Elizabeth Banks bags a role in 'The Hunger Games'

Actress Elizabeth Banks has officially been roped in to star in the movie The Hunger Games. Lionsgate has made an official announcement about casting the '30 Rock' star on Thursday, April 28. She will essay the role of Effie Trinket in the forthcoming fantasy movie and she is very happy to work with the film unit.

Effie Trinket is described as a hired escort for the main characters and is known for her changing hair colors and obsession with etiquette and punctuality. On her Twitter page, Elizabeth Banks recently expressed her excitement about the role. She tweeted, "Yes! And I can now confirm I'm EFFIE TRINKET in @TheHungerGames. So excited! RT @ohpoorsam Effie Trinket!".

The Hunger Games, which is directed by Gary Ross, is based on Suzanne Collins' novel with the same name. The story revolves around 16-year-old Everdeen, who steps up to go to the place of her sister, when she is chosen by lottery to participate in a fight-to-the-death annual event called the 'Hunger Games'.

The Hunger Games features Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth in the lead roles. Elizabeth Banks will now star alongside them. In addition to her, Lionsgate has also cast newcomers Ian Nelson, Kalia Prescott, Ethan Jamieson and Tara Macken. The movie is scheduled to hit the theaters on March 30, 2012.