Alexander Ludwig, who plays the slightly psychotic, power hungry, and drop dead gorgeous Cato in the blockbuster movie The Hunger Games, did a virtual sit down with Artists On Demand to talk about his role, his music, and how he feels about the fandom that has grown with this movie.
The Hunger Games was released a few weeks ago. What has the fans reactions been like?
The reaction has been incredible. The entire cast feels honoured to have such loyal, dedicated fans.
The movie came in at #4 best opening weekends just behind The Dark Knight, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, part 2, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. It even beat out New Moon. How does it feel to be a part of something so big?
We are all really proud of the reaction to this movie, and we feel genuinely moved by the positive results. We never gave this any thought when we were filming in North Carolina – we were just focussed on giving our best performance - so in all honesty, the box office success has come as a huge surprise to all of us.
What was the feeling like when you heard you were cast as Cato? Had you read the books and understood the importance of your character in this first movie?
I was ecstatic when Gary offered me the part of Cato. I had never played a villain before and I welcomed the opportunity to get inside the head of someone so twisted. I had read the books and I realized that Cato played a key role throughout the movie and especially in the climax of the final scene.
Did you have to undergo any special physical training for The Hunger Games?
I trained extensively for this role, bulking up by nearly 30-40 pounds. We worked with specially trained navy seals who transformed us into fighting form.
Your character was quite an important part in this first movie. Cato was the guy to beat. How much preparation did you do in order to build up this role and kind of make him your own?
I spent a lot of time talking to Gary Ross and Suzanne Collins about their vision for Cato. I wanted to honour the story while still making him my own creation. In the end, Cato became a melting pot of all of our ideas and concepts. I was really happy that I was given the opportunity to show Cato’s development, character arch and journey.
The final scene with Cato was a bit emotional in our opinion. It was as if he finally realized that his district thought he was no good for anything but this battle and he didn’t appear to be ok with that. What was it like filming that scene?
The final scene was awesome to film. I wanted to become lost in Cato’s dementia, and to feel his moment of realization – that he was merely a pawn in a psychotic game.
Were you able to get any souvenirs from the set or were they pretty strict on that?
I have the best memories of one of the most inspiring summers of my life – that is my souvenir.
You recently attended the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, if we are correct? What was that like being surrounded by some of the biggest fans? The atmosphere is intense!
The fans are fantastic and I feel truly honoured when they support me. The KC awards were a lot of fun and it was great to see some of my Hunger Games cast mates. I miss everyone so much.
Switching gears real quick, your first single ‘Liv it Up (Teenage Wasteland)’ has debuted on iTunes. Is it available worldwide and are you looking to release an album any time soon?
Yes, Liv it Up is available worldwide and is currently being played on Italian Radio. I do hope to release an album in the future.
Any chances of a music video for this single?
I want to make a music video – definitely - just haven’t had time. Hopefully I can complete that this summer.
Do you have any new projects coming up or any public appearances that you want fans to know about?
I am meeting tons of producers and directors right now, and I am searching for my next project. I will keep you posted.
Thank you so much for your time and we’ll be keeping an eye on your career! Good luck!
Thank you so much. It was great talkin to you…
peace.
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