Sam Claflin Has MAJOR ‘Hunger Games’ News

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If you’re thrilled about a fresh addition to the “Hunger Games” universe, take comfort in knowing that you’re not the only one. Sam Claflin, who portrayed Finnick Odair in the initial film series, expresses his ardor for the world Suzanne Collins crafted, stating he’s “a big admirer and enthusiast” of it and “can’t help but feel a strong connection to it.

While conversing with EbMaster at Canneseries, where he’s promoting Bille August’s grand series “The Count of Monte Cristo,” the actor shared his admiration for the 2023 movie “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.” He found it to be a modernized and innovative story with a new generation, praising their work. He also mentioned that he’s heard the book “Sunrise on the Reaping” is even more impressive.

The movie titled ‘The Hunger Games: Dawn of the Reaping’ is being produced, with an expected release in cinemas in November 2026. Recently, Jesse Plemmons and Mckenna Grace have joined the main cast that already includes Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak, who will portray Haymitch Abernathy and Lenore Dove Baird in this Lionsgate film set 24 years before the original series. Francis Lawrence, who has helmed every film since ‘Catching Fire,’ is returning to direct from a screenplay adaptation by Billy Ray. The producers for this project are Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson of Color Force, with Cameron MacConomy serving as executive producer.

Claflin recounts a recent meeting he had in L.A. with the person who cast him. He shares that talking with him and learning about the production process, as they are currently preparing the film in Berlin, was thrilling. Essentially, Claflin was eagerly gathering information from him. Upon hearing who they planned to cast, Claflin felt a surge of excitement, thinking ‘This is fantastic!’. So, much like everyone else, Claflin is eagerly anticipating it.

Apart from other reasons, the actor is excited about more people getting drawn into the universe of “The Hunger Games” because his nine-year-old son is becoming aware of it. He says with delight, “It’s fascinating that my young boy is old enough to understand ‘The Hunger Games.'” Watching it together will be a truly rewarding experience soon. I have friends whose children have already seen it, and they frequently ask me about it whenever we meet. It’s wonderful to share this connection with the younger generation, especially since I am a father myself now. It brings me great joy.

He reflects that it’s been more than a decade since our last movie was made, and it’s hard to grasp all the changes that have occurred in his life during this time. He emphasizes that this film project significantly impacts his personal history.

In a new turn for British acting, we find him portraying Edmond Dantes, a sailor wrongly accused of treason and unjustly imprisoned on a fortified island. After enduring years in captivity, he emerges to reclaim his identity as the Count of Monte Cristo, seeking vengeance against those who have falsely accused him. This grand production is helmed by two-time Palme d’Or winner Bille August (“The Best Intentions”), marking Mediawan’s first high-caliber international series both produced and distributed by them. The project is also funded with Entourage.

Speaking about the physical and personal changes in his character, Claflin mentioned that the start of filming was “exhaustingly demanding” as scenes were filmed out of sequence due to the rough appearance needed initially. “The aspect I found most challenging was not showing emotion, because if Sam hadn’t seen his loved one for two years, he would cry,” Claflin explained. “I had to suppress that, and this presented numerous difficulties since my natural reaction is to emote.

As a devoted cinephile, I’ve always been drawn towards portraying the lead in some of the most cherished romances on screen, such as “Me Before You” and “Love, Rosie.” Even in films like “The Count of Monte Cristo,” where the narrative tends to be quite somber, a beautiful romance lies at its heart. When asked about my attraction towards these roles, Claflin confessed that he is, in essence, a hopeless romantic.

As a hopeless romantic at heart, I can’t help but be captivated by love – falling in love, experiencing love, and simply adoring it. I may not always grasp the essence of being loved, yet I’m on a journey to understand. Growing up, I was enchanted by the tales of romance portrayed in movies, and I firmly believe that passion is crucial when choosing my endeavors. Love, whether it be self-love or affection for others, holds immense power over us – inspiring us and making us strive for greatness. Love, to me, is one of the most beautiful mysteries of life, and I look forward to uncovering more about its enchantment.

To Claflin, one unforgettable moment from the series was collaborating with acting legend Jeremy Irons, whom he’s admired since his childhood viewing of “The Lion King”. “He’s an absolute icon, and I’ll never forget the day he stepped onto set. He was sporting a stylish boiler suit, combat boots, and a beanie in the heart of Malta, nonchalantly puffing on a cigarette. He was the epitome of cool.

Despite the exhausting and prolonged process of preparing, filming, and marketing the series over the past few years, Claflin is pleased to continue journeying to talk about the show and introduce it to new fans. “Typically, promotional activities are squeezed into two hectic weeks, but this has been a delightful change, catching up with everyone for just a day or two each month. It’s been wonderful, and I can’t wait for more people to enjoy the series, knowing the effort everyone put into it.

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2025-04-29 20:53