Elizabeth Banks - Elizabeth Banks To Join Hunger Games

Elizabeth Banks To Join Hunger Games

Elizabeth Banks is in talks to join the cast of 'The Hunger Games'.

The 37-year-old actress is set to star as Effie Trinket, who escorts young death match contestants to their fate in a futuristic world.

Known for appearing in the 'SPIDER-MAN' films and comedies such as 'The 40-year-old Virgin', the blonde beauty would be starring alongside Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson.

The film - which is an adaptation of Suzanne Collins' book trilogy - tells the story of 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer) who lives in a post-apocalyptic land that was once North America.

Katniss lives in a world where teenagers are selected by a lottery system to compete to the death in a series of games put on for entertainment.

With her hunting partner Peeta, she has to fight on behalf of the district in the deadly Hunger Games reality show competition.

Jennifer - who was nominated for an Academy Award for her role as Headstrong teenager Ree Dolly in 'Winter's Bone' - reportedly beat off stiff competition from the likes of Abigail Breslin, Emma Roberts and Chloe Moretz to take on the lead female role.

British star Alex Pettyfer was believed to be the leading contender for the male role until 'The Last Song' star Liam was confirmed.