SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Lionsgate film execs for the popular ‘Hunger Games’ series have revealed that dozens of vegan Adventists have been cast as extras for emaciated crowd scenes in the next film: ‘Mockingjay, Part 2’ due for release in the Fall of 2015. The film focuses on a revolt led by heroine ‘Mockingjay’ Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) against an autocratic Capitol and will feature sweeping shots of sullen, malnourished crowds.
“We needed quick access to large groups of people that could look hungry with only a moment’s notice,” said Burt Flinn, Casting Director for the film. “No other group of people fit the bill better than Adventist vegans. These guys don’t even have to try to look hungry.”
Casting personnel spent days on the grounds of independent Adventist training facilities known for their promotion of strict vegan diets. “We visited Weimar, Uchee Pines and Wildwood over the course of a couple weeks,” said Flinn. “We brought our own food.”
Asked how they were able to attract so many extras for the filming, Flinn revealed that the process has been surprisingly easy: “We just promised students an all-access pass to some ice cream buffets in North Hollywood after the filming. They were in.”