Sam Claflin is Our Official Finnick Odair in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"

After the very long await of who the heck Finnick is, we can now put down the rumor mill shut as Lionsgate has now announced the lucky actor who will play the most coveted role in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire." Our official Finnick Odair is Sam Claflin. He was one of the actors who are in the pool of the never-ending Finnick Odair casting craze. Weeks ago, there were already entertainment sites claiming that Sam is the frontrunner but we didn't believe that totally until Lionsgate comes up with the official statement. But anyway, congratulations to Sam Claflin for getting the role! Welcome to the Hunger Games family. (P.S., I hope you are getting yourself ready because a lot of Hunger Games fans will shower you with affection and attention!) I can't wait to see you in your costume in the Tribute Parade for the Third Quarter Quell!

Lionsgate's official press release:

 

Santa Monica, CA, August 22, 2012- Lionsgate® and the filmmakers of THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE are pleased to announce that Sam Claflin has been cast in the role of Finnick in the much anticipated film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ worldwide smash hit novel Catching Fire. Charasmatic and clever, Finnick was a District 4 Hunger Games victor when he was fourteen.

About Sam Claflin:

After breaking out in his role as the romantic lead in last year’s PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES, Claflin starred in the box office smash SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN playing Prince William alongside Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron and Chris Hemsworth.   He recently finished filming THE QUIET ONES opposite Jarred Harris, and MARY & MARTHA,  in which he co-stars with Hilary Swank.

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark.   Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts.  Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75^th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE will be directed by Francis Lawrence, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy that has sold more than 50 million books in print and digital in the U.S. alone.

Lionsgate will release THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE on November 22, 2013.

Ongoing casting news and information for the film can be found at: www.CatchingFireCasting.com

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Jesse Williams Confirms He's Not Finnick

If you are following the Finnick Odair casting rumor craze, you probably know that Jesse Williams is one of the fan favorites. Now, for those who are in favor of Jessie as Finnick, you might want to get ready to accept this disappointment. In his tweet, Jesse said that the ship for the Finnick Odair thing has already sailed.

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Sam Claflin is Getting Close to Play Finnick Odair in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"

Sam Claflin has been in the Finnick Odair rumor mill recently. It started with Lainey Gossip and then Zap2it reported that the role of Finnick was offered to him. Now, Deadline has some bits to add up to the mill. Accordingly:

Sam Claflin has been the favorite, but he had a problem with an option owed to another studio that presented date problems. Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter stars Ben Walker, Boyd Holbrook and Tyler Hoechlin were the other competitors for that role, but it looks now like things have cleared for Claflin and that he’ll play the role. You’ve seen him in Snow White And The Huntsman and Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

Remember guys, we'll never know if Sam Claflin is really the Finnick we are waiting for until Lionsgate releases an official statement about the casting. With the news above,  it looks like we have some new actors who are into the pool of Finnick Odair casting. Among the three mentioned, I am more familiar with Tyler Hoechlin because he plays Derek in "Teen Wolf." I think Deadline has some typo error in their statement since Boyd Holbrook and Tyler Hoechlin are not in that Abraham Lincoln movie.

is Sam Claflin our Finnick?

another pool of Finnick Odair casting rumor

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Sam Claflin Cast as Finnick? (Not Confirmed/Official Yet))

If you could still remember, Lainey Gossip claims that British actor who plays Prince William in Snow White and the Huntsman, Sam Claflin is on the run to play Finnick Odair in Catching Fire. Now, Zap2it reports that he is already cast as the District 4 victor. Accordingly to them:

Official reps for the film won't comment on the casting, but our reliable sources reveal that producer Nina Jacobson and Lionsgate have signed off on Claflin's offer.

Zap2it has also reported before that Lucas Till, Trevor Donovan, and Alan Ritchson were considered for the role.

Anyway, Lionsgate has no official announcement yet. I really think that the official news on who will play Finnick will be announced the latest as compared to other minor roles in the sequel. Let's just wait then. Anway, what do you think of Sam Claflin as Finnick?

