Entertainment
Taylor Lautner as Gale? 9 Actors Who Could've Made 'The Hunger Games' Very Different
When fans of Suzanne Collins' YA series The Hunger Games heard that their favorite books would become a major Hollywood movie, they collectively freaked out about who would potentially be cast in the film adaption. And though it's hard to picture anyone else playing Katniss, Peeta, or Haymitch, fans didn't always want Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Woody Harrelson in their now-famous roles. Here's who fans online wanted the filmmakers to cast in the Hunger Games films, and the people who snagged the roles instead.
Who Fans Wanted For Johanna Mason: Naya Rivera
Rivera’s fans were passionate about the Glee actress landing the role of the tough Hunger Games champ forced back into the arena years later.
Who Was Cast In The Role: Jena Malone
Malone snagged the role of the tribute and really nailed the part, even though she had reservations about her ability to portray Johanna’s anger onscreen.
Who Fans Wanted For Peeta Malark: Alex Pettyfer
According to Pettyfer himself, he was offered the role of Katniss’ love interest, Peeta, but declined the role. Though many fans thought he would be perfect for the baker’s son, some were unsure whether Pettyfer would do the role justice.
Who Was Cast In The Role: Josh Hutcherson
Pettyfer and Hutcherson are vastly different actors, and Hutcherson’s casting brings a younger feel to the part.
Who Fans Wanted For Gale Hawthorne: Taylor Lautner
Some fans thought that the Twilight actor would transition well into Gale’s role in the Hunger Games franchise. Both Gale and Jacob, the character that Lautner plays in the Twilight franchise, have an aggressive side and are the dark horse in the race for the lead heroine’s heart .
Who Was Cast In The Role: Liam Hemsworth
The Australian actor was most famous for his role in romantic film The Last Song at the time, but he grew into his role as the District 12 rebel. Plus, he’s pretty easy on the eyes, so I’m not exactly complaining about this casting choice.
Who Fans Wanted For Katniss Everdeen: Kaya Scodelario
The Skins actress was the fan frontrunner for the role of the Mockingjay. She certainly had the acting chops to take on the role.
Who Was Cast In The Role Instead: Jennifer Lawrence
Now, it’s hard to see anyone else playing Katniss, and Lawrence is as cool offscreen as her character is on it.
Who Fans Wanted To Play Finnick Odair: Armie Hammer
The star of the Lone Ranger and The Social Network was the fan favorite to play the male victor from District 4 who Katniss reluctantly teams up with in Catching Fire.
Who Was Cast In The Role: Sam Claflin
Claflin bears a strong resemblance to Hammer, but honestly I think that most fans were just happy to see that that they cast a blond buff guy in the role. Glee’s Grant Gustin also auditioned for the role.
Who Fans Wanted To Play Primrose Everdeen: Kiernan Shipka
Entertainment Weekly’s Karen Valby made a plea to cast Shipka as the sister Katniss sacrifices herself for. The Mad Men talent is one of the most talented young stars out there and would have nailed the relatively small role — no doubt about it.
Who Was Cast In The Role Instead: Willow Shields
The young star was a relative newcomer before The Hunger Games, with one TV movie and a guest role on In Plain Sight under her belt. In hindsight, perhaps it’s better that the film cast an unknown — there would be no worries about competing TV series or films that would take the actress away from the franchise. Prim’s role in the franchise really amps up in the Mockingjay books so Shields will get to prove herself to audiences.
Who Fans Wanted To Play Haymitch Abernathy: Hugh Laurie
The House doctor was the fan favorite to play the perpetually drunk but well-meaning District 12 winner. The role would be close to what Laurie was used to playing on his Fox series — a smart, savvy professional haunted by his demons and a substance abuse problem.
Who Was Cast In The Role Instead: Woody Harrelson
Sure, Laurie could have done the role justice, but Harrelson is hands-down perfect for the role of Haymitch. He brings both intensity and humor to the role.
Who Fans Wanted To Play Cinna: Adam Lambert
One name that was thrown out in the ring for the role of Katniss’ stylist was none other than singer Adam Lambert. He certainly has the flair for the role and tweeted about how excited he was for the film prior to production.
Who Was Cast In The Role Instead: Lenny Kravitz
Like Lambert, Kravitz is also a singer with fantastic style. He rocked the role as Katniss’ image maker and confidant.
Who Fans Wanted To Play Effie Trinket: Kristin Chenoweth
Broadway star Chenoweth was “obsessed” with the Hunger Games and very interested in the role of Effie Trinket. Her experience in over-the-top flamboyant roles would have made her an excellent Effie.
Who Was Cast In The Role Instead: Elizabeth Banks
Banks has done drama (People Like Us) and comedy (remember her hysterical role as Avery on 30 Rock?) and she brings both skills to the role of Effie. Though Effie is typically over the top, Banks is capable of subtlety in her acting — very important considering what Effie goes through in the latter Hunger Games books.
