Casting Call Friday -- The Hunger Games

While most of you discovered The Hunger Games when it first came out in 2008, I was apparently living under a rock. That’s the only reason I can come up with as to why I hadn’t started this series sooner. I didn’t actually decide to read the books until two weeks ago; even then that’s only because I sat at brunch lost while Erin and Daniela discussed Teem Peeta vs. Team Gale and Katniss this, Katniss that. So I finally started and HOT. DOG.

There are stronger words I’d like to use but I’ll keep this G-rated. This series is phenomenal. Of course you already know this, so let me cut to the chase. In honor of Mockingjay’s upcoming release, we at Lit Snit are casting:


THE HUNGER GAMES

Peeta Mellark: (Lucas Till) The 16-year-old male tribute from District 12. He is described as being "medium height with a stocky build“and has "ashy blond hair that falls in waves over his forehead" with blue eyes. Upon arriving in the Capitol, it is discovered that Peeta has an instinctive ability to perform on camera and manipulate public sentiment.  He is rarely moody or upset and generally takes things lightly.

Lucas would be a great Peeta with his sunny smile & disposition (not to mention the muscular build!) Peeta strikes me as the boy next door type and I think Luke, with his Disney background, would tap into that.

Gale Hawthorne (Ian Somerhalder): An 18-year-old who is Katniss's best friend and hunting partner. Like Katniss, he has dark hair and gray eyes. The pair have combined their respective talents, his at trapping and hers at archery, to become a highly effective team. Gale is in love with and fiercely devoted to Katniss, although she doesn't know it at the time.

Yep, I know that he's older than Gale should be. To me, though, Ian Somerhalder hasn't aged a day and I wanna know his secrets. He's fits the physical profile and I think he's athletic enough and talented enough to portray Gale.

Haymitch Abernathy (Hugh Laurie): A "paunchy, middle-aged man" who was the victor of the 50th Hunger Games. Since winning made him independently wealthy, he has spent almost all of his intervening leisure intoxicated to the point of embarrassment. Haymitch acts as a mentor for Peeta and Katniss before they enter the Games. He is often sarcastic and anything but sober, which Katniss finds highly irritating. However, when pushed, he emerges as the pair's greatest advocate and shows himself to be highly canny as he guides his proteges in a cleverly designed, highly unorthodox strategy aimed at securing the survival of both tributes.

Okay, Okay…I know he’s not paunchy but, man! Laurie would be a fantastic Haymitch. I mean, have you ever watched House?? He’s got the intoxicated (via pills on House), sarcastic but clever man down to a SCIENCE. Seriously, he’d be awesome.

Primrose Everdeen (Elle Fanning): Katniss' younger sister whom others call "Prim". Prim's face is "as fresh as a raindrop, as lovely as the primrose for which she was named." She, like her mother, has light hair and blue eyes, which sets her out of place in the Seam. She is 12 years old and has her name put in the reaping for the first time. She is originally chosen as the District 12 female tribute, but Katniss volunteers for her instead. Katniss says that Prim is "the only person I'm certain I love."

First of all, Elle Fanning is adorable. She is 12. She is talented ( I want whatever water the Fanning's drink!) and she fits the description. Word.

Mama Everdeen (Joely Richardson): Light hair, blue eyes, described in the book as "worn... beaten up. After her husband's death, she lost the ability to deal with life...leaving Katniss to take care of the family. A healer.

Joely Richardson continually lost her mind for 6 seasons straight on Nip/Tuck. She does worn and beaten up well.

Effie Trinket (Kristin Chenoweth): Effie works as an escort for District 12, particularly to Katniss and Peeta. Effie has bright pink hair, speculated to be a wig. As she gives speeches, she constantly has to get it under control. She can be a bit of an airhead at times, totally oblivious to the sorrows and misfortunes that fall upon District 12. She's very strict about manners and is incessantly punctual.

I tried not to do it, I promise, but I really do think Chenoweth would do wonders with Effie. She's aged a little bit, she's known for the slightly irritating and ditzy roles (Hello, Pushing Daisies and Galinda in Wicked) but she can show emotional depth when needed. 

Cinna (Hugh Dancy): Katniss' stylist. Cinna is in his first year as a stylist for the Games and his audacious designs immediately win over the audience for Katniss and Peeta. Despite (or perhaps because of) his professional interest in images, Cinna proves to be better than most at seeing through the superficial spectacle of the Games to their barbaric core. He and Katniss establish an easy, comfortable relationship and he demonstrates a genuine concern for her well-being.

*sigh* Hugh Dancy is dreamy. Just had to get that out. With that being said, I think he'd be the perfect Cinna. He's sensitive and, though handsome, lends the quiet and simple air that Cinna needs.

Last but not least...

Katniss Everdeen: She’s the strong protagonist and narrator of this story. KatnissKatniss's past hardships (her father's death, mother's depression, and near starvation) have made her a natural survivor, and in general she will do anything to preserve her own life. The exception to this is that she will protect anyone she loves, no matter the cost to herself, as shown when she volunteers for the Games to save her little sister, Prim.

Cast:  So I’ve been sitting here for the last 45 minutes trying to come up with someone. In the actually film  I’d love for them to use an unknown actress. In the meantime, though, I’ll go with….

 Jessica Stroup

 I think she has the look that Katniss needs. Also (and I don't mean to be...well, mean), she looks like she could fit the thin from hunger profile. She plays tough as Silver on 90210 but she's able to show moments of vulnerability. With physical training, she could be great. She may be too old, though...

**I bet you that Evangeline Lilly is wishing this book came out 10 years ago. She would have been a great Katniss!

Okay...these are my guesses at the moment What do you think? Who would YOU cast? Did I miss someone important?

Also, will someone PLEASE cast Rue?? I couldn't do it!

Chime in, folks! :)