Actor Alyson Stoner has shared details of the extreme measures they undertook in preparation for an audition to play Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games. The revelations come from Stoner’s forthcoming memoir, Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything, due for release on August 12.
In an excerpt published by Vanity Fair, Stoner recalls being approved at age 17 to attend what they describe as “a world-renowned medical weight loss camp” despite already being underweight.
The programme involved two weeks of daily exercise for seven hours, in a calorie deficit. Stoner writes that doctors and trainers allowed this regimen after being told it was for an acting role.
Stoner also recounts an earlier incident before filming Cheaper by the Dozen, when an industry-referred doctor found a heart murmur but did not record it, allegedly to avoid disrupting production.
The memoir excerpt describes how the intensive training for Katniss involved fourteen-mile hikes, heavy lifting, and high-intensity cardio. Stoner also trained independently, including bouldering to emulate the character’s skills.
Despite the preparation, Stoner did not land the role. They were the last to audition, with one of three prepared scenes cut on the spot, and received no immediate feedback.
Days later, while in what they describe as “starvation mode,” Stoner experienced a binge episode, consuming large amounts of food in one sitting.
When the casting decision arrived, Stoner learned they had not been selected. The memoir reflects on the physical and mental toll of the process and the pressures they experienced in Hollywood from a young age.
Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything will be available from August 12.
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