Category Archives: Finding Finnick Odair
Finding Finnick Odair — Meet Ryan Kwanten
6/18/2012Finding Finnick OdairTheresa
It’s time for our final week of Finding Finnick Odair! Each week we have been discussing a new actor and the pro’s and con’s as to why he should be Finnick. Please remember, that these have been just the fan picks for Finnick, no confirmed casting has been announced.
This week our Finding Finnick discussion moves on to Ryan Kwanten, best known for his role as Jason Stackhouse on HBO’s True Blood. Thirty-six year old Ryan is an Aussie born actor, who began his career at the age of 15 on Australian TV. With his high exposure on True Blood and is good looks (and abs!), it’s no wonder really that his name has come up in the fan casting for the famous Finnick Odair. But is he right for the role? Read on and see what the fan sites had to say about the idea of Ryan becoming the District 4 Victor.
HG Movie Site
My argument over Ryan Kwanten as Finnick is similar to the one I had for Ian Somerhalder. Ryan is handsome, talented and has abs like a washboard. Unfortunately, he is too old. I can’t think of any other reason why he couldn’t be Finnick except his age. The end.HG Fireside Chat
Savanna: I love you, Ryan Kwanten, but I’m currently incapable of separating you from your True Blood character, Jason Stackhouse. And Jason Stackhouse would be a terrible Finnick. I’m sorry. Adam: Jason Stackhouse and Finnick Odair have some surprising similarities; they both do quite well with the ladies, and they’re both likely from southern coastal areas. However, the one great differentiation, which cannot be ignored, is that Jason Stackhouse is as dumb as a trident and Finnick Odair wields a trident with as much brain as physique. Kwanten truly is Stackhouse, so much so that he simply cannot be Finnick.The Hob
Amanda: Ryan Kwanten is such a hard actor for me to debate for Finnick! He’s absolutely gorgeous, with the body and looks for Finnick. And I have no doubt he could pull off the necessary charismatic attitude. I’ve loved him from the second he stepped on screen on the CW’s Summerland, so separating him from his Jason Stackhouse character on True Blood isn’t an issue for me. Give me this choice 5 years ago, and I’d be all over it. But Ryan today, in his mid-thirties, just looks too old for Finnick, as much as I hate to admit it.Victors Village
Rebekah: I’ve been a fan of Ryan Kwanten’s since before he was on True Blood, but as much as a love an adore his work now and in the past, there are too many factors going against him in the case of being a good candidate for Finnick Odair. For one thing, he is contracted to HBO for months on end each year, and those months I’m pretty sure fall during the time in which Catching Fire is going to be filming. Another factor is that he’s too old for the part, Ryan is in his mid 30s, and to me he looks it. Finnick we know is 24, Ryan cannot pass for 24 anymore, this is evidenced by his character on True Blood being looked at funny when he tries to hang out with a younger crowd. So there you have it, too busy, and too old. Moving on!HG Girl on Fire
Sheila : 1st let me say that I love Ryan Kwanten. I love him on True Blood, and loved him in Summerland and while I definitely think he has the physique necessary to play Finnick, the question remains is he the Finnick for me? Sadly I have to say no he isn’t. In my opinion, Ryan looks older than the Finnick I imagined, and for me, Ryan is so connected to his character in True Blood, that I’m afraid I would have trouble not seeing him as “Jason Stackhouse”.Mockingjay
Crystal: There’s no doubt that Ryan Kwanten has the looks and the body (woohoo!) for Finnick, but he’s played the ditzy southern manwhore for so long on True Blood that I don’t know if I could ever separate the two. It’d be an interesting experiment to see if it’s possible for him to throw out a completely new performance and see if we all buy it, but Finnick isn’t exactly someone you want to experiment with. He’s a great actor, in my opinion, but he just carries too much character baggage with him.
So, what do you think of Ryan Kwanten as Finnick in Catching Fire? Let us know in the comments.
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Want to check out the actors featured previously for Finding Finnick? You can check them all out here.
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Finding Finnick Odair — Meet Trevor Donovan
6/11/2012Finding Finnick OdairArianna
It’s time for another week of Finding Finnick Odair! Each week we will be discussing a new actor and the pro’s and con’s as to why he should be Finnick. As always, remember that this is just the fan picks for Finnick, no confirmed casting has been announced.
This week our Finding Finnick discussion moves on to Trevor Donovan, who last week was rumored to be meeting with Lionsgate about the role. He’s a huge fan of The Hunger Games, calling Finnick his “dream role” and even wrote a song inspired by the books. He currently is featured on the CW’s version of 90210.
Could this fanboy be Fnnick? Let’s see what the fansites have to say about him for the part.:
Since I know absolutely nothing about Trevor Donovan I will make my judging based on two things. He is extremely good looking with a “Finnicky” type of look and he is a fan of the Hunger Games which is always a plus. With that said, I do not know what his acting is like so I will keep an open mind if he ever does get cast at Finnick.
Savanna: I’m sure Trevor is a sweet guy, but he looks way too much like a Ken doll most of the time for me to take him seriously. I also haven’t been too impressed by his work on 90210 (granted, he doesn’t have a lot to work with on that show). I know he wants the part and has a pretty big following, but out of all the actors we’ve featured in Finding Finnick Odair, he’s definitely one of my least favorites. I wish I liked him more, because he seems super well-rounded and intelligent, and I do love the Hunger Games song that he wrote: http://mp3twit.com/b2R
Sheila : All I know about Trevor Donovan is what I’ve seen of him on 90210. While he certainly is handsome and has the physique that I would imagine is very Finnick-like, he also seems a bit to handsome and put together, and for me is not really what I envisioned for Finnick. While I enjoyed his character on 90201, I’m also not sure that he has the experience or skill to pull off such a complex character as Finnick Odair. However I’m keeping an open mind and willing to give Trevor the benefit of the doubt.
