'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2' trailer, release date, cast news & update: Jennifer Lawrence inspired by Katniss regarding Hollywood gender pay gap comments
Jennifer Lawrence, the star of the dystopian franchise "Hunger Games" states that she was inspired by her character Katniss Everdeen when she spoke out about the gender wage gap in the film industry.
During a press conference for the upcoming finale of the series, Lawrence revealed how taking the role of the heroine has grown on her over the years. When asked if her speaking out about the issue had to do with Katniss, the actress said:
"I don't see how I couldn't be inspired by this character. I mean I was so inspired by her when I read the books—it's the reason I wanted to play her," she said at the press conference, according to Reuters. "So I think it would be impossible to go four years with this character and not be inspired by her."
The actress adds that she was a little bit frustrated with the progress of her character in the movie series.
"I wanted her to be a warrior right away, I wanted her to want to be a leader," said Lawrence. "I had to keep my own personal emotions about her situation out of my performance."
Donald Sutherland who plays President Snow in the franchise had something to say about how it can invoke others to speak out about current issues around the world.
"If it doesn't work, we're dead, all of us; if we don't evoke climate change, if we don't solve refugee problems, we don't do any of that, we're dead," Sutherland as reported by Huffington Post. "I know that it can because 'Paths of Glory', Stanley Kubrick's film, politicized me in 1956. So this one is universal, it goes all over the world and young people love it."
The essay by Lawrence in question was titled "Why Do I Make Less Than My Male Co-Stars?" and directed it at Lenny, Lena Dunham's newsletter.
The content of the essay revolved around female actors getting less than male actors who are just as famous. According to PEOPLE, Lawrence cited the names of Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner and Christian Bale who have received more "powerful deals" in the movie, "American Hustle" which they all starred in.
She adds that maybe the reason why she did not pushed through with a bigger paycheck because she did not want to seem "difficult" or spoiled" and just wants to be liked.
"Jeremy Renner, Christian Bale and Bradley Cooper all fought and succeeded in negotiating powerful deals for themselves. If anything, I'm sure they were commended for being fierce and tactical, while I was busy worrying about coming across as a brat and not getting my fair share," the actress wrote.
'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2' will be in theaters on Nov. 20.