'The Hunger Games': Elizabeth Banks officially cast as Effie

Yes! Elizabeth Banks will be taking on the role of Effie in the upcoming adaptation of The Hunger Games. About an hour ago, the actress coyly asked Twitter followers to name the origin of the quote “I’m smiling at you even though you’re aggravating me,” which, we know, is a line from none other than that effervescent escort to extinction, Ms. Trinket. The actress then retweeted the correct answer along with “Yes! And I can now confirm I’m EFFIE TRINKET in @TheHungerGames. So excited!”, confirming that she would indeed be reteaming with her Seabiscuit director Gary Ross to play the character in his big-screen version of the bestselling YA novel.

Banks was reported to be in discussions for the role last week. She’ll join Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Paula Malcomson, Willow Shields, and the slew of other actors in the smaller tribute roles that have already been cast. Right now, Haymitch, District 12’s former winner and current alcoholic, is the only major part left to cast. There’s also President Snow who, while he only has a small role in the first book, becomes much more important in the sequels.

I’ve mentioned elsewhere why I think the 30 Rock actress is ideal for the role, so naturally I’m ecstatic. We’ll have to wait to see if the book’s many fans agree with me. Filming for the movie is scheduled to start at the end of May.

Read more:

‘Hunger Games’ Central

‘Hunger Games’: Why Elizabeth Banks would make the perfect Effie

‘The Hunger Games’: Meet the Cast