It’s eerily fitting that the casting for The Hunger Games has drawn avid attention, spurred heated debates, and proved full of exciting contenders. Based on the YA phenomenon written by Suzanne Collins, the film, like its source material, centers on a nationally-televised and brutal battle to come out on top. Of course, here the winner gets to join the Games as it were; in the book, the winner’s prize is not being dead.
Anyhow, last week we brought news that a panoply of pretty boys were duking it out to fill the roles of Peeta and Gale, two young men whose only shared interest is Hunger Games’ heroine, Katniss Everdeen. Rising starlet Jennifer Lawrence has signed on to play the guarded girl with a heart of gold, and now we have word on who may be her co-stars.
According to Deadline, Australian actor Liam Hemsworth is leading the pack to play Katniss’ dark and brooding hunting buddy, Gale, while former dark horse Josh Hutcherson is said to be frontrunner to play the sweet-hearted baker boy, Peeta. Now, while no deals have yet been inked, I am liking the looks of this casting call. Admittedly, I’m not terribly familiar with Hemsworth’s body of work, but I’m relieved after seeing so many actors out of The Disney School of Acting up for consideration for the part of Gale. And as for Hutcherson: I couldn’t be happier. Despite having picked him as my ideal Gale, I think Hutcherson’s got the magnetism and emotional depth to do Peeta justice. Plus, I’d bet he and Lawrence will sizzle onscreen. If I could buy my tickets today – I would.
Hopefully official word will come in the next few days. We’ll keep you informed.
What do you make of the lasted in Hunger Games casting news?