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Confirmed: Colton Haynes from Teen Wolf Auditioned for Finnick in Catching Fire

Few months ago, a blogger named Brian Tutt has published on his blog about Colton Haynes' talks with Lionsgate people. You can read that post here. Now, our friends at thehob.org has caught up with him at the 2012 San Diego Comic Con and the Teen Wolf actor confirmed that he did audition for the role but Finnick is yet to be cast. Accordingly, Colton has expressed how a big fan he is for the series via his tweets.

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Glee's Grant Gustin Auditioned for Finnick Odair in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"

Grant Gustin from hit TV series Glee has already told the world how interested he is in playing Finnick Odair in the Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire. Now, he confirmed that he officially auditioned for Finnick but according to him Lionsgate producers still don't have the idea on what type of actor they are looking for to play the most coveted part. Here is his statement:

“I have officially auditioned for the role of Finnick Odair,” said Gustin in the interview. “I don’t think [the ‘Catching Fire’ movie producers] know what they are looking for yet, but yes, I did audition for the part.”

Grant Gustin

Source: ET Canada via The Examiner

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Confirmed: Trevor Donovan Will Not Play Finnick in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"

Trevor Donovan from 90210 was very vocal on his passion to play Finnick in Catching Fire. In fact, a special site has been created for his campaign, however, the odds are not in his favor. Recently, he announced in his official Facebook page that his journey in getting his dream role is no longer attainable. Here is his statement:

It's been a fun ride, but the Finnick Odair journey is over for me, the honor of playing him will go to another, well deserved individual, I'm sure... I'm still, and will always be a true blue Hunger Games FAN, that will never change... xo

Trevor Donovan

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Hunter Parrish Has Spoken to Lionsgate Producers for a Potential Role in Catching Fire

Hunter Parrish auditioned for Peeta Mellark in "The Hunger Games" but was lost to Josh Hutcherson. Several days ago, he was interviewed by MTV about getting a part in Catching Fire and he said about nothing getting so much hope for the sequel but he would be very glad if given the chance. Anyway, the MTV interview wasn't really talking about his meeting with Lionsgate producers but with his recent interview with The Daily Beast, Hunter talks about talking to Lionsgate producers. Here is what he has to say:

“It would be fun,” he says, unable to contain himself. “If Lionsgate (the company behind the film) wants to go for it, I’ll be there. I’ll be right there.”

My thoughts?

There are already lots of fans who are considering Hunter as Finnick but I am not one of them. I think he's got the looks but I think he's not tall. I mean he's just about Josh and Jen's height and that would probably not fit Finnick's physical description. The sad thing if he's being cast is that others might find him as Peeta especially those who are not that familiar with the trilogy. LOL.

Hunter Parrish

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Finnick Casting Rumors: Garrett Hedlund Did Audition for the Role/Lucas Till Is Not in the Short List

Okay this is really going crazy. If you could still remember, Zap2it has claimed that Lucas Till is among the eight actors who are shortlisted to play Finnick Odair in Catching Fire. However, according to our friends from The Hob.org, a source close to Lucas Till had told them that he is not in contention to play the District 4 tribute/victor. According to their source:

Lucas Till is “not in contention for the role; he’s not meeting with Lionsgate nor are there any plans for him to do so.”

Moreover, thehob.org, has added that:

And one look at Lucas’ IMDb page may explain why – he’s currently starring in and producing Wet and Reckless, then filming Paranoia (with Liam Hemsworth) and then potentially working on the X-Men sequel (with Jennifer Lawrence). Sounds like a full plate!

This also leads us to wonder if the other two names from Zap2it – Trevor Donovan and Alan Ritchson – are actually in the running for Finnick. Guess only time will tell! But sorry to break the news to the Lucas-as-Finnick supporters.

 On the other hand, our friends from Mockingjay.net (via Lainey Gossip) has shared that Garrett Hedlund, who is a fan favorite for Finnick Odair has indeed auditioned for the role.

I’m told that Hedlund auditioned for the part of Finnick in Catching Fire for director Francis Lawrence about 10 days ago. It went very well. No final decisions yet but interest in Armie Hammer seems to have waned since Hammer wasn’t as enthusiastic about it as Lawrence was about him. Am told they’re still seeing people. But their priority right now isn’t so much casting as it is about getting the script in better shape.

 Can't wait to hear from Lionsgate soon!

