UPDATE!!! Lionsgate OFFICIALLY has confirmed that Jennifer Lawrence will play Katniss Everdeen. Here’s what author Suzanne Collins and director Gary Ross have to say about Miss Lawrence:
“Jennifer’s just an incredible actress. So powerful, vulnerable, beautiful, unforgiving and brave,” Collins said of the casting in an official statement. “I never thought we’d find somebody this perfect for the role. And I can’t wait for everyone to see her play it.”
“I’m so excited work with Jen and see her bring this character to life,” added Ross. “Katniss requires a young actress with strength, depth, complexity, tenderness, and power. There are very few people alive who can bring that to a role. Jen brings it in spades. She’s going to be an amazing Katniss.”
Source: MTV Movies Blog
Lawrence was tipped as the “clear frontrunner” four days ago. She got the offer on Tuesday, and the details were hammered out for two days until the deal closed on Wednesday, according to an individual with knowledge of the deal.
Details of the deal were unavailable Wednesday night, but the actress presumably has signed on to stick with the franchise.
Lawrence is just coming off a Academy Award nomination for her work in Winter’s Bone. It’s a smart move on both Lionsgate and Lawrence’s parts. Lionsgate nabbed a serious and talented actress, opening it up to great criticism, not just great box office results. For Lawrence, this role will bring her more into the spotlight; it’s a great and successful career move for her.
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The Hunger Games is building a ton of buzz in the industry, every young actor is vying for a part in this movie, which is poised to be as successful as Twilight. Fans are speculating on who will play Peeta, Katniss’s love interest in the story. Alex Pettyfer, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth are actors who have mentioned that they read the script and/or met with the director and producers. A big fan favorite for Peeta is Hunter Parrish (Weeds); he recently mentioned that he had met with the producers and hopes to get the part.
For those who aren’t familiar with The Hunger Games, it is about a post-apocalyptic world in which the United States is divided into 12 districts. Every year, each district must give up 2 children (one boy, one girl) to take part in a gladiator-like death competition. The story revolves around Katniss and her struggle to survive and stand up to the government simultaneously. It’s really a fascinating story; if you haven’t picked it up yet, I urge you to do so.
Do you think Jennifer Lawrence has the chops (and fierceness) to play Katniss Everdeen? Sound off in the comments.
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