Thursday, August 23, 2012

Public Readings - Sam Claflin To Play 'Catching Fire' Dreamboat Finnick Odair

Public Readings - Sam Claflin To Play 'Catching Fire' Dreamboat Finnick OdairIt shouldn't come as much of a surprise to find out who finally landed the coveted "Hunger Games" role. Sam Claflin has long seemed to be Lionsgate's top choice for the part, and today the studio finally confirmed that the "Snow White and the Huntsman" hottie will be playing District 4's golden boy.


This is pretty great news for Sam, and bad news for every other twentysomething actor in Hollywood. Finnick Odair is the biggest new role to be introduced in "Catching Fire," and also guarantees a role in the next two "Hunger Games" films. Sam should consider this casting news a major compliment, as Finnick is largely considered to be the hottest dude in the Hunger Games. Bring on the tribute parade and that infamous golden fish net!

Now that Finnick is cast, we're really interested to see who Lionsgate casts to play the love of his life, Annie Cresta. There's a chance Annie won't be introduced in "Catching Fire," but we doubt it. Even if we only see a flash of her, the film needs to set up the fact that Mags (Lynn Cohen) volunteers for her and that she lost her mind while competing in her own Hunger Games. Hopefully the actress who will be chosen to play her will be as big a star as Sam is.

We're intrigued to see how this casting news affects the upcoming sequel to "Snow White and the Huntsman." Universal Pictures still hasn't decided what that movie will be about or if it even will involve the titular Snow White, so it will be interesting to see if Sam's Prince Charming even has a role in it. We'd definitely rather see him as Finnick than as William, but we hope everything works itself out in the end. Goodness knows that two franchises are better than one in today's Hollywood.

"Catching Fire" is due in theaters on November 22, 2013, but we're guessing you probably knew that (and have a countdown to that date) already. And if that's too long to wait, don't worry — we've got an early look at Sam as Finnick* for you to soak up!