With Jennifer Lawrence installed in the role of Katniss Everdeen in Gary Ross’ adaptation of the incredibly popular young adult book series, The Hunger Games, the race is now on for the main male roles. Recently Alex Pettyfer was rumoured for Katniss’ partner in crime and potential love interest, Peeta, but he’s nowhere to be seen on the list of actors THR says is testing for that role or the other male lead, Gale. That doesn’t mean he’s completely out, but does suggest it’s unlikely.
The story is set in a future America in which is divided into 12 poor districts that serve a wealthy Capitol territory. Once a year, each district submits a girl and boy as tributes to participate in life-or-death games. Sixteen-year old Katniss (although it looks like they’re slightly upping the age for the films) is the girl who volunteers to take the place of her sister; Peeta is a boy from Katniss’ town also selected for the games who, during the opening ceremony, reveals his unrequited love for her. Katniss spends the rest of the story unsure whether the move was a survival ploy or a true act. The Gale character teaches Katniss the way of the hunter and plays a bigger role in the subsequent trilogy.
Testing for Peeta took place over the weekend, with Josh Hutcherson (The Kids Are All Right, Journey To The Center Of The Earth), Alexander Ludwig (Escape To Witch Mountain, The Seeker), Hunter Parrish (Weeds), Lucas Till (Battle: LA, X-Men: First Class), and Evan Peters (Kick-ass) all trying out.
For Gale, only some of those in contention are known, but they include Liam Hemsworth (The Last Song), David Henrie (Wizards Of Waverly Place), Robbie Amell (straight-to-DVD Scooby Doo flicks), and Drew Roy (Falling Skies).
Personally we’re hoping for Hutcherson as Peeta, as while he’s already a screen veteran at 18, he always seem to be in contention for the really hot roles for young male actors, but never scores them. He’s done very well for himself, but having lost out on the likes of Spider-man, it’d be nice to see him score one of these much coveted parts.