Certainly one of the most anticipated panels at this year’s SDCC had to be the one for Lionsgate, the studio releasing ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire‘, Lionsgate’s upcoming sequel to The Hunger Games, which grossed over $400 million in 2012.  Both are based on the best selling YA trilogy written by Suzanne Collins.

The trailer embellishes the movie’s plot, as the downtrodden population of Panem slowly begins to stir toward possible revolt… all because of Katniss’ rebellious actions during the first movie.  This year’s Hunger Games are the 75th, nicknamed The Quarter Quell and rather than selecting new tributes, the contestants are pulled from existing winners… including Katniss and Peeta.  We get lengthy glimpses of new Tributes Finnick (Sam Claflin), Johanna Mason (Jenna Malone) and Gloss (Alan Ritchson) as well as the shady government’s attempts to control Katniss by threatening Gale, her mother and sister Prim.  The trailer seems to show an expanded world.  Where the first film focused mainly on the Games, with a few glimpses at the larger population, ‘Catching Fire’ really starts to show how the population is starting to show signs of insurgency.

The Comic-Con panel featured director Francis Lawrence and stars Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen), Liam Hemsworth (Gale Hawthorne), Josh Hutcherson (Peeta Mellark), Lenny Kravitz (Cinna), Jenna Malone (Johanna Mason), Jeffrey Wright (Beetee) and Willow Shields (Primrose Everdeen).

After airing the suspenseful new full-length trailer, Francis Lawrence and the cast shared thoughts on the film and some behind-the-scenes memories.  Francis stated that as soon as he was hired he flew out to meet with Collins.

About her character, Katniss, Jennifer explained, “She’s struggling from post-traumatic stress from the Games.”  On a lighter note, she discussed a kissing scene with Hutcherson which involved a lot of snot being exchanged.  She also humbly described other bloopers she experienced on the set and contemplated posting her clumsy moments on Youtube.

She stated that her favorite costume from the film was the wedding dress (right), but then amended her statement, saying that it was her favorite “to look at,” but not to wear, because of the five-foot circumference.  “And I’m not good at walking in giant dresses, as we know,”she joked, referencing the spill she took at the Academy Awards this year, on her way to accept her Oscar for Best Lead Actress.

The Lionsgate Panel also showcased new footage from the movie ‘I, Frankenstein‘ and held a panel featuring the film’s director Stuart Beattie and stars Aaron Eckhart and Yvonne Strahovski, as well as writer Kevin Grevioux, creator of the ‘I, Frankenstein’ graphic novel upon which the movie is based.

How do you like the new trailer?  Does it live up to your expectations?  Leave a comment below!