Production on The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is beginning in Atlanta. And with that comes my casting reaction to the actors chosen to play Suzanne Collins’ beloved characters.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
My Casting Reaction
First, let me start off with the two tributes we were most anxious about, and frankly the most anticipated. These two we will be just as picky about as we were with Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth. Also these two characters are honestly, my two of favorite characters of the book series. (Finnick is definitely my favorite.)
Finnick Odair
To Be Played By: Sam Claflin
Though he may not be my first choice for Finnick, I think Sam Claflin is a great choice to play our trident-weilding dreamboat from District 4. One thing he has going for him is that he is relatively unknown. Besides blockbusters like Pirates 3 and Snow White and the Huntsman he’s virtually unknown and even in those movies he just played a supporting role. He hasn’t been in any scandals or the press, and we know nothing about him. Also, and this is a big plus, he looks the part. Yeah, okay he’s got that British thing. But he has green eyes and blond hair like Finnick. Slap a tan on him and get him all buff like Thor and you’re good to go!
Johanna Mason
To Be Played By: Jena Malone
I pictured Johanna as a bit more exotic, like Lyndsy Fonseca (who was my first choice to play here, and Katniss actually), Naya Rivera or Mila Kunis. Though I would have never in a million years thought of Jena Malone for the part, the more I think about it, the more I am okay with it. Though I will always picture Jena Malone as that little girl from Stepmom, as long as she plays Johanna a little homicidal, I’ll be fine.
Other Important Roles
Plutarch Heavensbee
To Be Played By: Phillip Seymor Hoffman
Honestly, this is a fantastic choice. Yes, he doesn’t have much to do during Catching Fire, but in Mockingjay he’s very important and could play Plutarch perfectly. PSH is one of those guys where he can seem like a gentle teddy bear, but still deep down you’re frightened of him. Just imagine those tension-filled scenes between him and Jennifer Lawrence.
Enorbia
To Be Played By: Meta Golding
Enorbia the scary tribute with all her teeth gold and fashinoned into fangs doesn’t do much, if any, talking in Catching Fire or Mockingjay. Though her part isn’t huge, I hope she has a bigger role in the movies. Mainly because I really like Meta Golding. From shows like Daybreak, Criminal Minds, as well as other bit parts that make her face extremely recognizable, I’d love to see what she can bring to the role.
Mags
To Be Played By: Lynn Cohen
I am not familiar with Lynn Cohen, but age-wise, look-wise, and size-wise she is perfect. Let’s hope she can do our feisty District 4 grandma justice.
Wiress
To Be Played By: Amanda Plummer
Though I only remember her from movies she did a long time ago (Pulp Fiction, So I Married An Ax Murderer), I think Amanda Plummer will be great in this role. She has a unique look and embodies the loveable but loopy Wiress look to a T.
Other Casting Bits:
- Bruno Gunn – Brutus: Perfect Casting
- Alan Ritchson – Gloss: Too pretty to have such a small role. But that’s ok.
- Stephanie Leigh Schuland – Cashmere: Pretty, she could probably pull off bitch pretty well.
- E. Roger Mitchell – Chaff: His face is a lot kinder than I imagined Chaff, but that can be fixed with good acting.
- Maria Howell – Seeder: She’s a little young for Seeder who I believe was supposed to be in her sixties. But the role is so small, it doesn’t really matter.
What are your thoughts on the Catching Fire Casting? Mainly Finnick and Johanna? Who were your top choices? Are you satisfied by Francis Lawrence’s picks? Do you really think we need to call Catching Fire Movie, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire for people to know the franchise? Happy Hunger Games! The Catching Fire countdown continues!
Rants Of A Crazy Person 
