Pretty boy Alex Pettyfer has had a big month, starring in the sci-fi thriller I Am Number Four and the teen romance Beastly. Now it seems his building buzz had gotten him the much-sought-after offer to co-star in the upcoming Hunger Games adaptation, in which he would play the besotted baker/love interest, Peeta.

While most of the HG talk lately has centered on who will play the film’s heroine, 16-year-old huntress Katniss Everdeen, the casting talk of other roles has fallen to the wayside. That is until Access Hollywood asked Pettyfer point blank if he’d been approached about the project, which is expected to be as big as the Twilight franchise. Pettyfer stated he had met with the film’s producers, but is reluctant to sign on until he’s seen the script. (Insert Beastly barb here.)

All joking aside, Pettyfer’s being pushed as the leading man to watch, and I have to hand it to him, he’s got an inarguable charm onscreen–even when hindered by a batch of ghastly prosthetic flesh wounds. Plus he’s got the right look, what with his blonde locks, broad shoulders, and puppy dog eyes. Notably, he was a favorite in the comments section of our Cast Picks post, so it seems fans may not take issue with the 21-year-old actor playing the teenaged Peeta. On a similar note, I’d wager this means the casting of Katniss will not go to early favorites Chloë Moretz and Hailee Steinfeld, but rather to an older (over 18) actress who looks young and wouldn’t impede production with those pesky childhood labor law obstacles.

While I’m aware this news may disappoint some fans, I’d urge you check out Winter’s Bone, which stars my personal Katniss pick Jennifer Lawrence as a convincing 16-year-old who will do what ever it takes to assure her families survival. However, Lawrence is by no means a lock, as producers have admittedly thrown a wide-net seeking their ideal Katniss, and some are saying it may not go to a ‘name’ at all.

Regardless, expect updates and casting decisions shortly. As The Hunger Games is set to be a big production with a release date of March 23, 2012, it’s likely shooting will begin soon.

What do you think of Alex Pettyfer as Peeta?

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