Sam Claflin In The Mix For Finnick Odair In 'Catching Fire'; Hunt For 'Mockingjay' Director Underway

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by Kevin Jagernauth
July 17, 2012 5:17 PM
11 Comments

Well, if you can't get Robert Pattinson, Taylor Kitsch, Armie Hammer or Garrett Hedlund (all rumored/denied early on) perhaps give Sam Claflin a call? Perhaps due to thankless roles (or simply just bland presence), the actor starred in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" and "Snow White and the Huntsman" and made little impact. But maybe a Kitsch-ian third crack at a franchise will be the breakthrough he needs.

Variety reports that his Claf-ness is on the shortlist to play Finnick Odair in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," but given how these things work, nothing is official until Lionsgate issues a press release (like they did this morning when Amanda Plummer joined the film). Meanwhile, the bonkers cast keeps getting....bonkers-ier (patent pending on that word) as Melissa Leo and Tony Shalhoub are in the mix to play Mags and Beetee. So who are these characters with the weird names? Finnick is a fan favorite and former victor of the games who crosses paths with Katniss and Peeta during a particularly crucial moment. Mags is Finnick's mentor who takes the place of his lover in the games and becomes an ally with Katniss. Meanwhile, Beetee is an inventor nicknamed Volts because of his penchant with electricity.

But that's not all that's happening on "The Hunger Games" front. Thompson On Hollywood reveals that Summit's Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger and producers Nina Jacobson and Suzanne Collins (also author) are currently looking to lock down a director(s) for 'Mockingjay,' which as you know, has been split into two movies. So it looks like the 'Harry Potter' approach is being taken here with a different helmer for each installment, but we presume that whoever they choose for 'Mockingjay' will get both films. It is a little strange they are looking this early considering we're two full years away from it hitting theaters and production hasn't even started on 'Catching Fire,' but we suppose it's better to plan now than scramble later.

So there you go. Lots more to sort out as "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" gears up and readies for a November 22, 2013 release.

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More: Sam Claflin, Melissa Leo, Tony Shalhoub, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay

11 Comments

| Reply
Hilly | August 14, 2012 6:19 PMReply

I love Sam Claflin!!! Oh my gosh he's perfect for Finnick!!!!! ðð I wanna sugar cube!!
CLAIRE | July 24, 2012 8:01 AMReply

Sam is perfect for Finnick!!!
Nati | July 22, 2012 1:50 PMReply

we don't need pattinson in HG, he's in twilight-being in HG will mess up the series big time and besides, he won't be a good Finnick, because Finnick and Edward have different personalities...2 about Sam, I think he will do a great job at portraying Finnick-not what I'd imagine Finnick to be like but he's a good actor and we should trust the director and producers not to screw us over. Three, stop trying to make everything about Twilight, PLZ.
Kim | July 18, 2012 4:08 PMReply

Not him for finnick YUCK no no nonononon never
Trent | July 17, 2012 11:59 PMReply

I am still for Pattinson. He would have been great, charismatic, brilliant.
Will | July 17, 2012 5:56 PMReply

Love Melissa Leo, but she is about 20 years too young to play an 80-something Mags. Why not to offer her the part of Coin instead? Was hoping they would give the part of Mags to an elder acting legend.
Bluh. | July 17, 2012 5:56 PMReply

Yo, it's Beetee.
Ree | July 17, 2012 5:49 PMReply

Seriously? Out of all the actors who wanted this they picked this bland piece of white bread. He is total wallpaper on the big screen. Just completely forgettable.
jb | July 17, 2012 5:45 PMReply

name is beetee not beetlee
Destined | July 17, 2012 5:32 PMReply

Just no for Sam Claflin, no no no. Where is Garrett Hedlund, who actually did audition for Finnick. He is the perfect actor for him.
Sophie | July 18, 2012 7:04 AM

Totally agree! Garrett Hedlund IS Finnick! Sam Claflin ... No, no, no.