Elizabeth Banks' Effie Trinket Was a Must for 'Mockingjay' Films, Director Francis Lawrence Says

Elizabeth Banks and her husband Max Handelman emerge from the Chateau Marmont after having a date night out together on Saturday (August 9) in West Hollywood, Calif.

The 40-year-old actress just completed the ice bucket challenge where she dumped a bucket of freezing cold water on her head to raise money for ALS.

Many The Hunger Games fans have been wondering why Effie appeared in posters for Mockingjay when Elizabeth‘s character is barely featured in the last book in the series.

“How can anybody replace Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket in these movies? When Suzanne Collins saw Catching Fire, she called and one of the first things she said was, ‘There’s no way Effie Trinket cannot be in the Mockingjay films.’ Effie brings such warmth and fun and levity to these dark stories. She’s the fish out of water in this one and fans will love how she has adapted to the world of District 13,” director Francis Lawrence said on the Hunger Games exclusive site. We love it!

FYI: Elizabeth is wearing a J Brand leather jacket.