LENNY KRAVITZ CAST AS CINNA IN LIONSGATE’S THE HUNGER GAMESby Wilson Morales
May 24, 2011
Singer/ actor Lenny Kravitz has been cast in the role of Cinna in the much anticipated film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ worldwide smash hit novel, ‘The Hunger Games.’
The New York City native last appeared in the Oscar nominated Lee Daniels film, ‘Precious,’ opposite Mo’Nique and Mariah Carey.
Director Gary Ross said of the casting decision, “When I saw Lenny’s work in PRECIOUS I was just knocked out. It was quiet and strong and understated and open hearted; all qualities which define this character. I’m really looking forward to this ride.”
Cinna is Katniss Everdeen’s assigned fashion stylist for the highly ceremonial lead up to The 74th Annual Hunger Games. Though he’s a mild mannered first time stylist, the designs he creates, such as the “Girl On Fire” costume for the tributes’ live televised debut, are show-stopping. With odds being set, wagers being placed, and wealthy benefactors able to occasionally intervene in the games, a high public profile is tantamount to a huge advantage for any contestant entering the arena. The stunning and unique designs Cinna creates for Katniss define her public identity, and in an all too real way, could also contribute to her very survival.
Kravitz joins a cast that includes Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Wes Bentley, Elizabeth Banks, Dayo Okeniyi, Amandla Stenberg, Jack Quaid, Leven Rambin, Willow Shields, Paula Malcomson, Ian Nelson, Kalia Prescott, Ethan Jamieson, Tara Macken, Chris Mark, Jacqueline Emerson, Ashton Moio, Kara Petersen, Sam Ly, Leigha Hancock, Samuel Tan, Mackenzie Lintz, Imanol Yepez-Frias, Annie Thurman, Stanley Tucci, Woody Harrelson, Latarsha Rose, and Brooke Bundy.
Kravitz is regarded as one of the preeminent rock musicians of our time, Lenny Kravitz has transcended genre, style, race and class into a 20-year musical career, one which revels in the rich influences of ’60s and ’70s soul, rock and funk. From 1999 to 2002, he won four consecutive Grammy Awards, setting a record for the most wins in the “Best Male Rock Vocal Performance” category with his single “Dig In” (previously winning for “Again,” “American Woman” and “Fly Away”).
Marking his first release of new material in three years, Lenny Kravitz will release his highly-anticipated ninth studio album, Black and White America on August 30th. www.lennykravitz.com.
The Hunger Games is scheduled for release on March 23, 2012.