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The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Producer Breaks the Finnick Casting Rumors Craze

Nina Jacobson, the executive producer of the Hunger Games movies, has talked to LA Times during the 2012 MTV Movie Awards that the seat for Finnick Odair in Catching Fire is still wide open. Read more about Jacobson's statement on casting Finnick and the fans' opinions.

“That’s the thing that’s crazy -- people are like way ahead of where we are,” Nina Jacobson told us on the red carpet at the MTV Movie Awards on Sunday. “We’ve not narrowed things down by any means. It’s funny to see how things can take on a life of their own.”

But are the filmmakers taking fan input into account while seeking out their Finnick? Not entirely, says Jacobson.

“It means something that people can see [an actor] in that light, so you know [the actor] will be accepted by a lot of people, on the one hand,” she said. “On the other hand, you have to kind of ignore it. You have to just sort of act like you’re sitting in a room and you want to just pick the person who gives the best audition and looks and feels most like the part.”

Since its release in March, "The Hunger Games" has collected over $645 million worldwide. The next installment is due in November 2013. "That's pressure," Jacobson acknowledged with a smile. "But it's a good kind of pressure."

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New Actors Added to Potential Finnick Casting Rumors: Lucas Till, Alan Ritchson, and Trevor Donovan

Lionsgate has been so silent these days despite the craze of the Finnick Odair casting in the Hunger Games fandom. Lots of entertainment websites are claiming that their sources told them about the potential actors who are in the run to play our favorite trident-wielding tribute and victor from District 4. One of those sites is Zap2it. Zap2it has claimed a few days back that their sources told them that there are no shortlist yet on who shall play Finnick. Now, they are claiming that there are already eight actors who will vye for the role including the much talked about Armie Hammer and Garrett Hedlund. Find out more about their statement below:

As we previously reported, however, award-winning casting director Debra Zane is not only looking at big names for the highly sought-after role. Actors read for the casting department this week, and while we can't reveal the full list, we've confirmed that Lucas Till, Trevor Donovan, and Alan Ritchson are among the actors who will meet with Lionsgate over the next few days.

Till is no stranger to big franchises -- or to Jennifer Lawrence. He co-starred with her as Havok in "X-Men: The First Class." He's also known for his role as Miley Cyrus' love interest in the "Hannah Montana" movie. Donovan worked as a model and is best known as Teddy from The CW's "90210." He will appear in "Savages" this summer. Ritchson, who played Aquaman on "Smallville," starred on "Blue Mountain State."

source: Zap2it

My thoughts?

There's still rumors as long as there won't be any official statements from Lionsgate and who knows none of these actors might get the role? Anyway, the newly added actors to the Finnick casting rumors are fair enough. I just don't think Lucas Till is fit for Finnick because I think he's not that tall and I think he needs more workout, which in case is impossible since the shoot might begin soon. I heard that Lucas Till auditioned for Peeta but got lost to Josh Hutcherson. 

Among the three added, I would love to see Alan Ritchson. This man has potential to play Finnick. I mean Finnick is some sort of Aquaman right? He has spent his entire life in the ocean. Here, take a look at this video. Click this to watch a video of Alan Ritchson as Aquaman in Smallville. Justin Hartley (Ritchson's costar in Smallville) who happens to have a CW pilot titled Aquaman also has the potential for Finnick. But too sad for him because the pilot wasn't picked up.

As for Trevor, I heard he has been campaigning for his interest in the role. I think there's a website www.finnickodair.com for his campaign. I think he's got the bod for Finnick but I haven't seen any of his acting chops.

With Taylor Kitsch out of the circle, there are still three unknown who will complete the claimed eight actors for Finnick. Let's see if the claims from Zap2it and others are true.

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Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Banks and Alexander Ludwig Talks on Who Shall Play Finnick Odair in Catching Fire

MTV's Josh Horowitz has caught up with "The Hunger Games" stars Josh Hutcherson, Alexander Ludwig and Elizabeth Banks after the 2012 MTV Movie Awards. The cast were able to give their views on who shall play Finnick in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire."

Josh Hutcherson on Finnick

Josh Hutcherson certainly couldn't pick when MTV News caught up with him after the 2012 MTV Movie Awards on Sunday. "I mean, honestly, I have no idea. I definitely need to re-read the second book," he said. "I haven't read it since I first read them, before the first one. So I think I kind of need to read it again to get a better grasp."

