Hunger Games breakout star Amanda Stenberg has landed a new gig in a trilogy that’ll guarantee her a role through to the end — The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken.
Okay, yeah, that was a little too soon. Sorry. We’re all still sore over Rue’s death in The Hunger Games, but if you enjoyed what Stenberg brought to the screen, you’re going to be ecstatic about the role she just picked up for another book-to-film adaptation.
The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Stenberg will be portraying Ruby, the lead character in Bracken’s trilogy.
We were a fan of the trilogy way back all those years ago when the first book hit shelves in 2012. You can read our review here.
The synopsis for the first book in Bracken’s series reads:
When Ruby woke up on her 10th birthday, something about her had changed. Something frightening enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that got her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that had killed most of America’s children, but she and the others emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they could not control.
Now 16, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones. When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. She is on the run, desperate to find the only safe haven left for kids like her — East River. She joins a group of kids who have escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can’t risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents. When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at having a life worth living.
In July, we found out Jennifer Yuh Nelson would be making her live-action directorial debut with the Darkest Minds adaptation.
Having Stenberg in the lead role is an important show of diversity for the film and for Fox as a studio. Here’s to hoping the rest of the cast continues that tradition.
P.S. If you want a look at how author Alexandra Bracken is feeling, you need look no further than her Twitter account:
They've just started working on the others, so hopefully we won't have to wait too long! https://t.co/AiNIVmf9UQ
— Alexandra Bracken (@alexbracken) September 26, 2016
SO excited you guys are as thrilled as I am about the casting!!
— Alexandra Bracken (@alexbracken) September 26, 2016
With all book to film adaptations, there is no one actor who fits how everyone imagines a character. What's important is finding someone 1/2
— Alexandra Bracken (@alexbracken) September 26, 2016
who not only is an amazing actor, but captures the spirit of the character and their story. So, yes, I'm thrilled with their choice! 2/2
— Alexandra Bracken (@alexbracken) September 26, 2016
This is how I feel exactly! I'm very protective of Ruby as a character and basically cried a thousand tears of happiness when I found out! https://t.co/sMDKhfKWAO
— Alexandra Bracken (@alexbracken) September 26, 2016
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