YOUR FAVORITE MTV SHOWS ARE ON PARAMOUNT+

Jennifer Lawrence Addresses 'Hunger Games' Backlash

'I'm a massive fan too, so I get it,' she tells 'Teen Vogue' of response to her casting.

When news broke that [article id="1660152"]Jennifer Lawrence had nabbed the coveted lead role in "Hunger Games,"[/article] some fans of the book series thought the Oscar nominee might not be the right choice to play Katniss Everdeen.

No one was more aware of the uncertainty than Lawrence herself. "The cool thing about Katniss is that every fan has such a personal relationship with her, and they understand and know her in a singular way," she told Teen Vogue. "I'm a massive fan too, so I get it."

The casting of [article id="1661254"]Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth[/article] as her two love interests was met with equal doubt from the "Hunger Games" fans. But the film's director, Gary Ross, is standing by his choice to have Lawrence play the film's heroine. It was "the easiest casting decision I've ever made in my life," he said in the issue. "I never thought we'd find somebody this perfect for the role."

The movie is based on the beloved Suzanne Collins novels, and the books' fanbase is just as fervent as "Twilight" supporters. The bottom line for Lawrence is that she feels lucky to have been plucked from the laundry list of contenders for the role.

"She's incredibly powerful, brave and tough -- and yet she has a tenderness and complexity," Lawrence said of the character. "It was very humbling hearing that Suzanne and Gary feel that I embody those traits."

The film is a dark look at an apocalyptic society where children are forced to fight to the death. Lawrence, who has starred in equally dark flicks like "Winter's Bone," joked, "I want people to say, 'I'm in a really bad mood, let's go see a Jennifer Lawrence movie.' "

Check out everything we've got on "Hunger Games."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

Latest News