You May Not Watch "The Hunger Games" The Same Way Again After Reading These 14 Facts

Margot Nolan
Apr 12, 2022
Apr 12, 2022

Millions of copies of the "The Hunger Games" book trilogy have been sold around the world. And the film version of it hit movie theaters worldwide and caused a massive change in the movie world. Its cast, which boasted the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, and Liam Hemsworth, among many others, was also propelled into the spotlight.
But even if you've read the books a dozen times and watched every movie, there are some behind-the-scenes facts about the franchise that you might not know. Do you know that Liam Hemsworth and Alexander Ludwig initially auditioned for the role of Peeta Mellark, which ultimately went to Josh Hutcherson? Lenny Kravitz had no idea what "The Hunger Games" was before joining the cast, and he didn't even have to audition. Sounds amazing, right?
We have collected 35 interesting facts that you may not know about "The Hunger Games" Movies. Let's scroll down and enjoy it!

You May Not Watch "The Hunger Games" The Same Way Again After Reading These 14 Facts

#1 The concept for "The Hunger Games" was inspired by reality TV and the Iraq War.

#2 David Henrie made it to the final deliberation stage for the role of Gale. He came really close to the role, but ultimately, the casting directors saw something in Liam and chose him instead.

#3 Before Jennifer, many actors auditioned for the role of Katniss Everdeen, including Shailene Woodley, Saoirse Ronan, Chloë Grace Moretz, Emma Roberts, and so on

#4 Sam Claflin, Josh, and Liam all received medical attention while filming. Sam broke his finger, Liam broke his ankle while filming, and Josh was accidentally kicked in the head by Jennifer.

#5 Jennifer would purposely make her breath smell bad by eating garlic or something disgusting before kissing Liam.

#6 Because Jennifer didn't want young girls to be exposed to an "unobtainable and thin" image, she declined to lose weight for the role.

#7 Linda Flowers hired 40 hairstylists and hired 20 cosmetology students as interns to take on about 350 wigs used throughout the film.

#8 Head hair designer Linda Flowers spent $30,000 on Katniss's lace-front wigs in Parts 1 and 2 due to Jennifer's hair damage.

#9 Jennifer was reportedly paid $1 million for "The Hunger Games", $10 million for "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire", and $15 million for "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay" — Part 1 and Part 2.

#10 "The Hunger Games" franchise has a connection to a ton of huge artists, including Beyoncé, Gaga, Avril, Britney Spears, Jay-Z, Jennifer Lopez, etc.

#11 "The Hunger Games" franchise was filmed across two continents: North America and Europe.

#11 Despite being interested in playing the role of Peeta, the male tribute from District 12, both Liam and Alexander were offered other parts in the film. And the role of Peeta Mellark ultimately went to Josh Hutcherson.

#13 Liam's older brother Chris Hemsworth helped him land the role of Gale by acting as Katniss.

#14 In a "Catching Fire" scene, the name of the dance club where the cast would hang out after working 14-hour days is covered.

#15 Donald Sutherland requested to appear in the film in a three-page letter.

#16 Katniss's weapon of choice was a bow and arrow. The part in which she used her weapon was so cool that it caused a dramatic increase in archery around the world after "The Hunger Games" debuted.

#17 Josh really ripped his trousers wide apart when filming the proposal scene between Peeta and Katniss.

#18 Producer Nina Jacobson was "obsessed" with "The Hunger Games" books.

#19 Jena Malone credits the bad day she was having before her audition for why she got the role of Johanna.

#20 Jennifer went deaf in one ear while filming which Katniss actually experienced in the books.

#21 A "swear jar" was kept on set because the films were rated PG-13, and one cast member basically filled it up.

#22 Because of her elaborate outfit, Elizabeth Banks needed assistance in using the restroom.

#23 Linda created several variations of braided styles to make sure none of the other cast members were allowed to wear a hairstyle resembling Katniss's hairstyle.

#24 Ed Sheeran revealed that the three songs he pitched and submitted for the Catching Fire soundtrack got rejected.

#25 Jennifer's nephews Bear and Theodore made an appearance in "Mockingjay" — Part 2's final scene.

#26 Katniss is named after a plant.

#27 Lenny Kravitz had no idea what The Hunger Games was before joining the cast, and he didn't even have to audition.

#28 Jennifer had to eat raw fish during filming, but it didn't taste like sushi.

#29 Every time Jennifer forgets a line, Woody, who played Haymitch Abernathy, would poke fun at Lawrence and her Oscar.

#30 Jennifer felt insecure about her voice. She cried before singing "The Hanging Tree" in front of everyone.

#31 Some of the consoles used in Mockingjay were used in other major films such as "Apollo 13" (1995) and "Hidden Figures" (2016).

#32 Sam Claflin was on a strict diet and workout regimen for four months to prepare to play Finnick Odair.

#33 Jena was seen in a naked situation by random hotel guests because the film assistant working on the notorious strip scene accidentally pressed the button to the wrong floor.

#34 Jennifer and Liam also shared some pretty pleasant kisses offscreen. Jennifer even helped Liam cope with his breakup with Miley Cyrus.

#35 Philip died in 2014 before production wrapped for "Mockingjay"—Part 2, and Francis, the film's director, decided to use no CGI as a way to express his respect to the great actor.