College Students! discussion

So apparently they've got The Hunger Games movie up and running!Suzanne Collins wrote the first draft of the script. I don't know how common it is for the author of the book to write the script for the movie but I think it sounds promising. The director is Gary Ross (seabiscuit, pleasantville, screenwriter for Big) so I think he can handle it.

My only hope is that they don't just cast the characters because they are well-known but because they best match the characters.

Curious to know what others' feelings/thoughts are on this upcoming movie. Do y'all think it's a good idea? Have any actors in mind?

Also on a slight side note, What did everyone who read think of the third installment? Which of the three was your favorite?

I have to admit, I'm skeptical. I have only finished the first book and have started the second, but I love the series so far. I don't know, it's hard for me to think of a cast that will work. Casting Katniss will be a real challenge if they intend to keep her on-screen character close to the book character.

OMG, what finally they are making this into a movie. At the moment i don't have any actor in mind for any of the characters but i hope they don't ruin it by casting someone not meant for the part like so many other movies.

Out of all three, i would have to say that my favorite was the first one. The second was okay and the final one i did not care for that much, but i think i just expected too much of it.

I'm really excited for this movie! I agree that the fact that Suzanne Collins is writing the script is a good sign. I hate when great books are turned into terrible movies (Percy Jackson, anyone?) I am nervous about the casting. I think they'd be best off casting "unknowns." It worked for Harry Potter!

I'd say the first book is probably my favorite. The second one was good, but I wasn't as into it as I was with the first one. The third one started off slow for me, but by the end I was really enjoying it; it was just a different style from the other two.

I am excited for the movie, and so glad Suzanne is in on the writing process. I hope they cast mostly unknowns, makes it a lot easier to see the characters if you don't see their previous roles.

I don't have a favorite in the series, I loved them all. Probably time for a reread soon.

I found this web site. Dream casts. I LOVE the idea of Jack Black as Haymitch. I don't like Cory Monteith as Gale (even if I don't like Gale) and I can't stand Jim Carrey so please no on that one. The rest look the part for me. What do you all think?

I must agree the first one is my favorite. I think the second one is on the same level as far as thrill and intensity go.
I agree with you Jenna that the third one definitely had a different feel - less action more thought. There was a part in the third book that really made me angry though.

I also think they should go with unknowns but has anyone seen True Grit? Although she is a bit young I think Hailee Steinfeld might make a pretty good Katniss. I don't know about Jack Black as Haymitch. He might seem a little too goofy - not rough enough. Thinking back on True Grit maybe Jeff Bridges? It's funny the relationship between Steinfeld and Bridges on True Grit is quite similar to the one found in Hunger games between Katness and Haymitch; it might work really well.

As for Monteith as Gale...no.

Elise- I loved True Grit! And I agree that those two would be great in the Hunger Games. Jeff Bridges would be an awesome Haymitch!!

I like the idea of Stellan Skarsgard playing Haymitch. He's playing Martin Vanger in TGWTDT.

Another thing to consider, Collins said that Katniss speaks with a southern accent... I think that'll be weird for me to hear.

I'm not too sure about this. I absolutely love the trilogy, but I'm always a little hesitant when a favourite book of mine gets turned into a movie. It could be brilliant, but it could also be terrible.

Jenna - I'm not a huge western fan but True Grit is an amazing movie. Now I kind of want to read the book.
Kimberly - Skarsgard would also make a good Haymitch. He's definitely capable of playing a bit of a wash-up.
Nikki - I agree. Some amazing books have turned into cinematic disasters. All we can do is hope for the best. I think it is always hard for a movie to live up to the expectations of the reader's imagination.

My brother suggested Stanislav Ianevski (Victor Krum from Harry Potter) as Gale. He may look the part but I don't know about his acting - he didn't get much screen time in HP - and he's might be too old. What do y'all think?

When I finished the book I immediately started thinking of possible actors to play all the characters. I think it'd make a great movie but they'd have to be careful to do it right.

For some reason throughout the book I pictured Haymitch as Wallace Shawn. For Katniss I was thinking maybe Jennifer Lawrence (from Winter's Bone). She's 20 but I think she could play 16. I think Elle Fanning could be a good Prim. No idea for Gale.

I've just started Catching Fire but I absolutely loved Hunger Games. I don't think they should cast any well-known actors to be honest. They should start from scratch and really find a couple that really fit the roles.

Samantha - hmmm I don't know about Wallace Shawn - I don't picture him as the drunkard type. I haven't seen any of Lawrence's work so I can't comment on her acting skills but from her pic I'd say she looks the part. As for Fanning, she would make a good Prim.

Lindsay - Glad you're enjoying Catching Fire. Collins does an excellent job of maintaining the same level of action and emotion in the second installment as the first. I just love her pacing.

