Casting Call: Elizabeth Banks Joins ‘The Hunger Games’

First Published: April 28, 2011 3:11 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Elizabeth Banks arrives at Malaria No More Presents: Hollywood Bites Back! held at Club Nokia L.A. Live in Los Angeles on April 16, 2011It’s official – Elizabeth Banks has been cast as Effie Trinket in “The Hunger Games,” Lionsgate confirmed Thursday.

Elizabeth joins Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth in the big screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ bestselling dystopia trilogy.

The eccentric character of Effie, who is a hired as an escort for the main characters Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), is known for her ever-changing hair colors, obsession with etiquette and punctuality, and freakishly breezy disposition.

In addition to landing this new role, Elizabeth also recently welcomed a new addition to her family.

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, the “30 Rock” star welcomed her first child, a son, via a gestational surrogate last month.

“The Hunger Games” – directed by Gary Ross – will hit theaters on March 23, 2012.

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