In November of 2015, the saga of Katniss Everdeen will come to its final four-picture conclusion with the release of Mockingjay Part 2. Fans of the young adult franchise might be both anxious and misty-eyed knowing the end is in sight for the Hunger GamesIntroduced by a hypnotic drum brigade, Conan O’Brien strode out on stage to moderate the afternoon panel, which might have seemed an odd choice in light of the film’s dark themes and his comedic style. But much like what Stephen Colbert achieved last year while overseeing the final Hobbit panel, O’Brien proved to be the perfect choice to engage not only the audience but the panel of filmmakers and actors as well.
All eyes were still on Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson though as they bid a public farewell to their characters; with Lawrence at one point acknowledging how these films changed her life and how much she loved her co-stars.
While there were some rumblings that Mockingjay Part 1 was too passive in its approach, director Francis Lawrence testified after unveiling the never-before-seen final trailer that this is when Katniss gets back into action; this is where she leads her Districts into the Capitol for the final confrontation against President Snow.
One action piece that his actors couldn’t seem to be overtly convincing at however was whistling the famous birdcall when called upon by a fan. Hemsworth admitted his attempts better reflected the X Files theme and Hutcherson proved himself more adept at squirrel harmonizing.
But the most memorable moment was left to Oscar winner Lawrence, even referencing the fact that her candor might start rumors, that after filming the final sequence of the film, “all the actors held each other and then slept like puppies.”
Scott Orlin