The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 premiere was held in the Odeon, Leicester Square on Thursday 5th November. It was the finale movie of the award-winning book-turned-movie trilogy and the night did not disappoint. There were several stars on the red carpet, which included favourites Jennifer Lawrence (who portrays the main character, Katniss Everdeen), Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth.
Due to initial torrential rain, it looked as though those who had been waiting for hours or even days had simply been wasting their time as a barricade of umbrellas blocked many people’s view. However, miraculously, the rain eased up and umbrellas disappeared in time for the fun to start.
Hosted by Edith Bowman, the night began with a few songs from the DJ to excite the crowd and “get the party started”. Shortly afterwards, the first to arrive was none other than the director of the film himself, Francis Lawrence. The stars arrived fairly on time compared to last year’s event, where the first celebrity was approximately half an hour late. Mr Lawrence signed autographs, took some selfies and smiled for the paparazzi.
Meanwhile, Julianne Moore, Woody Harrelson and Donald Sutherland arrived one by one to also do the rounds of the red carpet. Stanley Tucci, Natalie Dormer, British actor Sam Claflin and the beautiful Elizabeth Banks arrived later on. The fervent screams heralding Jennifer Lawrence’s arrival would have been heard blocks away! Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth arrived soon after, completing the main cast trio. Each celebrity was interviewed on a podium with Edith Bowman, and the interviews concluded with Sam Claflin.
As a final treat for the crowd, the red carpet events finished with a bang, honouring Guy Fawkes Night by setting off a small fireworks spectacle. The stars took a selfie together on the interview podium before heading inside for a glass of champagne and to watch the screening of Mockingjay Part 2.
The night took a startling turn as dispersing crowds found themselves in the midst of the annual, rowdy Million Mask March by revolutionist group Anonymous. A spectator at the premiere spoke of their distress: “I enjoyed the premiere, but when all these scary-looking people started pouring into the square, I didn’t know what was going on. I was quite worried for our safety and felt that we should get out of there as fast as we could.”
It was an exciting night for all, despite the odd turn of events!
Anastasia Denning, Walthamstow School for Girls
