You know when "The Hunger Games' is coming out (March 23, 2012). You know who is directing it ("Pleasantville's" Gary Ross). You even know who is playing every single tribute, including main characters Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, of course) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). But after months of guessing, hoping and debating, there's still one unanswered question: who is going to play the evil President Snow?
Unanswered until now, that is.
Yes, the seemingly endless "Hunger Games" casting debate is finally over, as Lionsgate announced today in a press release that veteran actor Donald Sutherland is set to play the scheming, backstabbing President Snow.
While Sutherland may be more familiar to younger audiences as the father of "24" superspy Keifer Sutherland, older fans know the 75-year-old Hollywood legend for classic war films like "M*A*S*H" and "The Dirty Dozen" as well as cult hits like 1978's "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and the original film version of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
But despite his age, Sutherland has shown no signs of slowing down; besides the upcoming comedy "Horrible Bosses," his recent work also includes high octane flicks such as "The Eagle" and "The Mechanic," showing that when it comes to action, grandpa still has it.
Frankly, with his commanding stage presence and icy stare, Sutherland seems like a perfect match for the role of President Snow, whose ruthlessness and savagery provide a deadly counterpoint to Katniss' heroics from the start of "The Hunger Games" right through the end of "Mockingjay." We couldn't have picked a better actor for the part ourselves -- and we can't wait to see his evil on the big screen.
Buckle up, you guys, because the real ride starts right now.
