4,000 extras wanted for new “Hunger Games” film

Cologne. 4,000 extras are now being sought for the film adaptation of the prequel to "The Hunger Games." Filming for "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" will take place in the Cologne and Duisburg areas from late August to early October, according to the agency Eick & Weber. The cast includes Hollywood stars such as Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Ralph Fiennes, McKenna Grace, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. Francis Lawrence is returning to direct, having previously directed most of the previous films in the series.

The agency is inviting people to an open, free online casting call. At https://casting-panem.de , you can enter your information and upload two photos from the day before. The application deadline is September 17th. The extras are expected to be on camera for one to eight days of filming. "People of all ethnicities, countries of origin, genders, and ages from zero to 80 are invited," Managing Director Gregor Weber told the German Press Agency. "Children and young adults up to 22 years of age are particularly sought after."

Since the extras are to portray the inhabitants of the state of Panem, they need a "natural and expressive appearance." Obviously dyed or highlighted hair is just as unsuitable as permanent makeup, lip fillers, tanning beds, braces, tunnel earrings, piercings, and tattoos on visible parts of the body. "A large proportion of these district residents are described as severely malnourished, so we are primarily looking for very slim and thin body types." People with visible scars or amputations are also expressly desired.

Babies are also needed for some scenes, and people of Chinese descent are needed in other situations. "We also need women and men with basic military training," Weber said. Applicants should also be willing to have their hair cut during costume and makeup fittings. Interested parties are therefore asked to grow their hair out between now and mid-September so that the desired look can be realized accordingly.

RND/dpa