Hollywood Suggestions: My Hunger Games Cast

EDIT: Now the movie has been cast! Here is the post of my reactions of the ACTUAL casting decisions. 

In honor of Mockingjay, the third book in the trilogy of The Hunger Games, being released today I've decided to finally post my casting suggestions for the live action movie they are planning on making. I've really enjoyed this book series so far, and I know the last in the series will not let me down. I can hardly wait to start reading and see what else is going to happen to our dear Katniss... and who she might end up with, Gale or Peeta... or... if they will all even survive! Ah! It's all so intense! Regardless of the fact that it is the first week of school and, seriously, sitting up in this chair and typing this blog up is super challenging as I am too tired to truly do it without taking a break ... often.... I WILL be reading this book by next week. And I WILL be getting a book review up shortly after! So get ready Suzanne Collins fans! It's time for us to all chat and discuss and get excited, and kicks off right now!

KATNISS EVERDEEN

The hardest thing for me to do is figure out a decent actress to capture our main lady, Katniss. To me it has to be someone who can be fierce and will make us believe that she is a killer... but also a 16 year old girl who feels vulnerable, real, emotions. She's certain when hunting, but she's completely lost when it comes to dealing with feelings. She has to capture so much to do Katniss justice that it's hard to say 'Yes! That girl is perfect for it!' Which is why I chose a few that I thought could perhaps touch on parts of Katniss. Thankfully, I don't have to cast the real movie, and I can just smoosh them all together in my mind to create what I think Katniss might be like.

First we have Emma Roberts. I think she has the right features to look like Katniss, however she doesn't seem tough enough. She seems too sweet. She'd have to really try hard to sell the fierceness of Katniss.

Which brings me to Camilla Bell. I've found on a lot of blogs that people like her for Katniss, however, to me she has always seemed very exotic. That, to me, doesn't really fit Katniss, but I know that Camilla could convey that strength of Katniss. 

This is an image I found on Deviant Art of  Kaya Scodelario, an actress I had never heard of before. But when I saw this image I was really excited because she looks very similar to how I pictured Katniss. Not sure how she would do as an actress because I am not familiar with her, but she looks like her to me. With that being said, I think the way to go will be to cast a nobody.

GALE

For Gale I wanted to pick someone that I thought was good looking, but nothing that would overshadow Peeta. He has to be someone the audience would be able to connect with and like, maybe even root for, but then be able to allow affection for Peeta to grow.

This is Aaron Johnson. He's British. And you may have seen him in Kick Ass. He's CUTE, and maybe a bit too sweet-faced, but I think with less curls and more shag, he could do a nice Gale.

PEETA


Peeta has to be very beautiful. He also doesn't have to have that edge that Gale and Katniss have because he is not a hunter. He isn't used to having to scrape by because of hunger, so a sweet-faced isn't a negative in this situation.

This is Alex Pettyfer. When rummaging through Google images of young blonde actors, I ran across his beautiful mug. I like his look the best. He may seem a bit too old, but I think it could still work. He's definitely pretty enough to be Peeta.

HAYMITCH

Ok, there will be people who will tell me that I am biased and am just looking for a way to sneak this next one in, but really I am not! I think that the actor who plays Haymitch has to be rough around the edges, annoying and disgruntled, but still someone with charm that the audience can connect with and love even though he's drunk most of the time.

That's why we should just scruff up RDJ, hand him a bottle, and set him on his way. There is no doubt in my mind that he could play Haymitch well and do him justice. And maybe even add to his character and make him even more likable... I mean, I know at least for me it would be a plus plus!

CINNA

This character is really important. His relationship with Katniss is SO unique, so it's important that the movie does Cinna correctly. I felt like Cinna needs to have a kind, knowing face. He needs to be attractive, someone who is well groomed, someone we can believe is a part of fashion, but he has to have the attitude of an artist.

This is Hugh Dancy. You may know him from Confessions of a Shopoholic. Sadly, I have not seen him in many other things, but I feel like he would do a good portrayal of Cinna. He definitely looks the part, for me.

