Three of the most coveted roles in Hollywood have now been filled, as the upcoming adaptation of Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games has found its three leads: Jennifer Lawrence (Winter's Bone, X-Men: First Class) as heroine Katniss Everdeen, Josh Hutcherson (The Kids Are All Right) as Peeta Mallark, and Liam Hemsworth (Miley Cyrus' ex-bf) as Gale Hawthorne. Though Lawrence's casting was announced a few weeks ago, the male parts still had several actors vying for them as recently as last week. Here's a quick rundown of the characters as provided by the press release from Lionsgate, in case you need a refresher:

Peeta accompanies heroine Katniss Everdeen into the 74th annual Hunger Games as the male tribute chosen from their native District 12, the most remote and marginalized district of all the subjugated districts of Panem. At the outset of the Games, Peeta publicly confesses his longtime feelings for Katniss, setting up one of the most fascinating fictional rapports of all time with his supposed arena rival.

Though Katniss and Gale have never had a romantic relationship, they share a transcendent bond, often of few words. When Katniss volunteers to participate in the 74th Annual Hunger Games in her younger sister’s stead, they both presume that bond will carry her far through the horrors she will face in the arena, and they each silently hope they’ll be reunited in safety on the other side of the ordeal.

As a fervent fan of the series, I'm... conflicted on some of this. On the one hand, I think Lawrence and Hutcherson are both very capable actors, and anyone who's seen Winter's Bone knows that Lawrence can pull off tough, tenacious teenagers. And I think all of the actors look generally age-appropriate for their roles, even if I would have erred a bit younger were I in charge. So that's all good stuff.

On the other, and I'm sure I'm going to open a big can of angry, flame-happy worms here: I think an opportunity was missed to have a more diverse cast in this movie. No character is given an explicit race or ethnicity in the series; Collins only provides some physical description of hair color and skin tone. Peeta, for instance, is described as fair and blond, while Katness and Gale are both dark with olive skin-tones, which is certainly ambiguous. And considering the books are meant to take place in a far-future North America — a place that is getting more and more multi-ethnic every day — it would have been both logical and exciting to see some actors of color get the chance to inhabit the roles. But it is what it is, I guess. Now let's hope the three chosen ones really bring it.

Commentarium (7 Comments)

Apr 04 11 - 4:11pm
km

I seriously have on a crush on Josh Hutcherson. He's only 2 years younger than me but I feel bad. Liam Hemsworth is obviously dreamy & Lawrence has my respect after Winter's Bone.

Apr 04 11 - 5:58pm
JamesBradyRyan

I agree with you, km -- Josh Hutcherson is too cute to be 18. It makes me feel beyond creepy.

Apr 04 11 - 9:01pm
km

Who would've known the kid from Zathura would grow up to be so dapper like in the picture, eh. The kid has potential.

Apr 04 11 - 4:19pm
meme434

I hope this movie won't be as white washed as The Last Airbender. I love those actors but I would have loved to have seen some diversity.

Apr 04 11 - 4:24pm
JamesBradyRyan

It's true there are still quite a lot of roles to be filled -- just off the top of my head there's Haymitch, Prim, Rue, Effie, Cinna, etc. So hopefully the supporting cast will be more diverse, though that still feels like something of a consolation prize.

Apr 04 11 - 4:26pm
CM

I'm rather disappointed by the casting. I prefer to stick closer to physical descriptions I suppose...but I'm still excited for the movie. I can't wait to see how the people in the Capitol look.