinematic Foundations

With it's blend of gut-punching action and tremendous emotion, The Hunger Games became one of 2012's biggest hits ($691M in box office receipts, 85% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, Lionsgate's highest-grossing release ever). That puts Catching Fire in a fantastic position: book fans love the movie and that built-in audience is all-important when it comes to box-office. Expect rampant record smashing.

J-Law's Never Been Hotter

She's just 22 years old but Jennifer Lawrence is everywhere at the moment. Not only does she have 2 massive movie franchises stringed to her bow (X-Men and The Hunger Games), but she's also just nabbed a Best Actress Oscar for her role as Tiffany in indie Silver Linings Playbook.

It's Going Bigger

As with any sequel, Catching Fire is all about expanding. Aiming higher and hammering out the details. That means visits to other impoverished Districts and an even bigger cast list. Talking of bigger, if you thought the arena in the first film was impressive, just wait until you see what Donald Sutherland's Machiavellian President Snow has in store for the 75th Hunger Games...

There's Fresh Meat

While director Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend) has revealed that District 8's Bonnie and Twill won't make it into the film, we can look forward to new tributes in trident-brandishing Finnick Odair (Sam Claflin), one liner-loving Johanna (Jena Malone), and super smart old-timer Mags (Lynn Cohen). Plus Philip Seymour Hoffman as cunning Head Gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee.

It'll Be Just As Unflinching As The First Film

Much was made of the less-is-more approach to bloodshed in the PG-13 rated The Hunger Games. In the end, the restraint on the red-stuff didn't lessen the films's impact any, and the same should apply to Catching Fire. If the book's anything to go by, Katniss is in for even deadlier challenges, this time battling a tsunami, burning fog and mutant monkeys....

It's Going Deeper

The end of The Hunger Games promised darker times ahead, and Catching Fire will navigate pretty murky territory. There are repercussions to Katniss' thwarting of President Snow, and CF is as much about her fight against the Capitol as her emergence as the voice of the people. Meanwhile, the seeds of war are being sown. Who says this is just for teens?

The Passion's Still There

Whearas Robert Pattinson was visibly chomping at the bit by the time he had to promote The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Lawrence couldn't be happier about re-entering THG. "It was like going back to school, " She says. "It's a character I'm passionate about. Katniss is a hard character to get bored with."

The Trailer Looks Phenomenal

Any worries that the departure of original series director Gary Ross would dent the quality of Catching Fire were immediately buried by the film's first trailer. Packed full of atmosphere, it effortlessly matches the edgy vibe of the first Hunger Games installment. "I agree she should die, but in the right way, at the right time, " rasps Philip Seymour Hoffman as Heavensbee. Shivers down the spine all around. 

It's Going to Be A Feast For The Eyes

No surprise that early marketing material focused on Catching Fire's fashion - masterminded by costume designer Trish Summerville (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo), the assortment of fur coats and fabulous frocks make for sizzling sci-fi couture. District 12 escort Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks) again leads the pack in the kind of kooky clothing that would turn even Lady Gaga's fashion conscious head. 

It's Not An Easy Game

So the risks are greater, the canvas has been expanded, and J-Law's still keen, but what about the romance? That's where Catching Fire plays it smart, muddying the relationship between Katniss and fellow HG survivor Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) as their fates depend on the plausibility of their shaky faux-mance. And what of Liam Hemswoth's Gale? Let the Games begin......