Sony’s superhero sequel Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance and Lionsgate’s adaptation of The Hunger Games both had a presence at Comic-Con 2011 – though, admittedly, the former made a much bigger impression than the latter.
Before the post-Comic-Con glow fades, both studios are putting out new promotional materials for their respective films, which will both reach theaters in the first quarter of 2012.
Today’s promos for these respective movies come in the form of some new official images. Empire has put out images from Ghost Rider 2 that will be featured in an upcoming issue of the magazine, while EW has the latest pics from The Hunger Games.
We’ve also included our own pics of some of the sick, demon-style motorcycles that will be featured in the new Ghost Rider flick, all of which were displayed on the Comic-Con floor.
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Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance
One of the bigger surprises to come out of Comic-Con this year was the indication that Ghost Rider 2 may NOT be completely terrible after all. Thanks to news of a reduced budget, the involvement of Crank directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, and a storyline that possibly involves Ghost Rider losing his powers…suffice to say, expectations for this sequel were low.
However, our own trusted comic book movie aficionado, Rob Keyes, was on hand at the Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance Comic-Con Panel, and had the following to say about the footage previewed there:
Wow! I really disliked Ghost Rider but this footage… is awesome. Spirit of Vengeance looks like what the first Ghost Rider should have been. The 3D looked good, the special effects on Ghost Rider’s flaming skull, bike and chain look strong and the action sequences are much, much bigger and involve crazy cinematography.
While still images aren’t quite as telling as actual footage, below you can nonetheless get an official look at Ghost Rider 2, which stars Nicolas Cage as the titular hero, and Idris Elba (Thor, Pacific Rim, Prometheus) as a sort of “wine-drinking, french warrior-monk.”
Check out the new Ghost Rider 2 official images and motorcycle models, courtesy of Empire and our own Paul Young, respectively:
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The Hunger Games
Courtesy of EW we have a new official look at director Gary Ross’ (Seabiscuit) adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ über-popular young-adult bestseller, The Hunger Games.
For those who don’t know, the story takes place in a future where America has been separated into twelve “districts,” which are all under the control of “The Capitol.” Every year, The Capitol selects one male and female teenager from each district and pits them in a televised battle royal known as The Hunger games.
The story revolves around District 12 teenager Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), a tomboyish hunter who enters the games in place of her little sister. With daily survival being her only focus in life, Katniss is unaware of all the boys who dig her, including her hunting partner Gale (Liam Hemsworth – brother of Thor star Chris Hemsworth), and her partner for the deadly games, Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). When the games get underway, Katniss must use her skills as a hunter to survive, and even learns a bit about herself, politics, and love, along the way.
Check out these latest photos from The Hunger Games (courtesy of EW), which reveal the dressed-down look of Hemsworth and Hutcherson as Gale and Peeta, respectively:
While the costumes that have been shown here and in that first image of Lawrence as Katniss aren’t necessarily the most eye-catching garments, fans of the Hunger Games books know that there is a practical reason for the simple attire (death games are not a fashion affair). Moreover, the story does in fact feature many extravagant costumes – specifically those designed for Katniss by her stylist, Cinna (Lenny Kravitz). I can’t wait to see “the girl on fire” costume.
In any event: I’m sure the ladies will enjoy a look at the boys who are vying for the heart of Katniss Everdeen.
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance will be in theaters on February 17, 2012.
The Hunger Games will be in theaters on March 23, 2012.
Sources: EW & Empire