What about Saoirse Ronan (Atonement, Lovely Bones) as Katniss? She's a pretty good actor and the right age.

She doesn't quite fit the description though, does she? Olive skin, grey eyes. But I'm sure they could make it work. She's a good actor for sure; I'd hate them to cast a Vanessa Hudgens or Miley Cyrus.

Lindsay wrote: "...to cast a Vanessa Hudgens or Miley Cyrus."

*Shudder*

Kimberly wrote: "Lindsay wrote: "...to cast a Vanessa Hudgens or Miley Cyrus."

*Shudder*"

xD Agreed.... I hope they go for someone more unknown, I just can't picture anyone very famous playing the roles it would really ruin it. (For me anyway)

No it would ruin it for me to. Teen novels happen to be a guilty pleasure of mine and recently I read a couple of soon-to-be-major-motion-picture novels including Beastly by Alex Flinn (wouldn't recommend) and Wings by Aprilynne Pike. Of course they are casting Vanessa Hudgens in Beastly and Miley in Wings. I won't even care to watch them when they come out. SO disappointing.

I would be disappointed with the film makers if they chose to cast such bewilderingly bad actors. I agree that their best bet would just to go with a couple of unknowns - at least for the younger actors. Still it's fun to speculate with the actors already present.

Lindsay - I think Ronan does have the grey eyes but she does lack the olive skin and dark hair.

What about the girl who plays Lucy in Narnia? She's not half bad...just throwing stuff out there.

Any thoughts on the other characters - Peeta, Gale,? Apparently Liam Hemsworth is interested in the role of Peeta...one he looks too old and two he costarred with Miley Cyrus...not looking good for him, haha.

Haha, Elise! I feel the same way; I could NOT take Liam seriously because of the Miley thing. But he is blonde and good-looking.

Actually, I think Georgie Henley would be great if she could pull off Katniss' character. Her image is close to how I personally picture her in the book. She'd have to wear contacts of course, but I think she'd be a great choice.

Alex Pettyfer, the actor starring in Beastly and I Am Number Four might be a good choice for Peeta. He's definitely gorgeous enough. :)

Wow, I would never have thought of Georgie Henley. I just checked out her bio on imdb, I really think she could pull it off. She's the right age too.

I read an article yesterday that said the movie has an expected release date of March 2012. Exciting!

For some reason I've always pictured Hugh Laurie as Haymitch while reading the books.

Lindsay - Alex Pettyfer would definitely be a good looking Peeta :D but I haven't seen him act so I can't comment on that but honestly I don't think Peeta's part really needs a spectacular actor. His character seems simple enough.

Jen - Hugh Laurie would definitely make a good Haymitch. House in a lot of ways is Haymitch. I can't believe the release date is so soon! That's awesome.

I can see Hugh Laurie. I don't know why but I always pictured Haymitch as a Brendan Gleeson type of guy. Probably because I think of him as a lot older looking, how old is he suppose to be? Late forties? But I guess he wouldn't look like I pictured because Katniss described him as somewhat good looking from the Games tapes she watched. Oh well, I'm crazy.

But Elise, I haven't seen Alex act yet either so we'll have to judge him on that as well. Hah.

Lindsay - I mostly pictured Haymitch as a rough-looking drunkard - longish-tangled hair, beard or 5 o'clock shadow, whiskey bottle in hand - so Gleeson would fit my pic as well although he is not that great looking.

--haha consider Pettyfer under high scrutiny...

Josh Hutcherson for Gale anyone? too boyish looking? He was good in Bridge to Terabithia.

What about Freddie Highmore for Peeta? I know he's got brown hair but they could dye it. He's such a good young actor and seems to play parts with similar characteristics as Peeta.

Or maybe Jamie Bell for Peeta? I don't know he's way too old though...just spit-balling...

Oh, I'm going to have to say no to Freddie Highmore. Peeta is supposed to be a bigger guy, otherwise the Careers never would have allied with him in Hunger Games. Plus, I don't think I could get over all the kid's movies he's been in. (lol) I could see Jamie Bell for Peeta more though.

John Hutcherson could be Gale. He is boyish looking. but as long as he could pull off serious and rugged, it's possible. I picture Gale as a young, more boyish-looking More Ian Somerhalder.

But seriously, the producers or whomever does the casting should really consult us. We know what we're talking about. Ha!

I can't decide who I would like to see in the cast. I'm definitely neutral when it comes to Gale and Peeta. I can see Lyndsy Fonseca as Katniss, but she might be too "hollywood." I can't imagine anybody but Hugh Laurie for Haymitch!

Two girls hoping to get the roles made this video of the Rue/Katniss scene. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_jw3z... It's actually really well done and I can see the younger of the two playing Prim.

