Rebel Effie? The 'Hunger Games' Fashion Plate Gets a Drab Poster and Bigger Role in 'Mockingjay'
Surprise, Mockingjay fans: Effie Trinket stays in the picture.
New posters released last week for Mockingjay Part 1 set off some buzz when a somber-looking — and somber clad — Effie appeared, along with the expected cast of characters, including Sam Claflin as Finnick, Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch, and Woody Harrelson as Haymitch.
The outrageously dressed, always bubbly character played by Elizabeth Banks added some much-needed comic relief to the two previous Hunger Games movies as she ushered Katniss and Peeta through the Games’ Capitol whirlwind. But most assumed her days in 3D butterfly dresses were numbered: Effie barely appears in the novel Mockingjay, and even then, not until the end.
It turns out though that even series author Suzanne Collins believes Effie belongs in the film. As Vulture noted, Francis Lawrence the director already said she was getting a bigger role. “She’s back!” he previously announced in a Hunger Games roundtable. “In the book, Fulvia basically replaces her. But how can anybody replace Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket in these movies? When Suzanne Collins saw Catching Fire, she called and one of the first things she said was, ‘There’s no way Effie Trinket cannot be in the Mockingjay films.’”
"Effie brings such warmth and fun and levity to these dark stories," Lawrence added. "She’s the fish out of water in this one and fans will love how she has adapted to the world of District 13."
One drastic change the poster makes clear: Effie’s style. Gone are the purple hair and frou-frou frocks. On the poster, the born booster has done as much as she can with the requisite gray, including a matching DIY head scarf. (At least her metallic wedges are still show-stopping.) For accessories, she’s gone with pink, studded bangles to brighten up the monochromatic look. Let’s call it militant chic. We’re sure it will be a hit all over District 13.
Photo credit: Lionsgate
This post has been updated
