Lionsgate is close to announcing who will play the coveted role of Finnick Odair in the highly anticipated Hunger Games sequel, Catching Fire.
According to E!, the studio has created a three-man shortlist that includes Armie Hammer (The Social Network), Garrett Hedlund (Tron: Legacy), and Taylor Kitsch (John Carter). E! expects Lionsgate to make their final decision in the next week, though they note the studio is also considering unknowns for the part.
No matter what, the studio has crafted an impressive shortlist, inspiring confidence that the stellar casting that helped make The Hunger Games such a huge success will continue for its sequel.
A word of advice to Lionsgate, though: if there’s even the slightest possibility that John Carter and Battleship both bombed spectacularly because Taylor Kitsch is somehow cursed, I’d stay away from him. Given that Armie Hammer is about to head his own franchise – The Lone Ranger – he’s probably not the guy you want either. Hedlund seems to be the best match, as he’s proven very adept at sinking into an ensemble and giving solid blockbuster performances in the past. He’d be a very strong addition to The Hunger Games universe.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire arrives in theatres November 22nd, 2013. Filming begins later this year, with Francis Lawrence directing.