We all know that no one wants to have this role more then Trevor. He doesn’t hold back on twitter about it, and we kinda admire the fact that he goes for the gusto. Nothing wrong with a man that knows exactly what he wants. It’s hot. Here’s the thing Trevor, we would be sold on you, but you don’t tell us why you want it, just that you do. Granted you owe us no explanation. But, because you are so passionate about it, we want to know why. I mean the only thing we have seen you in is 90210, and though we are all for Teddy having a baby with Silver, it doesn’t sell us that you can play Finnick. BUT, out of all the people that have come across the Finding Finnick list, you make it into our top 5, cause your passion for the books have sold us more then anything else.
Megan and Amanda: When we posted previously about Trevor calling Finnick his “dream role,” reader comments were nearly all supportive, and we have to agree. Based on his appearance (face, body, height), Trevor is spot on. We’ve met him in person a few times, and he has a sweet demeanor and an absolutely magnetic smile that is perfect for the charismatic Finnick. He is, however, another actor whose acting ability we can’t comment on because we haven’t seen him on 90210. But if the rumors are true that Trevor is being considered for the role, then we have to believe Lionsgate sees talent there. So with that talent, his attractiveness, and his passion for The Hunger Games, Trevor is certainly a great candidate for our Finnick.
Crystal: The only thing I’ve seen Trevor Donovan in is a single episode of CSI in which he played a bit part of some muscle man dressed as a Spartan. It’s really not much to go on acting wise, so I really can’t comment there. He did look great in the costume, so that would favor him having the right physique for Finnick. He’s got the right look, but there aren’t very many pictures of him smiling so it’s tough to judge a person’s charm when he has that “model” look on his face all the time.
Rebekah – this is going to sound weird, but if you cut off his head he could possibly be considered exceptionally good looking by the likes of me. Yeah, that was weird, but bear with me for a sec. Trevor Donovan has a physique that most men and women either want to have or want to have in their bed. However, when I look past Mr. Donovan’s shoulders all I see is my Malibu Ken doll. I don’t know if Lionsgate, or Suzanne Collins envisioned Finnick Odair to look like a molded plastic toy best known for running around town with the top down catchin’ some rays and waves, but I sure didn’t. I envisioned an Adonis, someone that would make me look at them and just well… cry, because they’re so damn beautiful. I can’t solely base Mr. Donovan’s talent however on his appearance, even though I find it to be completely unappealing– I did make the effort and watched a handful of clips of his work on youtube, as well as a couple of episodes of 90210. I searched out the most dramatic episode I could think of. So, I found the episode in which he came out, thinking “This should show a range of emotions. This should make me feel something.” It didn’t. I felt hollow watching this young man, who I have to add is 33 years-old in real life (and looks it to me), come out to his ex-girlfriend. I don’t see it guys, I just don’t— and I know he wishes I did, because he’s really been trying to advocate for himself for this part. I’m waiting for someone to shove a suggestion under my nose who’s not currently loved loved loved by Perez Hilton as well.
Well, you’ve heard what we have to say! What do YOU think? Is Trevor Donovan your Finnick? Let us know in the comments!
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Want to check out the actors featured previously for Finding Finnick? You can check them all out here.
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Finding Finnick Odair — Meet Ian Somerhalder
6/4/2012Finding Finnick OdairTheresa
It’s time for another week of Finding Finnick Odair! Each week we will be discussing a new actor and the pro’s and con’s as to why he should be Finnick. As always, remember that this is just the fan picks for Finnick, no confirmed casting has been announced.
This week our Finding Finnick Odair discussion moves on to Ian Somerhalder, who many Hunger Games fans have consistently championed as an ideal candidate for Finnick. Ian is best known for playing Damon Salvatore on the CW’s hit TV series The Vampire Diaries. You may have also seen the 33-year-old actor as Boone Carlyle in ABC’s Lost or on the short-lived WB series Young Americans. Ian seems to be universally adored, but is he right for this role? Here’s what we had to say:
read moreDown with the Capitol
Arianna: I’m a huge fan of Ian Somerhalder but I just can’t see him as Finnick. Every time I look at him I think about Damon from The Vampire Diaries. If he somehow miraculousy got the role as Finnick, I would think Finnick turned into Damon. Also I don’t think there is any way for his hair to turn blond. I’m not normally concerned about hair color and characters but for Finnick…it matters.HG Girl on Fire
Lindsay: Ian Somerhalder knows how to play the dreamy bad boy in Vampire Diaries, and someone with a sad past in Lost. These are two things that could contribute to him playing Finnick rather well. He is beautiful to look at, albeit not necessarily what I had in mind for Finnick. I am not one of those fans that needs an actor to look identical to how he/she was described in the book. So I can overlook that difference as long as he embodies Finnick. Ian Somerhalder could easily pull off the sugar cube scene (which is the scene I require them to audition with in my head). Does Ian have enough brawn to drag an old woman around on his shoulders for half of a movie? I think so. He’s not my number one choice, but I’d say he is completely acceptable.HG Movie Site
In my mind, when I imagine meeting Ian Somerhalder, I get lost in thought staring at his pretty eyes. We’re having a conversation and he’s the only one talking cause I’m just staring at his handsome face. I love him. I watch Vampire Diaries for him. Having said that, he’s too old to be Finnick Odair. That’s pretty much the only argument I have. Well, that and I think Ian would make a terrible blond.More after the jump
Finnick Casting On-Going; Audition Scenes Revealed!