Get More: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

Hutcherson added, "Physically strong, I think that's a big important thing. I think somebody who's kind of similar to Peeta in the sense that he knows sort of how to work the situation a little bit. I think the physicality would be really important for Finnick because he's such an imposing character, for sure."

Alexander Ludwig on Finnick

His fellow MTV Movie Award winner for Best Fight, Alexander Ludwig, had one person he'd love to see tackle the charming and sexy Finnick. "Whenever I read the books, I always thought Ryan Reynolds would be a great Finnick." he said. "Ryan Reynolds is just how I pictured."

Get More: 2012 Movie Awards, New Movies

When asked what characteristics Reynolds or any actor must possess to play the part, he broke it down for us. "I think he's just got a charisma about him. Whenever I read the books, I was like 'If I don't get a [role] in the first one, [then I'd be interested].' Finnick had always been something I was interested in as a character because he reminds me a little of myself."

"He's got a really good charisma about him," he added. "He's also got that bit of an egotistical edge to him which isn't like me but I love it as character. It's hilarious and he's a really strong character too and he's a really big part of the second book. He's the most anticipated character in my mind as well. I can't wait to see who they cast for him."

Elizabeth Banks on Finnick

Best On-Screen Transformation winner and fellow "HG" star Elizabeth Banks was pretty stumped to have to play casting director for the part. "I don't [know], honestly," she said. "Everybody that's ever been mentioned seems fantastic. I'm sure they'll find the right fit. I think the cast has come together in such an amazing way so far and I know that their goal is to keep adding the best people and the people that its gonna be great."

So, what does she hope Finn will be like? "You know, just charisma, just a lot of charisma," she said. "And he's a looker."

 source: MTV News

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Colton Haynes from Teen Wolf Added to the Finnick Casting Rumors

So now, Colton Haynes from Teen Wolf (he plays the bully Jackson) is now added to the unending Finnick Odair casting rumors. According to our friend from Mockingjay.net via Brian Tutt, Colton will be having a meeting with the studio next week. So, is this all true? We're going to find that out when Lionsgate announces it. Anyway, here is Brian Tutt's statement on his blog:

I got to meet some of the cast of MTV’s “Teen Wolf”, including Colton Haynes. When I told him he was my pick for the role, he told me that the three who were widely reported as having the role on lock are not in the running at this point as far as he knew and that it was just a rumor. When I asked if this meant I should remain hopeful, he said yes. He has been in contact with the studio and has a meeting there next week. He kept it vague, and I understand completely. I imagine the studio wants things kept very much under wraps.

Brian Tutt and Colton Haynes

 What do you think of Colton Haynes playing Finnick?

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Another Finnick Castin Rumor: Lainey Gossip Claims that Armie Hammer is Director Francis Lawrence's Choice for Finnick

Come on Lionsgate! Will you please announce who will play Finnick already? Lots of media people have their own claims about potential Finnick actors. LA Times has announced that Taylor Kitsch will not play Finnick, Hollywood Life claims that Garrett Hedlund and Taylor Kitsch are two frontrunners for the role and now Lainey Gossip claimed that Armie Hammer from Social Network is Director Francis Lawrence's choice for the role. Here is Lainey Gossip's statement:

Multiple sources tell me that Armie Hammer is far and away the first choice of director Francis Lawrence. That if it were up to him and “if he could start tomorrow with his dream cast, Armie would be FInnick”. At press time, nothing is final. And besides, a lot of people think this might not be the best career move for Hammer anyway. I spoke with a few talent agents who said they’d hesitate before recommending it because it ties him up for two pictures and ‘the question is whether or not he still needs to “break out”.

According to the Hob.org:

Lainey Gossip was the site that correctly named Jennifer Lawrence as the front runner for Katniss before she was officially cast in The Hunger Games, so while it’s still a rumor until Lionsgate confirms anything (and being the director’s favorite doesn’t mean he’ll automatically get cast), this rumor may hold some validity. And Lainey has been teasing us for days that she had some Finnick news, so we’re glad she finally spilled!

Armie Hammer

 What if none of these actors are on Lionsgate's choices? WHAT IF??????

