When Suzanne Collins published her novel in 2008, it immediately became a favourite among fans and critics alike. So, it wasn’t a surprise that when ‘The Hunger Games’ movie adaptation came along, many actors threw their hats into the ring to play its iconic characters.
While the franchise launched many notable careers, its cast list wasn’t always the same. Here are the actors who came so close to joining Panem but ultimately lost out on the roles.
10. Lucas Till as Peeta
Before Josh Hutcherson became the beloved Peeta Mellark, Lucas Till was reportedly among the strongest contenders for the role. Known at the time for ‘Hannah Montana: The Movie’ and Taylor Swift’s music video, he would have been a fine pick for the fan-favourite baker boy. He eventually shared the screen with Jennifer Lawrence in the ‘X-Men’ movies.
Related: 10 Katniss Details Missing From ‘The Hunger Games’ Movies
9. Emma Roberts as Katniss
Roberts was considered for the role of the Girl on Fire herself. At the time, she was still establishing herself as an actor. A leading role in ‘The Hunger Games’ would have been a major turning point in her career. Although Roberts did not join the franchise, she later stated in interviews how excited she was to enjoy the film as an audience.
8. Zoey Deutch as Katniss
Deutch was another young actress tested for the coveted role of Katniss Everdeen. She was very disappointed to miss out on the opportunity, though she soon found her footing within the YA genre. She went on to appear in several YA adaptations like ‘Beautiful Creatures’ and ‘Vampire Academy’.
7. Shailene Woodley as Katniss
Woodley’s portrayal of Katniss Everdeen remains one of the biggest what-ifs in the YA genre. She is known for portraying Beatrice “Tris” Prior in the dystopian book adaptation ‘Divergent’ and is also a close friend of Jennifer Lawrence. In hindsight, both casting choices feel perfect today. We would not trade Katniss and Tris for anything.
6. Hailee Steinfeld as Katniss
After earning an Oscar nomination for ‘True Grit’ at just 14, Hailee Steinfeld was causing ripples in the Hollywood industry. She was also a major contender for Katniss Everdeen. Steinfeld’s portrayal of Katniss might have been very different since she is six years younger than Lawrence. Interestingly, she went on to become another famous on-screen archer in Marvel’s ‘Hawkeye’.
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5. John C. Reilly as Haymitch
Reilly was supposed to be a contender for the role of Haymitch Abernathy. Today, Woody Harrelson is almost inseparable from the character. In the upcoming ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ movie, Joseph Zada’s version of younger Haymitch screams Harrelson’s iconic portrayal. So, it is fascinating to imagine how distinctly different Reilly’s performance would have been.
4. Kristin Chenoweth as Effie
Chenoweth openly revealed that she wanted the opportunity to play Effie Trinket. She stated that she enjoyed meeting with the filmmakers, exploring the material and was already a fan of Suzanne Collins’ books. Although the role ultimately went to Elizabeth Banks, Chenoweth was gracious about the decision and even praised Banks’s performance.
3. Evan Peters as Peeta
Before becoming famous for his performance in ‘American Horror Story’, Evan Peters was also another hopeful contender for ‘The Hunger Games’. He wanted to secure the part of Peeta Mellark. Though he lost the role to Josh Hutcherson, just like Till, Peters also got to share the screen with Jennifer Lawrence in the ‘X-Men’ franchise.
2. Austin Butler as Peeta
Before becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Austin Butler auditioned for Peeta Mellark and admitted that he never even came close to landing the role. Butler revealed that he does not remember receiving even a callback after his auditions. But when it comes to Josh Hutcherson, Butler has nothing but praise for his performance.
1. Saoirse Ronan as Katniss
Ronan was securing Oscar nominations already at the age of 12. But even she had to give up the role of Katniss Everdeen. It is very possible that her fame from ‘Atonement’ worked against her, as ‘The Hunger Games’ creators were specifically looking for a fresh and new face for Katniss. Although she missed out on the role, soon after she landed another major YA book-to-screen adaptation in ‘Twilight’ creator Stephenie Meyer’s ‘The Host’.
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