5/30/2012Catching Fire, Catching Fire Movie, Finding Finnick OdairShylah
Zap2it is now reporting that E! may have jumped the gun in naming three front runners for Catching Fire‘s Finnick Odair late last night. An unnamed source close to the site reveals that casting is ongoing for Mr. Odair as well as which scenes potential-Finnicks will have to navigate through to nab the role:
Zap2it’s source says nobody’s in the lead just yet considering talks only began on Tuesday (May 29). Actors are still reading for the role, and the studio is strongly considering bringing in an unknown to avoid ego clashes on set. It’s easy to understand the mix-up — someone probably got their hands on the confidential memo going around that reveals the three men are currently on the shortlist of dudes we’d love to marry in a fantasy dream world. (Honestly, any list with those three guys on it is a win-win-win situation.)
The scenes the actors are reportedly reading for the role include the sugar cube scene where Finnick first meets Katniss and the scene where he hears Annie’s scream.
So, while we may not be near the end of Finnick casting, it looks like it is in full swing with actor’s currently (like right now!) reading for the role!
Who do you want to see as Finnick? Let us know in the comments!
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Finding Finnick Odair — Meet Zac Efron
5/28/2012Finding Finnick OdairTheresa
It’s time for another week of Finding Finnick Odair! Each week we will be discussing a new actor and the pro’s and con’s as to why he should be Finnick. As always, remember that this is just the fan picks for Finnick. As far as we know casting for Catching Fire hasn’t begun yet.
This week our Finding Finnick discussion turns to Zac Efron. Twenty-four year old, Zac has been acting since he was 11, but a little movie called High School Musical took him from obscurity to idol status for the tween set. But Efron’s credits don’t stop there, he has also been featured in such films as Me and Orson Wells, 17 Again, Charlie St. Cloud, and The Lucky One. His latest project, The Paperboy, premiered just last week at the Cannes Film Festival.
Zac is a fan of The Hunger Games and has read the first book. He also recently spoke with MTV about his fan following for Finnick in Catching Fire and his excitement to see The Hunger Games on the big screen.
So, with all of his experience and his excitement for the series, does Zac have what it takes to be Finnick? Read on to see what various representatives of the fansites think.
HG Fireside Chat
Savanna: I’m not a huge fan of Zac Efron, but I think he’s a great person and an underrated actor (he was awesome in Me and Orson Welles). Is he talented enough to pull off a role like Finnick, though? I’m not sure. Even if he is, he hasn’t had enough time to fully break away from his association with High School Musical and the teenybopper set, and I think casting him would probably do more harm to the franchise than good.
HG Girl on Fire
Sheila : Zac Efron has definitely grown up. With his recent appearance in the Lucky One, I was convinced that he has definitely transitioned nicely into mature adult roles. While I believe that Zac definitely has the looks and the acting skills to take on Finnick Odair, the problem that I see is simply that he’s Zac Efron, someone people has come to feel very familiar with over the years, and is too recognizable a celebrity which will make his believability as Finnick a difficult transition.
HG Movie Site
Efron, you are no longer the annoying kid from High School Musical to me. After seeing you in the Nicholas Sparks movie, we are all over you being Finnick. We think you could carry off the raw sexuality, the hero… the amazeness. However, you are not Finnick to us. You just don’t scream the guy that could win the games. We mean we hate to say it, but casting you would just cause damage to the franchise we love. And I think that you have had your franchise, you wouldn’t want to screw this one up. Keep on with the adult roles, we appreciate that about you.
Hunger Games DWTC
Theresa: I’ll admit Zac Efron is cute, adorable and talented, and he’s been working hard to “break free” from his High School Musical Days, something that is no easy task. But is he Finnick material? In my mind, no he’s not. Zac may be trying hard to step away from the Disney mold, but I still haven’t been able to see beyond it and I’m sure there are a lot of other fans who feel the same. We need someone to step into the role of Finnick and become the character, much like Jennifer and Josh truly became Katniss and Peeta, and I just can’t see Zac being able to do that. If he were cast, I’m afraid I wouldn’t see Finnick on screen, I’d see Troy. Sad, but true.
Victor’s Village
Tiffany: I’ll be honest. When I first read Catching Fire, I pictured Zac Efron as Finnick. Not in a he-could-play-him-in-the-movie way, but more as a place holder since he is the right age and shares a few characteristics with the character. I’m a fan of his. I’ve seen and loved his movies, and I like him as a person. Recently, I saw Charlie St. Cloud, and a scene where he dives into the ocean made me go, “How Finnick of him!” That being said, he isn’t my Finnick. He’s too close to Jennifer’s height, and I can’t endorse a Finnick under 6 feet (and he’s well under it at 5’8″). If he were cast, I wouldn’t put up too much of a fuss because I like him as a person, but I think we could find someone better.
Mockingjay
Crystal: Zac Efron is cute, but I think he looks a little too young and boyish to be Finnick. The only thing I’ve seen him in is Hairspray and that was five years ago. All that aside, no matter how great of an actor he is, since he’s such a popular teen idol, I really don’t want to see him as Finnick. It would be like plopping Justin Bieber into the role, only not as bad. I’d never be able to see Finnick, only Zac Efron.
The HOB
Amanda: Zac has come a long way from this High School Musical days, and his latest film The Paperboy with Matthew McConaughey and Nicole Kidman is meant to show a grown up, more serious actor. But I’m still not sure if audiences would be able to see him as Finnick and not his real-life persona. In the same vein as Justin Timberlake, Zac’s pop culture image may be too big for the role. But if it’s possible for him to overcome that, then I have to admit that I think he could physically look the part. He is very attractive, in great physical shape, and the right age. Finnick could be the role Zac needs to break out of the teen idol bubble, and I think he could bring the right level of attitude and vulnerability to the part.
