Alexander Ludwig, from “Hunger Games” to “Grown Ups 2”

He received favorable notices for his performance as the menacing Cato in the blockbuster “The Hunger Games.” Now, Alexander Ludwig shifts to comedy as he plays Braden, the long lost son of David Spade’s character in Columbia Pictures’ “Grown Ups 2.”

The film also stars Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, Salma Hayek and Taylor Lautner.

In the film, Spade’s character, Marcus Higgins, gets a bit of a comeuppance. “In the first movie, he discovered that the life he thought he wanted, single and free, wasn’t as fulfilling as his friends’, even though they were tied down with wives and kids,” says Spade. “Well, in the sequel, he finds out that the free-and-easy life wasn’t as free or easy as he thought – he has a son that he never knew about, and he’s coming up to the town to spend some time with the father he never knew. Oh, and the kid is about 18 and enormous and knows how to hold a grudge.”

“Braden is the son that Marcus didn’t know he had – but Braden doesn’t know that,” says Ludwig. “He’s under the impression that Marcus knew all along, and was just ignoring his son. So theirs is a very strained relationship from the first meeting, because Braden has had years and years to build up anger toward his father. It was fun to play such a crazy, intimidating character.”

Still, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. “He’s a huge version of Marcus,” says Ludwig. “He’s got the crazy long hair, the goatee – but he completely overshadows his father.”

Ludwig was especially gratified by the chance to join the comedy. “I knew comedy was my biggest challenge that I’d have to overcome. Comedy actors are very underrated, because you have to be in the moment. Working with these guys, who are comedic legends, you has to be on your toes and spit back at whatever they threw your way,” the young actor explains.

“After `The Hunger Games,’ I’m glad to have the chance to do something different and keep people guessing,” Ludwig conludes. “Besides, when Adam Sandler calls and says he’s interested in you being in his next movie, you jump at the opportunity.”

Opening across the Philippines on July 24, “Grown Ups 2” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.columbiapictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.