FINNICK

This one was one of my favorite to cast. I know he doesn't come around until Catching Fire, but the entire time I read the sequel I couldn't get enough of Finnick's cocky attitude. He's one of my favorites. Finnick needs to be played by someone with a sly grin and palpable charisma.

Taylor Kitsch! You may recognize him for Friday Night Lights, the TV show... but the reason I feel he could do that character of Finnick well (besides this perfect shirtless picture of him and the fact that he seems to be near water, just like Finnick always was) is his delicious performance as the infatuating Gambit in X-Men: Wolverine.

PRIM or RUE

As Prim, this one may not be as hard to fill since she seems to have a small part in the story, but because her role is so important, it would be a good idea to cast someone who can be the face of Katniss' motivation. Someone sweet and innocent. Someone the audience wants Katniss to fight for. Same could be said, however, about Rue. Which is why I decided either of these characters could be played by...

This is Elle Fanning. CUTE little thing. And absolutely could tug at the heartstrings of the audience in either situation, be it Rue's or Prim's.

As for a few of the rest of the characters, such as Effie, President Snow, or Katniss' mother, for some reason I just could not think of many people that fit those roles. But if YOU have picked your casting choices or have suggestions for these that I've already named, let me know! I want to hear your thoughts in the comments!

My Hollywood Wish List

Lately, I've been obsessing over a few things that I really want to see happen in Hollywood. Not stuff like, "Oh, I wish Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler would date!" or "I would love to see a movie about myself where Keira Knightely plays me!" What I mean are things I really want to happen that actually COULD happen. Like what actors I wish would play along side each other, what roles I'd like to see exist, director/actor collaborations, etc. Here are the top 8 things on my very own Hollywood wish list. Why 8? Not for any good reason except that these are the things I most want to see and it didn't even out into a nice round number. So if you have to have a good number like 10, then... pretend the first two are [10.] I wish to see RDJ come to my classroom in his Iron Man suit and scare the kids into loving English, and [9.] I'd love to see Keira Knightely become my BFF and go shoe shopping with me. AND NOW, the real stuff...

#8. Batman/Superman movie starring
the current stars in their current roles; directed by Chris Nolan

To me, this doesn't seem so far out there. Chris Nolan is already a part of the amazing Batman franchise which began with Batman Begins and only got better with its follow-up, The Dark Knight. With his guidance and Christian Bale's dedication to keeping the story of Batman legit, I don't see how this series could go wrong. Now it's being confirmed that Nolan is set to pick up the next Superman movie after he adds one more Batman flick to his saga. With his hand in both of these series, it wouldn't be hard to translate that into a well-adapted, continuity in tact, team-up movie that could blow the minds of any comic book geek in this world. Including me! I would love to see this happen, and am patiently awaiting the day it might.

#7. Kate Winslet and Cate Blanchett to work together

Cate and Kate are two of the most powerful, beautiful, and successful women in the business right now. Having both just won an Oscar within the last 5 years and starring in numerous movies each year, it just makes good sense to get these gals together! Be it period piece or contemporary drama, I don't care. Make this happen!

#6. A Poe Bio-pic starring the luscious Robert Downey Jr.

I've always wanted there to be a good Edgar Allan Poe movie created. The man has such an interesting life and has inspired so many people with his poetry and stories, however there has never really been a great movie reflecting this. It wasn't until recently that I realized who I wanted to play Poe. For some reason I can really see RDJ in this role. He's had a past struggle with substance abuse, a darker side, and an amazing talent in acting. All of these things are helpful in playing Poe. One of my favorite roles Robert was in is Charlie Chaplin in Chaplin, and seeing his dedication to making that character as true to the real man as possible convinces me that he'd do well in this role, too. Not to mention that he, himself, is interested in doing it. The only bad part of this dream is I've heard whatever film they had in mind for Poe has been changed and the role actually went to (brace yourselves) Joaquin Phoenix. REALLY? It's not on IMDB yet, so I won't lose hope. I'll keep dreaming and see if this rumor gets debunked soon... PLEASE Hollywood, please?