So, what do you think of Zac Efron as Finnick in Catching Fire? Let us know in the comments.
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Want to check out the actors featured previously for Finding Finnick? You can check them all out here.
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Finding Finnick Odair — Meet Justin Timberlake
5/21/2012Finding Finnick OdairTheresa
It’s time for another week of Finding Finnick Odair! Each week we will be discussing a new actor and the pro’s and con’s as to why he should be Finnick. As always, remember that this is just the fan picks for Finnick. As far as we know casting for Catching Fire hasn’t begun yet.
This week the discussion turns to Justin Timberlake. Best known for his music as both a solo artist and with the boy band ‘Nsync back in the day, Timberlake has also begun to be better known for his acting abilities as well. Justin has been featured in projects such as The Social Network, In Time, and Friends with Benefits. His work in those films has proven he has the goods for the big screen, however, does he have the ability to become a believable Finnick Odair? Read on to see what the fan sites think.
Savanna: I have to start out by saying that I freakin’ love JT (and trust me, I only use “freakin’” if I really mean it). He’s both boyishly adorable and “manishly” sexy at the same time, and — as everyone knows — he’s a ridiculously talented singer. But did you know that he’s also a ridiculously talented actor? He was brilliant as Sean Parker in The Social Network, and his performance in Alpha Dog — the first time I saw him act in anything — blew me away. All that being said, I don’t really like the idea of him as Finnick. He’s handsome, yes, but not the right kind of handsome. And with one big name musician already in a major role, casting Timberlake may come off as just too gimmicky.
Adam : Long before the likes of Garrett Hedlund, Armie Hammer, and Hunter Parrish circulated as fan favorites, I was pushing Justin Timberlake. The singer-turned-actor has proven to be just as deft at the latter as the former, putting forth stirring performances in Alpha Dog and The Social Network. He’s so much more than a boy-band pretty boy, and among all the candidates, he’s truly the “coolest” and most recognizable face. If they can make him look taller, he can mix Finnick’s looks with small-town charm, and attract new fans in the process.
Sheila : When I first saw Justin Timberlake come up on our list of Finnick’s, I thought this can’t be right? While I’ll admit I love Justin Timberlake for his his immense musical talent and charming personality, I have never really been blown away by any of the movies I have seen him him. I’m not sure that he embodies the characteristics I look for in Finnick, and is just not at all how I imagined Finnick coming to life on screen.
While I think that you are a great actor, and that your best is yet to come… I am not seeing this. I mean, first of all, I love Bye, Bye, Bye. It’s great. But, I just think that you aren’t Finnick to me. I think that FInnick needs to be younger, and you my friend, are getting up there in age. And really, I am sure that you are going to concentrate on your wedding. I think that you have big things ahead of you, but being in the Hunger Games fandom is not one. So I mean really, though I love you as an actor, I am giving you space. Keep doing you JT, cause you rock.
The Hob :
Amanda: Justin Timberlake…where to start?! When we mentioned last week that this week’s Finding Finnick would discuss Justin Timberlake, nearly every reader comment was against the idea and confused why his name was even being thrown into the mix. And I couldn’t agree more. From the second I heard Justin and Finnick in the same sentence, I’ve wondered what the heck is going on. I personally can’t see an ounce of Finnick in Justin. Not his face, his hair, his body, his voice, his age….nothing. And I’ll admit to loving him when he was a member of ‘NSync, but I’ve never been that impressed with Justin’s acting ability. The idea of Justin playing Finnick in Catching Fire doesn’t work for me at all, and his pop star image only trivializes the role to something unworthy of the Finnick in the books.
Crystal: I was never an NSync fan, so I really never got all the hype over Justin Timberlake. Then last year I saw In Time and although the movie left a lot to be desired, he was still pretty good in it and I suddenly understood why so many other women were attracted to him. It just took me like 15 years to understand. He was surprisingly good in The Social Network. That being said, I don’t think he has quite enough of what he needs to be the perfect Finnick. He’s handsome, but not Finnick handsome; he’s a good actor, but he’s also a very well known face and therefore carries a lot of background into the role. The only thing I think he has fully going for him is the fact that I think he could pull off the Finnick ego with swagger and charm in a very entertaining way. Overall though, I think there are better Finnicks out there.
Kait: Out of all the possible Finnicks we’ve discussed, Justin Timberlake has a unique problem: He’s Justin Freaking Timberlake. His face, his career, and his acting style are so recognizable that there’s absolutely no way he could seamlessly transform in Finnick Odair, the complex District 4 victor. Even if his acting were perfect (which we don’t think would be the case for Finnick, though his acting has been solid elsewhere), he would be Justin Timberlake playing Finnick Odair and no one would truly believe in it. Though Timberlake is only 31, he looks a lot older than that and doesn’t pull off the Finnick look in our opinion. Also, pulling his sugar-coated pop star power on board would probably ruin the film’s reputation for hiring stars for their acting skills rather than their name.
DWTC‘s simple answer….Uhm…No, thank you. Though he does show a remarkable talent for acting, his fame alone would be distracting to the franchise. As Kait said above, he won’t become Finnick, he’ll always be Justin Timberlake playing Finnick.
So, what do you think of Justin Timberlake as Finnick in Catching Fire? Let us know in the comments.
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Want to check out the actors featured previously for Finding Finnick? You can check them all out here.
