Fans of Suzanne Collin's bestselling series 'The Hunger Games' have fallen in love with the film adaptation of books and are waiting anxiously for the second installment, 'Catching Fire,' to be released on November 21, 2013. Luckily, fans have been privy to a slew of new set photos from the second film's taping in the past couple of weeks.
The latest batch of set photos include leads Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen) and Josh Hutcherson (Peeta Mellark) along with new tributes Jena Malone (Johanna Mason) and Sam Claflin (Finnick Odair). The photos, which were shot on the Hawaii set, show Lawrence and Malone filming a scene and Hutcherson hanging out with Lawrence's young nephew.
While security and privacy seems to be relaxed on set, it isn't the same when it comes to Hunger Games symbols and memorabilia. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Lionsgate Entertainment is suing an alleged THG counterfeiter that is selling a "Mockingjay Pin" on Amazon.com. The pin, of course, is a key symbol to the books and was Katniss' tribute token in the 74th and 75th Hunger Games before becoming a symbol for the rebellion against the Capitol.
The Hollywood Reporter states that Lionsgate has licensed third parties, such as the National Entertainment Collectibles Association, the rights to sell THG merchandise. The party being sued by Lionsgate, called Yahoozon, attempted to buy merchandise from NECA but was denied. Company CFO Benjamin Joseph then sent a threatening letter complaining about the denial.
No word yet on the status of the lawsuit.
The second film of the highly popular series, 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,' will focus on the 75th annual Hunger Games, known as the Quarter Quell. The film will pick up after the 74th annual Hunger Games' victors from District 12, Katniss and Peeta, set off for the Victors Tour of Panem. The duo will then head over to the Quarter Quell.
The first installment of the series, 'The Hunger Games,' shot to international success, catapulting the film's cast to worldwide fame. A full cast list of the second installment was released in September, following weeks of intense speculation.
'Catching Fire' director Francis Lawrence will direct the series' third and fourth films, 'Mockingjay' Parts 1 and 2, it was announced in November. Earlier this month, actor and screenwriter Danny Strong confirmed that he is writing the two-part 'Mockingjay' screenplays.
'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' will hit theaters on November 21, 2013.