March 23, 2012, marks the opening date for one of the most anticipated books-to-movies since the “Twilight” and Harry Potter series. With both of those franchises either over or nearing their last fangs, we can thank Suzanne Collins for bringing her incredible “Hunger Games” trilogy to the rescue.
When Lionsgate Entertainment picked up the book series, book fans everywhere eagerly awaited the casting call. Whoever was chosen to bring Katniss Everdeen, Gale Hawthorne, and Peeta Mellark to life could make or break the success of the movie.
The word on the street is the actors fit their roles perfectly. So who’s who in “The Hunger Games”? Take a look below:
Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
Previously we’ve seen this 21-year-old Louisville, Kentucky, native as Mystique in “X-Men: First Class.” But her role as Ree Dolly in “Winter’s Bone” Lawrence an Oscar nomination for Best Actress, establishing her as a star. When she heard she got the role of Katniss, the teen warrior from “The Hunger Game” series, Lawrence was hesitant at first.
“Professionally, the answer was obviously yes,” Lawrence is said. “I knew that as soon as I said yes, my life would change.”
Collins was one of the biggest endorsers behind the casting for Katniss. The author sat in all of the auditions, singling out Lawrence’s ability to embody every single aspect she envisioned for Katniss. Fans of the book were initially hesitant based on Lawrence’s natural blond mane, but that was easily remedied with some hair coloring and her “X-Men” training.
Director Gary Ross (“Seabiscuit”) said choosing Lawrence for the role of Katniss was one of the easiest decisions he’s made.
Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne
What do we know about Liam? First, many teen girls know him as the current boyfriend of Miley Cyrus. But this Melbourne, Australia, native has some acting chops in the family, including big brothers Chris (who starred in the blockbuster hit “Thor” last summer) and Luke. Liam and Cyrus met when the two filmed “The Last Song.”
On getting the role of Gale, Hemsworth said the part fits him better than the role of fellow young hero Peeta.
“Gale is a strong person inside and out,” the star noted. “He’s constantly standing up for what he believes in and trying to stay true to himself and not giving into his evil power. I’ve always been taught to be true to myself and stand up for what I believe in.”
Hemsworth previously acted in several Aussie television shows, including “Home and Away,” “McLeod’s Daughters,” and “Neighbours.”
Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark
Also a Kentucky native, Hutcherson started acting over a decade ago and credits Jake Gyllenhaal as an early influence. His younger brother, Connor, is also an actor. Josh’s film credits include “The Kids are All Right,” “Bridge to Terabithia,” “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” and the upcoming sequel “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.”
Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
Elizabeth is a Pittsfield, Massachusetts, native who graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania. She got her acting credentials from the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco.
Her first screen success was in “Spider-Man” as Betty Brant. Subsequent movies include “Swept Away”; “Catch Me if You Can”; and “Seabiscuit,” which was also directed by Gary Ross, director of “The Hunger Games.” Banks is married to movie producer Max Handelman.
Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy
Most people will remember Harrelson from his breakout role with his given name, Woody the bartender from the hit television show “Cheers.” Harrelson replaced the popular Nicholas Colosanto, who played Coach in the series, when he passed away from a heart ailment.
Harrelson’s other notable films span four decades, including such titles as “L.A. Story,” “Doc Hollywood,” “White Men Can’t Jump,” “Indecent Proposal,” “Natural Born Killers,” “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” “No Country for Old Men,” and a recurring role on the television series “Will and Grace.”
Mark your calendar for March 23, 2012, when “The Hunger Games” premieres on the big screen. We’ll get to see these actors and other new faces as they bring “The Hunger Games” trilogy to life.
More from Tina Case
The Making of ‘The Help’ is an Extraordinary Story of its Own’
‘The Mighty Macs’ is a Must-See for Families
Movies Adapted into Books in the Second Half of 2011
Check out the “The Hunger Games” live red carpet premiere on March 12 only on Yahoo! Movies.