Finding Finnick Odair — Meet Hunter Parrish
5/14/2012Finding Finnick OdairTheresa
It’s time for another week of Finding Finnick Odair! Each week we will be discussing a new actor and the pro’s and con’s as to why he should be Finnick. As always, remember that this is just the fan picks for Finnick. As far as we know casting for Catching Fire hasn’t begun yet.
25 year old Hunter Parrish is probably best known for his role in Weeds, but he’s also been in films such as 17 Again and Its Complicated. Hunter is also an accomplished stage actor, showcasing his talents before a live audience, appearing in both Godspell and Spring Awakening. His talents don’t end there, as Parrish is also musically inclined as well, and just recently released the lead single, Sitting at Home off his EP Guessing Games.
One other thing to note, about Hunter…he was a fan favorite and finalist for the role of Peeta in The Hunger Games. We aren’t sure how he ranked at the end, but we do know he went in for a test opposite Jennifer and that he was in the final group of contenders.
But is this charismatic, multi-talented actor, and almost Peeta a fit for the coveted role of Finnick Odair? Read on to find out what many of the Hunger Games fan sites think.
DWTC
Way back when everyone was fancasting for Peeta, DWTC was 100% behind the idea of Hunter Parrish for the role. When we learned he was in the “final” group testing to become our favorite baker, we were giddy to say the least. And when Josh was officially named as our Peeta, we can’t say we weren’t more than a tad bit disappointed at first. However, some of us shortly after started to picture him as a possible Finnick, so we could totally get behind the idea of him stepping into the role. So, why could we see him as the famous Finnick Odair? Well, he loves the books first and foremost, and who doesn’t want a fan in the role? When he wasn’t cast as Peeta, he send out a “cryptic” photo on Twitter of bread, thanking fans for their support. (Awww!) Secondly, he’s 25, so the right age, and he has a look that makes us believe he would be very “popular” as a Victor.He can also play tough, yet have a vulnerable side as well, which fits in with what we see both in ‘Catching Fire’ and ‘Mockingjay’. So, we definitely think he could handle the character’s development over the course of the films. Honestly, one of the possible downsides we see is not a “big deal,” but for some we know it could be, and that is simply Hunter is approximately the same height as both Josh and Jennifer. So if he needs to carry Mags and Peeta…well, yes, that could be difficult to envision, but that could be altered as well in some way. So overall, Hunter as Finnick? We’ll sign on for that.
HG Movie Site
I have nothing but crazy, unadulterated love for Hunter Parrish. He’s one of those actors that can do no wrong in my eyes. In addition to be insanely talented he strikes me as a genuinely nice guy. And while I think he has a lot of the emotional characteristics for Finnick Odair there is simply one thing I cannot overlook. (Hunter, if you’re reading this please know that I love you and I’m sorry for what I’m about to say). He is too short. That is literally my only argument over why Hunter can’t be Finnick. Silly but totally valid, right?HG Fireside Chat
Savanna: I love Hunter Parrish. I really do. I’m only familiar with his stage work, though (Godspell, Spring Awakening, etc.). He’s so beautiful when he sings, in fact, that it always makes me sad to hear that people only know him from Weeds! I was against the idea of Hunter as Peeta since he definitely looks older than 16, but I wouldn’t be too disappointed if he were cast as Finnick. He definitely doesn’t fit MY mental image of Finnick, but he’s a wonderful actor and we could certainly do much worse. My only concerns lie with his physical appearance. At 5’7″, he’s pretty short — the same height as Josh Hutcherson, in fact. And is he universally attractive enough to make all of Panem swoon? Adam adds: I’m not quite a Parrishioner, but I do have a little faith. When the lighting’s right, he looks the part, but will the writing be right for him?The Hob
Amanda: Hunter Parrish for Finnick? This one is easy for me. The answer is no. Sorry. I LOVED the idea of Hunter as Peeta. He’s got the sort of stocky build I imagined for Peeta and he’s absolutely boy-next-door adorable – attractive in a way that I wouldn’t describe as drop-dead gorgeous. And although he’s 25 years old, he looks boyishly young. Perfect for Peeta, but it’s for those reasons alone that he just doesn’t fit the description of my Finnick. Plus, if he was cast as Finnick, I’m pretty sure I’d just keep seeing him as Peeta throughout the movie.
Hunger Games Network
Tanvi: Hunter Parrish has gained a lot of fans in THG fandom back from the Hunter-as-Peeta days. I had loved the idea, but even back then,thought him to be more on the Finnick side. And now that we’re here – yes, I think Hunter can be a good Finnick! He has the surfer looks, has the acting skills – not just Weeds but as Savanna points out, stage shows as well. While I’m personally not familiar with his outside Weeds work, I take the rest of the guys’ word. Now then, although I’m a supporter, I’m not very staunch on the idea after many other actors that I’ve heard of on this feature. It’s only because of the comparison, I think I’m fifty-fifty on the idea of Hunter as Finnick.HG Girl on Fire
Lindsay: I’ll admit that I was on the “Hunter is Peeta” boat. I’m a big fan of Hunter on Weeds, but he has shown his acting chops in multiple shows on Broadway as well (he can sing!). He has the boy next door look and he appears to be about the nicest guy ever in real life. Now, he’s beautiful to look at and he’s got a good body, both of which are important for Finnick. In addition, he seems like he could pull off snarky, flirty Finnick, with a hidden layer of depth. And that’s more important to me than what he looks like. Hunter could be Finnick for me,but I am not positive how much of that doesn’t come from my wish for him to have scored the role of Peeta in the beginning. Either way, if hegets the part, he’ll show the original naysayers that he’s got what it takes to make it in the Hunger Games series.
So, what do you think of Hunter Parrish as Finnick in Catching Fire? Let us know in the comments.