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Could Garrett Hedlund be Our Finnick? Taylor Kitsch Confirms He's not Finnick and Hollywood Life Says It's Unlikely that Armie Hammer Will Get It

There have been so many rumors regarding the Finnick casting and these rumors spread so fast! Just remember, these are just rumors and all of our questions will be answered if Lionsgate will release an official statement about it. Hello Lionsgate people are you listening? Please end up the buzz because the fandom are going nuts! After Finnick, I'm sure this will happen for Johanna, Annie, and other major CF characters just like what happened to Katniss, Peeta, and Gale.

Hollywood Life has something to add with the Finnick casting talks. According to them, Armie Hammer (Mirror Mirror) won't be able to commit to the role. Find out more below:

“It is currently a two horse race between Garrett Hedlund and Taylor Kitsch,” a source tells HollywoodLife.com. And while yesterday reports suggest Armie Hammer was also in the running, as well as a few unknowns, our insider says Garrett and Taylor are the top two choices. “The filmmakers aren’t scared of Taylor’s recent struggles with his movies, and he currently has the edge in gaining the role. They feel he needs the right role and this could be it.” But they still see the appeal of Kristen Stewart‘s On the Road costar, Garrett. “The filmmakers are eager to see ‘On the Road’ and see how it does, because if it’s a hit and Garrett gets some major buzz from it, then they will give him more of the edge.”

Our insider adds that Lionsgate execs aren’t worried about the next Hunger Games movie being successful, but they still prefer to have the bigger star for such an important role.

Okay. L.A. Times have confirmed via email that Taylor Kitsch won't be Finnick in the Hunger Games sequel, Catching Fire. So that means Garrett Hedlund has a greater chance of being Finnick? Again, these are all just rumors. Let's be calm and wait for the Lionsgate announcement. Who knows a relatively unknown actor will get the role?

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Taylor Kitsch Confirms That He Won't Play Finnick in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

According to E!, the top three contenders for the role of Finnick Odair in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" are Garrett Hedlund, Armie Hammer, and Taylor Kitsch. Well, one of them confirmed that he won't play the most coveted role. Here is what Kitsch replied when LA Times emailed the actor for confirmation:

"Not going to happen," the 31-year-old actor wrote in an email on Wednesday. Kitsch, who is coming off the poor box office performance of the big-budget films "John Carter" and "Battleship," would seem to have fit the bill for the athletic, good-looking character.

As for "The Lone Ranger" star Hammer and "TRON: Legacy" lead Hedlund, the studio behind the franchise, Lionsgate, said it would not confirm, deny or comment on any casting in progress.

And if you could remember, Zap2it has also claimed that there is no shortlist yet for potential Finnick Odair actors. It really makes me crazy because I can't wait to know who the hell will play Finnick! 

Taylor Kitsch will not play Finnick according to LA Times

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Zap2It Claims that There Is No Shortlist Yet on Who Shall Play Finnick in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," Reading Might Include the Sugar Cube Scene

Yesterday, E! has claimed that their sources said that there are top three contenders for the role of Finnick in Catching Fire. Now, Zap2it claims that there is not yet short list for the actors who might play the role of Finnick Odair in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire." Find out more from their statement below.

Despite reports that Taylor Kitsch, Armie Hammer and Garrett Hedlund are the three men in the running to play "Hunger Games" heartthrob Finnick Odair in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," don't get too excited just yet -- sources close to the production tell Zap2it that casting has just begun for the role, and that the three All-American dudes are by no means the only ones in the running.

E! Online reports that Kitsch, Hammer and Hedlund are the names Lionsgate wants, but Zap2it's source says nobody's in the lead just yet considering talks only began on Tuesday (May 29). Actors are still reading for the role, and the studio is strongly considering bringing in an unknown to avoid ego clashes on set. It's easy to understand the mix-up -- someone probably got their hands on the confidential memo going around that reveals the three men are currently on the shortlist of dudes we'd love to marry in a fantasy dream world. (Honestly, any list with those three guys on it is a win-win-win situation.)

The scenes the actors are reportedly reading for the role include the sugar cube scene where Finnick first meets Katniss and the scene where he hears Annie's scream.

Armie Hammer, Taylor Kitsch, Garrett Hedlund

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