With Jennifer Lawrence locked in the lead role of Katniss Everdeen for “The Hunger Games,” the race began last week for the other main roles with a host of names vying for the two male leads, but it appears a couple names have emerged at the top of the pack.
Deadline reports that Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson are the top contenders for the roles of Gale Hawthorne and Peeta Mellark, and they’re trying out for the part against a bunch of people we never heard of including David Henrie, Robbie Amell and Drew Roy. Hemsworth would play Gale, Lawrence’s best friend from childhood, with Hutcherson as Peeta — beating out Alexander Ludwig, Evan Peters, Hunter Parrish and Lucas Till — as her love interest in the movie.
All that being said, Deadline stresses nothing is confirmed just yet and no offers have been made but it appears the winds are blowing in the direction of Hemsworth and Hutcherson to land the roles. Gary Ross will likely get his cast solidified soon because he’s under the gun to get the film in the can for a March 23rd, 2012 release date, less than a year from now.
Not surprising when Lionsgate chose Liam through his brother connection, considering their upcoming blockbuster Thor which stars Chris will be release this summer, such unfair nepotism for other contenders
Okay. It seems like they switched the descriptions of Peeta and Gale! Josh looks more like Gale and Liam looks more like Peeta. Josh looks too young to play Peeta (and EW him as a blond?) common what about Hunter Parrish! I really hope Ross doesn\’t cast them.
I\’m happy to have some news, but not happy about what it is!
Although Josh can wear contacts and have his hair dyed, I still don\’t feel like he has the Peeta look. Hunter\’s my top choice.
I also feel like if Ross felt the need to defend the casting choice of Lawrence, when he sees the backlash from Hunter fans if they cast Josh, he\’s going to want to flee to Swaziland. And live as a hermit… for a long time.
cant believe this report how do they know that these two are in the lead?
as for liam, come on he was in a miley cyrus movie, and cant act.
Ok so hutcherson is not blonde but he\’s a good actor! and hemsworth has the intensity needed…so everyone just chill
frikin BRILLIANT…thought lawrence was a bust but this makes up for it!!
LOVE BOTH OF THEM…especially Josh <3
Are you kidding me? Neither of these guys looks like the descriptions given in the books. I\’m beginning to believe that some people have read a different book than I did. I hope this is an April Fool\’s.
Liam is too stiff and he\’s a note actor.
Josh is good actor, but he looks too young next to Jennifer.
Bad choices
Very nice to see these two names. Josh is a proven talented actor which will be nice to have opposite Jennifer. Liam for Gale is decent..even thought I haven\’t seen him act, but hear good things. I support this!
Thanks Deadline!
Also, nice to see that \”winds are blowing in the direction of Hemsworth and Hutcherson.\” Liam looks extra hot with the wind blowing through his hair!