Want to check out the actors featured previously for Finding Finnick? You can check them all out here.
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Finding Finnick Odair — Meet Chace Crawford
5/7/2012Finding Finnick OdairArianna
It’s time for another week of Finding Finnick Odair! Each week we will be discussing a new actor and the pro’s and con’s as to why he should be Finnick. As always, remember that this is just the fan picks for Finnick. As far as we know casting for Catching Fire hasn’t begun yet.
Chace Crawford is best known for his role as the handsome Nate Archibald on the CW’s ‘Gossip Girl’. The native Texan has also has an upcoming role in Lionsgates ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’. So is the handsome 26 year old right for one of the most coveted roles in ‘The Hunger Games’ fandom? Here is what the fan sites have to say…
Chace Crawford has never been what I pictured for Finnick, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t work for the role. Good looks? Check (I mean, gorgeous). Right age? Yep. Charming? Heck yes. And he’s from Texas, so I like to think he has a cowboy kind of charm. Can I see him with sugar cubes? I can. So why have I not thought of him for Finnick before? Well, I only know Chace as Nate Archibald on Gossip Girl. I haven’t seen him in anything else and have no idea how well his acting can translate to different genres, from tv to film, or from melodramatic into a person that ends up being my favorite character in the Hunger Games series. If Francis Lawrence were to cast Crawford, you would not hear me complain. but Chace will have to prove himself to me and the legions of other Finnick fans.
Arianna: To be honest I’ve heard of Chace Crawford but I never paid much attention to him. I’m not sure I could see him as Finnick because he’ll forever be “that dude” from Gossip Girl. Although he will be appearing in What To Expect When Your Expecting this year, it looks like he has only really done scary movie before. I cannot judge his acting since I’ve never seen it and I won’t knock him if he ever did get the role, but he is a good looker, which is always a plus.
Chace, dear Chace. I am sorry, to say… NO. I am not trying to be rude, but your turn as Nate Archibald on Gossip Girl has made me hate your whining woo is me character. I just can’t see it. I mean you are devastatingly handsome, and I can see the women swooning. But that is about it. I just am sorry to say, I have pigeonholed you into a character actor, and I don’t want to see you as Finnick. You are not Finnick to me.
Savanna: I haven’t watched Gossip Girl in a couple of years, but I used to be a huge fan and can vouch for both Crawford’s handsomeness and talent as an actor. I really like this guy, but as with most Finnick fan favorites, I have some concerns. Yes, Crawford is great at portraying Nate Archibald on Gossip Girl, but could he successfully pull off a role like Finnick? Also, while Crawford is 26 — two years older than Finnick — he looks SO young, and I don’t think he’d stand out next to Josh and Jennifer as an older victor. Adam adds: This Gossip Girl star is handsome enough to make girls gossip about him, which is certainly Finnick-esque. He’s not quite Armie Hammer or Garrett Hedlund level, but there’s at least some promise here. Lionsgate could do far worse.
Amanda: Yes, Chace is handsome (can anyone argue that?!). Yes, Chace is about the right age. But does he have the necessary acting chops? It’s hard to say. I saw him in The Covenant many years ago, but barely remember him. I used to watch him on Gossip Girl, and while he did fine in that role, I don’t know that he’d be able to pull off Finnick. And can we ever see him as anyone but a spoiled NYC rich kid? Regardless, at least this one fan casting choice looks the part…it would just remain to be seen if he could act the part.
Tanvi: Oooh yes. I can actually for once see a little Finnick-ness in someone. I’m a Gossip Girl fan, so as a corollary, a Chace Crawford fan. He’s about 25 years old, is tall and has the kind of looks that could be
groomed into boy-next-door to a straight off Upper East Sider. I’m sure that could be handy in Finnick’s role. Now acting wise, he’s a trademark Nate Archibald and haven’t had that much of exposure to emotionally daunting acting – but he’s also going to be in Lionsgate’s What to Expect When You’re Expecting (also stars Elizabeth Banks), so I like to think he must have crossed Lionsgate’s
mind? Well I wouldn’t complain if he was cast as Finnick.Crystal: I feel like every week I’m saying, “I’ve never heard of him.” and sadly, this week is no different. I haven’t seen him in anything, so once again, I have no idea if he can act. I will say though, that he does look charming enough to be Finnick. A bit of lightening of his hair and a bit of a tan and I think he could be him. He does look young, but he looks like the right kind of young. I can see him being a 24 year old Finnick. The really weird thing about him though, is that he reminds me of a cross between Wes Bentley and Liam Hemsworth!
Kait: We all know that Chace Crawford has played the rich snob before, but we just don’t think he can be trusted to take on the tortured, emotional core of Finnick. He’s best known for his role in Gossip Girl, which is not known for its superb acting skills, and a few lackluster “thrillers”. Chace’s prior experience would probably lead him to pour the melodrama on thick, which just isn’t what we need. Also, we don’t understand why some people find him devastatingly attractive! On our attraction scale, he settles in at “pretty okay”.
So, what do you think of Chace Crawford as Finnick in Catching Fire? Please share with us in the comments.
Want to check out the actors featured previously for Finding Finnick? You can check them all out here.
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Finding Finnick Odair — Meet ‘The Secret Circle’ Actor Chris Zylka
4/30/2012Finding Finnick OdairArianna
It’s time for another week of Finding Finnick Odair! Each week we will be discussing a new actor and the pro’s and con’s as to why he should be Finnick. As always, remember that this is just the fan picks for Finnick. As far as we know casting for Catching Fire hasn’t begun yet.
