News about THE HUNGER GAMES always seems to drop between 11-4, so here I go with another story about it. The film previously secured its female lead as Jennifer Lawrence, but has now added two male actors to a pair of important parts in the film.
Josh Hutcherson had been in talks for a while and he now has the part of Peeta Mellark, and Liam Hemsworth (Thor’s little brother) will play Gale Hawthorne. Who the hell are these characters? I’ll let the press release explain.
Peeta accompanies heroine Katniss Everdeen into the 74th annual Hunger Games as the male tribute chosen from their native District 12, the most remote and marginalized district of all the subjugated districts of Panem. At the outset of the Games, Peeta publicly confesses his longtime feelings for Katniss, setting up one of the most fascinating fictional rapports of all time with his supposed arena rival.
Though Katniss and Gale have never had a romantic relationship, they share a transcendent bond, often of few words. When Katniss volunteers to participate in the 74th Annual Hunger Games in her younger sister’s stead, they both presume that bond will carry her far through the horrors she will face in the arena, and they each silently hope they’ll be reunited in safety on the other side of the ordeal.
I love the concept of this film, and am looking forward to seeing what these rising stars of Hollywood can do with it. But no more announcements for a while please, I’m all Hunger Gamed out for the moment.