To say that director Gary Ross’ (Pleasantville) adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games is being followed closely by fans is a bit of an understatement. Absolutely pivotal to the success of the film adaptation is the casting of the series’ lead role of Katniss. When describing what they were looking for in actresses for the role, Ross previously stated that what makes the character attractive is her strength, assuredness, defiance “and ultimately her compassion.”
The powers that be are currently searching for the right actress, and now word comes that two of this year’s Academy Award nominees, Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit) and Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone) are in the running. Speaking with MTV, Steinfeld confirmed that she’s met with Ross to discuss the role. For much more, including why Lawrence may be the frontrunner, hit the jump. [Update: Variety has confirmed that Lawrence and Steinfeld are vying for the role, with Lawrence generating the most interest. They also add 14-year-old Abigail Breslin to the list of actresses being considered for the part of Katniss.]
In addition to Steinfeld’s comments, Lawrence has apparently met with Ross and the studio, and may even be the frontrunner. Lainey Gossip reports (via SlashFilm) that Lawrence has read for the part and the-powers-that-be are very fond of her. Here’s what their report has to say:
“Jennifer Lawrence’s name came up repeatedly. Then, over the weekend, sources confirmed to me exclusively that she’d read for it and they loved her. So much. Like no one else they’ve seen has even come close to what she delivered. The way it was described to me: ‘Jennifer really went for it and she blew them away’. I’m told a deal is being hammered out right now. And they’re almost there. Some details still need to be finalised, and anything can happen where negotiations are concerned, but they’re close. Lionsgate apparently really wants her.”
Now, this could very well turn out to be pure rumor. Nothing has been confirmed, especially whether or not Lawrence has actually read for the role yet. However, even if this report is untrue, one would assume that Lawrence is one of the leading candidates being considered for the part. Katniss is a teenager, and at 20 Lawrence could very well tackle the role.
At 14, Steinfeld is indeed closer to the actual age-range of Katniss. Personally, I’d love to see the young actress take on the part. She showed phenomenal strength in True Grit and I could really see her bringing that same weight and determination to the character. Though Lawrence would be a fine choice as well. I mean, they were both nominated for an Oscar this year, so it’s pretty much win/win.
Ross recently stated that, even though the source material is rather dark, the films will be rated PG-13. He couldn’t see excluding the audience that has so loved the books and stressed that “this book means too much to too many teenagers.” The Hunger Games, the first film in a series of three, is set to hit theaters on March 23rd, 2012.
For those of you completely lost/unaware of the story of The Hunger Games, here’s a synopsis:
In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss’ young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district’s female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives.
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Haille looks like the character a lot more
katniss is 16, dark hair ,grey eyes,and small in frame she is malnourished
Jennifer is blonde,blue eyes,has a very curvy figure to her and has a developed figure of a grown woman
Katniss is rumored to be pregnant and married by the second book. I doubt watching a 15 play that part of the movie will be entertaining.
Jennifer is the right actress. Winter’s Bone proved it. She could definetely nail it!
has to be Hailee. And Bill she is 14, yes, but she already has 1,70 same height has Jennifer. But Hailee is more childish, Jennifer is already a woman.
Has to be Jennifer. Hailee is still a child like 14 years. There are heavy romantic making out between Katniss and Peeta. It will be very difficult for people to watch it if hailee was chose. Teenagers audition can watch kissing scenes. If Haille is chose, maybe 9-10 years can watch. Even Bieber Justin says Hailee is too young to be considered dating.
Whomever they chose should be 18+ for the film makers to shoot longer hours. Winter’s Bone is an extended audition for the Hunger Games. Lawrence had to show her emotional range with very spare dialogue (Katniss thinks far more than she speaks w/Southern accent (Jen’s from KY).
An older actress won’t make viewers queasy with the violence or the romance. (Think of Chloe Moretz in the last fight with Mark Strong’s character in Kick-Ass–very unsettling). Dye the hair, add gray contacts, get lean, and begin archery training.
I’ve changed my vote from Kaya Scodelario (the early fan favorite) to Lawrence. She would own this role. Inspired casting choice.
If you’ve ever seen the drawing of katniss on the homepage of the hunger games website, you’d choose Hailee because they look a lot alike. the only difference is that hailee looks a bit younger, however… theres still a year for her to grow and look a bit older. jennifer looks as if she were a career instead of a tribute from district 12 because she looks so well-fed.
Jennifer. Just went and watched some Winter’s Bone clips and if anyone can do it she can.
it should be hailee. she looks a lot like katniss if you’ve seen the drawing on the hunger games webpage. also, jennifer looks as if she’s more well-fed, kind of like a career. i think that jennifer would make an excellent career tribute instead of katniss.
sorry for the double post. thought it didnt post because i didnt see it. but i’ve seen some clips and i know for sure jennifer could do it. however, she doesnt look like katniss.
When I saw Jenn at the Oscars, I thought that she would make a great Glimmer – but then I thought that it was a pity it was such a small role… Not sure if I would buy her as Katniss, although I agree that it would be better for filming the movie if they get an 18+ for the role.
Hailee looks much more like Katniss of the two. But Lawrence could potentially pull it off. The character she played in Winter’s Bone is actually more like Katniss personality wise than Mattie Ross in my opinion. Quiet but fierce stoicism masking a vulnerability that’s been buried under tragedy and hardship. She does need to have the “Seam Look” so will need to go brunette though. Hailee looks and acts much older than a 14 year old. I’m not sure casting 20 somethings is the best move when part of the horror of the Hunger Games is that it involves children. A cast of so many adult actors many dilute the shock of that.
Why is Breslin even in the running? She doesn’t seem like a good fit to me.
I think Hailee did ok in True Grit, but she doesn’t seem the part to me. To young and not tough enough. I watched Winter’s Bone this weekend and Jennifer Lawrence is really really good. she’d be perfect.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3239803/
I think this girl would be perfect as Katniss
kaitlyn dever is too young for the role, and too short also.
No,
doesn’t fit at all!
Hallie doesn’t either!
Has anyone even looked at kaya scodelario???
She’s beautiful and strong and looks ideal for Katniss.
Don’t know who this Jennifer girl thinks she is.
>:l
if they make HG like Twilight, I’ll be so pissed.
i’ve read a more recent article, and i’m excited knowing jennifer lawrence is playing the part! i think with dark hair, she’d pull off katniss perfectly!
theres just one thing that bugs me. on the back of the book, it says that panem is in the ruins of a place once called north america.. it’s not just the united states. idk whether it’s been changed to just the united states for the movie or not, but it really bugs me when details like that in movies are changed from the books! aha
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