Where Was The Hunger Games Filmed? (Location & Film Budget Details)

The first Hunger Games movie was filmed in 2011 and released in March 2012. It was so successful that several sequels followed. The location needed to look like a post-war nation. So where was The Hunger Games filmed? Let’s start with the locations.

Where Was The Hunger Games Filmed?

The first Hunger Games movie was filmed in North Carolina. Henry River Mill Village, an abandoned mill village near Hildebran, played District 12.

The arena scenes were filmed in DuPont State Forest and Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina.

The above is the actual location of where The Hunger Games was filmed.

Map of Hunger Games Districts

For those who are interested, here is a map of hunger games districts.

What was The Hunger Games All About?

The first film adaptation was largely based on Suzanne Collins’ novel The Hunger Games. It is set in the futuristic nation of Panem which is divided into 12 districts. Panem is run by the Capital. Each year two representatives from each district are selected to participate in the Hunger Games. They are chosen at random and must fight to the death.

When a very young girl is selected, her older sister, Katniss Everdeen, volunteers to take her place. The competition is broadcast throughout Panem. Participants must fight to the death. 

Who Was In The Cast of The Hunger Games?

The Hunger Games movie franchise features an all-star cast. Jennifer Lawrence stars as Katniss Everdeen, a brave young woman who volunteers to take her younger sister’s place in the annual Hunger Games competition. Josh Hutcherson takes on the role of Peeta Mellark, a skilled baker and Katniss’ love interest. Woody Harrelson plays Haymitch Abernathy, an experienced mentor who trains Katniss and Peeta for the Games. Liam Hemsworth stars as Gale Hawthorne, a childhood friend of Katniss’ who is also in love with her.

Other notable cast members include Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket, Donald Sutherland as President Snow, Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman, Lenny Kravitz as Cinna, Wes Bentley as Seneca Crane and Willow Shields as Primrose Everdeen. The Hunger Games movie franchise has a star-studded cast that brought the stories to life on the big screen.

Who Directed The Hunger Games? 

The first Hunger Games movie was directed by Gary Ross, an American filmmaker known for Pleasantville and Seabiscuit, who also co-wrote Big and wrote Dave. Francis Lawrence directed the sequels.

Ross brought the stories of Katniss and her allies to life, creating a thrilling cinematic experience for viewers around the world. Ross was able to capture the intensity, drama and emotion of the novels in his films, making The Hunger Games one of the most successful movie franchises in history.

Can You Visit the Set of The Hunger Games?

The first Hunger Games movie was filmed largely in the western half of North Carolina between Asheville and Charlotte. District 12 runs between Pennsylvania and Alabama. The old Philip Morris Cabarrus Plant was used for scenes at the Capitol. This plant has since been demolished. Other parts of the movie were filmed at the Henry River Mill Village which is open to tourists.

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And That’s a Wrap!

North Carolina has some pretty amazing beaches. But, to me, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must see for anyone spending a week or so in North Carolina. We traveled through only part of it and regretted the fact that we didn’t have more time there. We drove through part of it in the Fall and it was absolutely spectacular!

May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favor.

The Hunger Games (2012)

More Cool Film Locations?

Here are a few other movies that are were shot in North Carolina similar to The Hunger Games that I suggest you check out!

• Where Was The Vampire Diaries Filmed?
• Where Was The Summer I Turned Pretty Filmed?
• Where Was Outer Banks Filmed?