UPDATE: Sam Claflin cast as Finnick in Catching Fire

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire finally has its Finnick Odair! As previously rumored Finnick will be played by Sam Claflin (Snow White and the Huntsman, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides). I am extremely excited about this one. Click under the jump for more about Finnick (spoilers beware).

[UPDATE] More casting for Catching Fire announced

We have more casting, both confirmed and rumored, for Catching Fire. The confirmed part is that Amanda Plummer has secured the role of Wiress, a former tribute and winner from District 3. Plummer joins fellow confirmed actors Philip Seymour Hoffman and Jena Malone.
The rumored is that Tony Shalhoub (Monk, Galaxy Quest) is in negotiations for the role of Beetee. Melissa Leo was rumored for the role of Mags but a few sources have said that it isn't going to happen, so I guess Leo is off the hook as far as rumors go.

And perhaps the biggest rumor yet is that there is an actor in final negotiations to play the much anticipated role of Finnick Odair... and his name is Sam Claflin. You might remember him from such films as Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Snow White and the Huntsman. I saw him in both of those films and with that I will say that this potential casting doesn't bother me. I think he is attractive enough for the role, in comparison to the book description, and would do a decent job. He is a better choice than some, like when Robert Pattinson was rumored, so I wouldn't bitch too much if he winds up securing the role.

New Catching Fire casting rumors feat. Philip Seymour Hoffman

It seems that since we still have no confirmation on who will be playing Finnick Odair in Catching Fire people have moved onto the other characters who need actors. It has now surfaced that the role of Plutarch Heavensbee (aka, the new Gamemaker) could be played by none other than Philip Seymour Hoffman. Plutarch is an important but fairly small character in the book so who knows if Hoffman will accept the offer, but they are trying.

Personally, I think Hoffman could do great things with Plutarch. I hope he accepts.

http://collider.com/philip-seymour-hoffman-hunger-games-catching-fire/172477/

[UPDATE] Taylor Kitsch will not be in Catching Fire

The casting rumors and shoot downs for the role of Finnick in Catching Fire continue to appear. The latest rumor to die is 31-year old Taylor Kitsch. You may know him from the recent box office bombs John Carter and Battleship. Kitsch told the LA Times that it is "not going to happen." This news comes shortly after Robert Pattinson denied his involvement and said he will not be playing Finnick.

Earlier this week E! Online reported that casting had apparently come down to three finalists: Taylor Kitsch, Armie Hammer (The Social Network, Mirror Mirror), and Garrett Hedlund (Tron: Legacy, On the Road). The downright truth of this remains unknown as Lionsgate is refusing to comment on and/or confirm or deny anything about the casting of Finnick, but if this is true it seems that we only have two options.

 http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2012/05/hunger-games-taylor-kitsch-finnick.html


Out of the two remaining I would much rather have Garrett Hedlund. I think he has more of the look and overall feel of Finnick over Armie Hammer. I have only seen Hammer in one film, which was The Social Network, and I wasn't all that impressed. The only thing he has over Hedlund is the physique. However, Hammer is starring in The Lone Ranger with Johnny Depp and that is a new franchise hopeful for Disney. It is possible that due to his upcoming scheduling he might not even be available to commit to both Catching Fire and Mockingjay as the role of Finnick is in both.

[UPDATE] Robert Pattinson will not be in Catching Fire

Robert Pattinson mentioned this past week at Cannes that he will not be playing the role of Finnick Odair in Catching Fire despite internet rumors. 

I still have some faith in humanity.

http://insidemovies.ew.com/2012/05/28/robert-pattinson-catching-fire-finnick/

Robert Pattinson considered for a role in Catching Fire

It has been announced that Twilight superstar Robert Pattinson is being considered for a major role in Catching Fire, the upcoming sequel to The Hunger Games.
Which role? None other than that of Finnick Odair.


What I am about to type comes from the standpoint of someone who has read and loved the books. It isn't because I am not a Twilight fan...
This is ridiculous. Pattinson, to me, looks nothing like Finnick should look and would not be able to pull it off at all. When I imagine Finnick I do not imagine this.

Finnick is supposed to be drop dead gorgeous with green eyes, bronze hair, tan skin, and is also supposed to be extremely fit and muscular. Pattinson had to have his six-pack airbrushed in the Twilight movies because he couldn't get the muscle tone. About the only thing he has going for him is the hair color. If he is cast over other possibles, such as Ryan Kwanten and Chase Crawford, I will be so pissed. I can't believe this is happening.

http://www.examiner.com/article/robert-pattinson-considered-to-be-cast-as-finnick-odair-catching-fire?cid=db_articles