Chris Zylka is best known for his role on CW’s, The Secret Circle. The 26 year old actor has said that he would love to play Finnick on his Twitter, and has quickly become a fan favorite. But what do the fan sites think? Here’s your answer…
Erin: He looks a lot like Finnick to me. Not only does he carry off the look and the feel of Finnick, I think that he could pull it off. I don’t think that Finnick should be someone newer, not a face that we reguarly see on the silver screen. Finnick is supposed to be handsome and bruding, and Chris can pull that off. He has the body of Finnick. Finnick is supposed to be someone that people in the capitol would pay to sleep with, and the reality is, excuse the crudeness, that seems beleivable. From what I have seen on the Secret Circle, Chris is a good actor and can pull it off. Chris could totally be my Finnick.
Savanna: I had no clue who Chris Zylka was before sitting down to write about him for Week 11 of Finding Finnick Odair. I’m still not quite sure I know who he is. He has very few credits to his name and hasn’t done anything notable that anyone would really remember. Based on his body of work alone, he doesn’t seem like he’s experienced enough to handle a complex role like Finnick, but since I’ve never seen him in anything, I feel unqualified to judge his acting abilities. As far as looks go, though, he looks nothing like the Finnick that I pictured in my head while reading the books. Zylka has a very all-American, jock-like look to him, which — for me — does’t fit Finnick at all. Adam adds: Chris Zylka, whose acting capability is pretty much unknown, COULD look the part IF he can act well enough to change the natural expression of his face from fierce to calm. But then, why should there be any “coulds” or “ifs” at all? We need someone who screams Finnick, and there are no ifs ands or buts about it.
Amanda: I wasn’t familiar with Chris Zylka until he was brought into the mix as a suggestion for Finnick. Since the only thing he’s really done is The Secret Circle – which I’ve never watched – he’s another actor that I can’t judge based on talent, though the lack of acting experience would concern me a bit given the multidimensional Finnick. Physically though, I have to admit he’s a pretty good fit to what I pictured for Finnick – blonde, attractive, tall, muscular. He’s in his late 20s, which although older than Finnick, is probably the right age for an actor to play the role given the ages of Jennifer, Josh and Liam.
Sheila : All I know about Chris Zylka is what I’ve seen of him on the CW’s Secret Circle. Physically I can understand why is he is popular fan pick for Finnick with his muscular build, blonde hair and strong features. But I’m not sure he is what I’ve personally envisioned for Finnick. While his acting on Secret Circle has been fine, I’ve really only seen him play the same emotions throughout this season of Secret Circle without alot of depth or change in his character. While that is really not through any fault of Chris’, it does leave me wondering whether he has the level of skill that would be needed to play Finnick Odair.
Crystal: I had never heard of Chris Zylka until we decided to focus on him this week, so unfortunately I have no idea about his acting abilities. I do think he’s handsome, but for some reason he just seems like the wrong type of handsome for Finnick. Chris looks very chiseled and Ken-doll like and that’s not really what I had imagined for Finnick. Being from the fishing district, I’ve always thought Finnick should look like a really handsome working class type of guy. Chris looks more like someone who was born in the Capitol. I don’t know how else to put it!
Victors Village - Kait: We had no idea who Chris Zylka was before today, but we’re not totally surprised to see that he’s from the ABC Family and/or CW school of actors. While that type tends to be popular in Finnick fancasts, we just don’t get it! Chris has a role in “The Amazing Spider-Man” that could prove promising for his career, but his crowning achievements prior to that are tween shows and Piranha 3DD, which is sure to be a cinematic masterpiece (Please, for the love of everything, NOTE THE SARCASM!) We’re not saying Chris isn’t attractive at all. He’s got that Grecian look going on and he did play a character called Mr. Hottie in the indie comedy called “The People I’ve Slept With”. However, being hot and acting well enough to land roles on teen television networks is not enough to make Chris Zylka our Finnick. Shailene Woodley’s amazing performance in The Descendants was the exception, not the rule!
So, what do you think of Chris Zylka as Finnick in Catching Fire? Please share with us in the comments.
Want to check out the actors featured previously for Finiding Finnick? You can check them all out here.
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Finding Finnick Odair — Meet “Glee’s” Grant Gustin
4/23/2012Finding Finnick OdairTheresa
Before The Hunger Games hit theaters several of the fansites got together to discuss the various fan castings for Finnick Odair. Now, with the film behind us, news slowing down, and a new director chosen for Catching Fire, it’s time to continue on and talk about more of the names we’ve heard mentioned for the fabulous and famous District 4 Victor.
Each week we will be discussing a new actor and the pro’s and con’s as to why he should be Finnick. As always, remember that this is just the fan picks for Finnick. As far as we know casting for Catching Fire hasn’t begun yet.
First on the table for Week #1 of Round 2 of Finding Finnick Odair is Grant Gustin, the 22 year old actor from Glee, who was recently featured as a fan choice in Entertainment Weekly.
Down With the Capitol: (Theresa)
We’ve heard quite a few calls for Grant to play Finnick, but in all honesty, we just aren’t seeing it here. Yes, he’s cute, but does he have the look of the “famous Finnick Odair?” As a past victor, Finnick is older than Katniss and Peeta, but Grant looks to be about the same age as them. He’d also need to bulk up a lot for the role, as Finnick is described as being quite muscular. We also have never seen him act beyond Glee, so it’s hard to judge if he even has the goods, especially when looking ahead to Mockingjay and the way the character is portrayed in that book. He loves The Hunger Games and has said he identifies with Finnick, and that’s fantastic, but that’s not enough in our book to turn him into our Finnick.