#5. Christian Bale in a literary epic or ANY
role that gets him NOMINATED

I've been a huge Bale fan for years, now. Ever since he was the new face of my beloved Batman in 2005. I've seen him in role after role that just blew my mind, American Psycho, The Machinist, Rescue Dawn, and yet he has NEVER even so much as been nominated, individually, for an Oscar or a Globe. It's UNREAL. He's so talented and so dedicated. There is no reason for him to be constantly overlooked, and yet he is every year. So, that's why I wish for him to star in a role that is SO amazing, so awesome, it SLAPS the academy in the face and they have NO CHOICE but to nominate him. Maybe some sort of literary adaptation, or an epic love story (where he could possibly act along side the likes of Nicole Kidman, which is another dream of mine). But whatever it is, I want it to happen and I want him to finally get what he deserves! It's time.

#4. Johnny Depp and Robert Downey Jr. to work together;
directed by Quentin Tarantino

You can't get much cooler than Johnny Depp and RDJ, in my opinion. I adore them both and hold so much respect in my heart for them, which is why seeing them on screen together would absolutely blow my mind. What type of movie should it be? It would be great if it were some sort of period piece where we could see these two men in great costumes, but my affiliate, Kevin K mentioned something that was GENIUS. He mention to me that he thought it would be amazing to see Johnny Depp in a Tarantino flick, which I agreed with whole-heartedly. So let's kill two birds with one stone and just have him direct the movie with Johnny and RDJ in it. Hollywood! Do you hear this? I am talking MOVIE MAGIC HERE. Let's do it.

#3. Michael C. Hall to play The Riddler

I had been hearing rumor after rumor about who would be the next villain in the new Batman sequel. Was it The Penguin, Catwoman, The Riddler...? No one was for sure. But the one with the most speculation was been The Riddler and I've heard anyone from Jim Carrey (who played him in the old Schumaker flick, Batman Forever) to Johnny Depp was up for the role. No one I could think of seemed really right for the role, even Depp, who I believe can do most anything. But then, one day I was talking to my gal, Caty, about the Showtime juggernaut, Dexter. When she mentioned that it would be neat to see Michael C. Hall play the Riddler in the next film, I almost choked on whatever I was eating at the time. Having been completely enthralled with Hall's Dex, a character with a charming, yet frighteningly calm demeanor as a serial killer anti-hero, I couldn't believe I hadn't thought of it myself! Of course, he'd be perfect to fit into The Riddler role! I can only hope that Mr. Nolan feels the same, or at least reads my blog and goes this direction. Do it Chris! You know you want to.

#2. A DVD of Conan's "Legally Prohibited
from Being Funny on Television Tour" with
making-of documentary and special features

Conan O'brien has been my late night ritual for years. Ever since 2003 rolled around and Elijah Wood was on his show to be interviewed for my biggest obsession, Lord of the Rings. From then on I was completely hooked on my favorite late-night red head. He was one of the funniest men on TV. It should come as no surprise to anyone how I landed when the NBC fail-o-thon happened this winter. I was BEYOND outraged and hurt. His last show brought me to tears and it showed me what a truly wonderful and gracious man he is. Beyond just making me laugh, he has earned my love and respect. What happened to him was SO undeserved. However, he has planned a tour for this spring, which even though I can't go, I am ecstatic about! And since it's so limited, I think it would be GREAT if a tour DVD would be created for all his fans who were unable to attend. I really hope this happens!

#1. Keira Knightely and Leonardo Dicaprio to work together

Surprise, Keira is at my number one again... But this is something that I've wanted for a long time. Keira is the only actress that makes me want to cry, even if her role isn't sad. I love EVERYTHING about her. Leo is on the list of the few actors I would see absolutely ANYTHING he did, no questions asked. I think that if these two were in a film together, it would be so beautiful my eyes would melt out of my socket... and the level of talent in the movie itself might actually set the cameras on fire. It sounds dangerous, but I think it might be worth it to try. The great news about this dream is that Keira has been linked to the new Fitzgerald book adaptation called The Beautiful and The Damned where Keira will plays Zelda, Fitzgerald's schizophrenic wife, and Leo has been rumored to have been approached about playing Fitzgerald. I'm feeling a well-deserve freak out coming on! This movie may kill me. In a good way!