The cast of Gary Ross’ big screen adaptation of The Hunger Games is growing. The film is based on the popular book series written by Suzanne Collins and it has become this year’s Twilight. Every young actor under the sun wants a part in this flick and today, two more have joined the cast.
Despite some reservations from the online community, Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence was previously cast as the heroine Katniss Everdeen. Lionsgate announced today that she’ll be joined by a couple of budding young actors — Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth.
After weeks of deliberation, Josh Hutcherson, who previously starred in The Kids Are All Right has officially been cast as The Hunger Games’ Peeta Mellark. Peeta is supposedly a rough, buff blonde who serves as the love interest for Katniss. Hutcherson has dark hair, a baby face, and is shorter than Lawrence. Their relationship might be a hard sell to die hard fans of the books. I Am Number Four star Alex Pettyfer was previously rumored for the role. Hutcherson is the better actor of the two but Pettyfer looks more like the character.
As for Liam Hemsworth, he completely came out of left field. No one knew he was even in the running for the movie. He’s been cast as Gale Hawthorne. Hemsworth last appeared opposite Miley Cyrus in the Nicholas Sparks romance flick The Last Song. He’s also the younger brother of Chris Hemsworth, who’ll play Thor in the Marvel comic film this summer. Both actors hail from Australia.
Thus far, the casting for this movie has thrown Hunger Games fans for a loop. We’re not sure what to expect next, and that could be a good or a bad thing. What do you think about Hutcherson and Hemsworth joining the cast of The Hunger Games? Are they the right fit?