HG Movie Site
We know that there a ton of people who think that Grant would make the perfect Finnick. However, I am just not sure that he’s right. He just is too young to be Finnick. I am just not sure why he is a popular choice for Finnick. Sure, he’s great on Glee, but that’s his only credit. He is a boy. We can appreciate that he is a fan of the books, and think that is great, but he’s just not Finnick. He’s just not a choice for Finnick that I can understand.
HG Fireside Chat
We know that a lot of fans are very passionate about the idea of Grant Gustin as Finnick, but we just don’t get it. At 22, he’s just a couple of years younger than Finnick, but he looks even younger…which is why he’s currently playing a high school student on television. He looks like he could be one of Katniss and Peeta’s classmates in District 12, and that’s not good. Finnick needs to be obviously older. He’s a man, not a boy. Gustin admitted in at least one interview that he’d need to do some serious bulking up to play Finnick, and we agree with him. Does he have enough time to put enough muscle on his skinny frame before filming begins? Probably not. Also: What do we know of his acting abilities outside of ‘Glee’? We know people love him, but Gustin will not be cast as Finnick. Adam adds: If we’re going to throw out random people from Glee who don’t have a build resembling Finnick whatsoever, then I’d at least pick Darren Criss. He’s more talented, better-looking, and more beloved by fans. Gustin isn’t even the best Finnick from his own show! (Consolation: He’s a little more Finnick than Chris Colfer)
The Hob
Amanda: Grant Gustin is one of those actors who’s been suggested for Finnick and people either love him or hate him for the role. With Glee really being his only credit, it’s hard to judge his acting skills, and to be honest, I haven’t really watched the show very much. But even based on looks alone, he doesn’t seem like Finnick to me. He’s a cute kid, but not drop dead gorgeous by any means. And IMDb has him listed as 22 years old, which isn’t old enough to play Finnick, in my opinion – since Jennifer, Josh and Liam are all older than their characters, they’re going to need to get an actor who is at least Finnick’s 24 years of age. I love that he’s a fan of the books, but this is one casting suggestion I don’t really understand.
Victors Village
Rebekah: Grant Gustin, Grant Gustin, Grant Gustin? I’ll be perfectly blunt, and some people may not like it, actually I’m sure some people will not like it — Grant Gustin is one of the worst fantasy casting ideas to come out of The Hunger Games fandom to date. For one, he’s the same age as Jennifer Lawrence at 21 years-old. Two, in my opinion (and I know I’m not alone), superficially I say — he’s not good-looking enough to portray someone like Finnick. Finnick Odair is supposed to be universally attractive, and I honestly do not believe that every man, woman, child, or hermaphrodite who would see Mr. Gustin’s image would think “damn that’s an attractive man.” And to go back on the word I just used, man, I don’t look at Mr. Gustin and see a man — I see a boy. Finally three, and this is the clincher for me, and I think for most people it is as well, experience — he doesn’t have a lot. I’ve checked his IMDB page, and he has four credits to his name, mostly bit parts, and then there’s the recurring role he’s had on Glee this season. I know he was in a traveling production of Westside Story as well, which I know takes fortitude, but — I’m sorry, but I cannot allow my head to wrap around the idea of an actor who’s ONLY portrayed high school students in his very short career, in the role of Finnick Odair, who is a champion, an Adonis, a soldier, a lover, a victim of circumstance, and most importantly an adult. His experience hinders his chances greatly, especially with the caliber of actors already cast in the franchise, as well as the caliber of directors whose names are floating around as possible candidates for the job. Mr. Gustin’s experience is minute in comparison to all of these people, and I don’t think that having him cut his teeth with Finnick is a smart choice for him, or for this franchise, it’s just too damn iffy. I know Mr. Gustin has a mad fan following, but I question their gusto, because it seems to be a small but loud group of people pitching a fit for him to play Finnick. To me, he cannot be Finnick, he just cannot
Hunger Games Network
My first impression of Grant Gustin is that he looks young – too young. But apparently he’s 22. Which is still younger than what I imagine Finnick to be. Yes, he’s adorable and very cute. But I just don’t find any Finnick-ish qualities about him. Finnick is a character that requires complex acting – remember it’s not just the sugar cube act, but Mockingjay as well. I just don’t see this cute kid pulling off Finnick no matter how cute he is.
HG Girl On Fire
While I like Grant Gustin as the bad boy on Glee and find him adorable, he just doesn’t exude any of the character traits that I always envisioned in a character like Finnick Odair. From a physical standpoint, Grant looks very young, with a lean physique that doesn’t exactly make me think of Finnick who can carry Mags, and Peeta in times of need. Additionally, while I think his acting is fine in Glee, I’m not positive he has the experience, depth or range to play such a complicated character. So while Grant is fine on Glee, he is no Finnick Odair – Sheila
Mockingjay
I’ve never seen a single episode of Glee, so I can’t say I’ve seen Grant in anything besides YouTube clips from some other tv show he had a small role in. I do know that my first impression of him was ʺtoo youngʺ. Sure, he’s 22, but he looks like a teenager. He’s attractive, but not smoking Finnick hot. I don’t care how much tanning lotion they slap on him, he’s just not the Finnick I ever imagined. Show me someone that looks like Brad Pitt did in the early 90s and I’m there
Hunger Games Trilogy
Grant Gustin looks around the same age as Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson. I don’t think he fits the role of Finnick because he looks too young and too ‘boyish’ for the role. Finnick is supposed to have a very hot and manly appeal. Grant could probably play the young Finnick, but not the Finnick who will be joining the Quarter Quell
So, what do you think of Grant Gustin as Finnck in Catching Fire? Do you agree with our thoughts? Disagree? Have a new thought to add? Please share with us in the comments.
Want to check out the actors featured previously for Finiding Finnick? You can check them all out here.
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