While it’s starting to feel like the female lead of Gary Ross’ HUNGER GAMES adaptation will be tackled by Oscar-nominated hottie Jennifer Lawrence, there’s still a few other roles to cast. Like, all of them. Perhaps most critical is the role of Peeta, our lady’s love interest in this dystopian future.
It would appear as though two dudes have come to the forefront of the race to play Peeta (can’t they change that name?): According to Entertainment Weekly, Josh Hutcherson, who has been in flicks like THE VAMPIRE’S ASSISTANT and THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT – and will soon be seen in Joseph Kahn’s DETENTION – has read for the role and covets it badly. “The character is so much who I am—self deprecating, a people person. And he’d be such a great character to play!” Hutcherson exclaimed with hopeful enthusiasm! The young actor goes on to say that he’s read an “old version” of the script and is now just playing the waiting game…
One dude who might steal his thunder is Alex Pettyfer, who has also met with producers and is desperately trying to live up the the hype created around him. The actor was supposed to “break out” in I AM NUMBER FOUR, but that movie’s poor box office showing has prevented that. The less said about BEASTLY, the better. Perhaps Pettyfer’s biggest obstacle, however, is himself. The Brit is supposedly a major problem off-screen, with reports of diva-ish behavior following him wherever he goes. Not wise when you don’t even have one hit movie under your belt.
Alas, nothing has been decided yet, not that we know of. Just tossing out a couple of the possibilities for you fanatics of Suzanne Collins’ massively popular trilogy of books. When we hear more, we’ll let you know.
Jennifer Lawrence