I totally see these characters different than you all. :) I do agree on the Ian Somerhalder, more how I pictured Gale. Isn't he supposed to be a bit older than Katniss? I am definitely due for a reread so I can see where I got that idea.

I watched Mamma Mia last night and it made me want to see Skarsgard play Haymitch, he's so much how I pictured him. He'd probably have to gain a little weight though... Wasn't he supposed to be overweight?

I'm looking forward to the movie. With the right director, this could be an amazing hit.

Lindsay - yeah Highmore is a bit on the small side but the character's he's played have that same sweetness/innocence that is found in Peeta's character. Maybe he shouldn't play him but I hope that's how the person cast portrays him.
haha, the cast team should definitely consult us.

Emily - I could see Fonseca as Katniss - as for too hollywood, nothing a little mud, dirt and scowl can't fix (at least as far as look goes acting is something no amount of effects can improve). I watched that youtube video and it was really well done!

Tami - that's the beauty of reading;you get to cast the characters yourself :). That is unfortunately also the reason why movie adaptations are so difficult to make.

Kimberly - I'm sure Haymitch is supposed to at least have a beer belly...I mean the guy was in a constantly drunken state.

Sandys - They already have the director but they have yet to cast the parts. I think he can pull it off and with Collins present I don't think it can go terribly wrong *knocks on wood*.

Mila Kunis HAS TO BE KATNISS!!!!!!

Fayne Nicole wrote: "Mila Kunis HAS TO BE KATNISS!!!!!!"


I'm not sure a 27 year old could play a 15 year old.

You'd be surprised at the ability of actresses to appear much younger than they are. A decade is trivial for her - she pulled off a teenager remarkably well in The Book of Eli.

I think she has the right look, and I agree. It seems like all actors that are playing teens are in their twenties. Look at the "kids" on Glee.

True! And I haven't seen her in any movies, so I don't know what she's like.

IMDB has Gabriel Liotta cast as Peeta. Nothing like I imagined. We will have to see how the rest goes.

It's hard for me to think of Mila Kunis as Katniss after seeing her in 'Black Swan'. :P I would really prefer it to be unknown actors.

Did she by any chance play a character that is kinda um... hateful, snobbish or mean? I haven't seen the movie but thats the impression I got when I saw her picture...

Kimberly wrote: "Did she by any chance play a character that is kinda um... hateful, snobbish or mean? I haven't seen the movie but thats the impression I got when I saw her picture..."

Kind of. I can't really say that much about it without spoiling it. :D She definitely wasn't like Katniss, let's leave it at that.

I don't really see her as Katniss either, but I'm pretty scared all around at how the movie is going to turn out. Bad casting can really ruin it.

Kimberly - maybe you remember her from That 70's Show?

The Hunger Games has the same casting director as Twilight. BIG mistake!

Ooh bad news about the same casting director. :\

After seeing more of Hailee Steinfeld I think she could do the role justice but my vote still goes to Lyndsy Fonseca!

Amanda wrote: "I think the casting director is the same one as Twilight:Breaking Dawn. So she might be good?"

Exactly. Plus, she's done some amazing movies, like 'American Beauty', 'Catch Me If You Can', 'Pleasantville' and 'Revolutionary Road'. This news actually makes me hopeful that this movie will turn out okay.

Actually, I don't think it's a bad thing that it's the same casting director. The cast of Twilight could have been good, if they'd had a talented enough director. Most of the actors in Twilight are actually pretty good, just not in those particular roles.

As long as they get a great director for Hunger Games, I think it'll be okay!

Kimberly wrote: "Actually, I don't think it's a bad thing that it's the same casting director. The cast of Twilight could have been good, if they'd had a talented enough director. Most of the actors in Twilight are..."

She wasn't the casting director for the first 3 movies, only for the upcoming ones. :) Off topic, but I have to disagree: some of the actors (Kristen Stewart especially) just aren't any good. :P

Oh, I thought we were talking about the first movie. And I agree about Kristen Stewart, thats why I said some of them are good.

IMDB took off Gabriel Liotta as Peeta, so maybe I wasn't the only one that didn't think that quite fit. :)

Katniss has been cast: Jennifer Lawrence. http://m.usmag.com/v/CelebNews/Jennif... Physically she's the exact opposite of Katniss, but she is an amazing actress, so I'm pretty happy.

Thanks for the heads up, Nikki! Has anyone seen her in another movie? If so please do tell because I'd like to watch it.

Sashana wrote: "Thanks for the heads up, Nikki! Has anyone seen her in another movie? If so please do tell because I'd like to watch it."

you can watch her in winters bone. she got an oscar nom for it. :)