Hollywood is tough. Here are 5 famous actors that auditioned for roles on The Hunger Games and lost
The Hunger Games franchise is one of the biggest series to ever hit Hollywood. With reports claiming that the new Mockingjay – Part 1 made over 50 million dollars opening weekend, fans all over the world are joining in to see what will happen to Katniss Everdeen.
The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 1 continues to follow Katniss Everdeen. After, surviving the Hunger Games twice, Katniss finds herself in District 13. Under the leadership of President Coin and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss reluctantly becomes the symbol of a mass rebellion against the Capitol and fights to save Peeta and a nation moved by her courage.
The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 1 stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Stanley Tucci and Donald Sutherland. It is the sequel to The Hunger Games: Catching Fireand will be followed by the concluding entry, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2.
But, before Jennifer Lawrence landed the role of a lifetime and before, Josh Hutcherson ever became Peeta, dozens of aspiring actors auditioned for the lead roles in The Hunger Games.
According to The Wrap, here are 5 popular actors that auditioned for lead roles in The Hunger Games but eventually lost.
1. Shailene Woodley: She Was Almost Katniss Everdeen
Shailene Woodley was no stranger to young adult fiction adaptations when she auditioned for the role of Katniss Everdeen. The actress, later known for her lead roles in Divergent and The Fault in Our Stars, seemed like a natural choice for the fierce yet vulnerable Katniss. Lionsgate executives reportedly saw great potential in her audition and kept her in mind for future projects. Though Jennifer Lawrence ultimately donned Katniss’ Mockingjay pin, Woodley’s career didn’t falter. Instead, she became the face of Divergent, another blockbuster franchise based on a dystopian society.
Woodley’s portrayal of Tris Prior in Divergent drew parallels to Katniss, with both characters challenging corrupt systems while fighting for survival. However, where Katniss was a reluctant hero, Woodley’s Tris embraced her rebellion from the start. Her career only soared from there, making her a household name among fans of Suzanne Collins and Veronica Roth alike. Imagine how The Hunger Games might have felt with Shailene in the lead—would she have brought a softer edge or an equally fierce determination to Katniss?
According to The Wrap, “She must have impressed Lionsgate execs during her Katniss auditions because they cast the actress as the lead in their next big YA franchise, “Divergent.”
2. Grant Gustin: A Flash of Finnick Odair
Grant Gustin, now celebrated as Barry Allen in the hit CW series The Flash, tried his hand at landing the role of Finnick Odair in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Finnick, a Capitol favorite and one of the most complex characters in the series, plays a pivotal role in the rebellion against President Snow. Gustin’s boyish charm and charisma seemed like a good fit for the part, but the role eventually went to Sam Claflin, whose nuanced performance won over fans and critics alike.
While Gustin missed out on portraying Finnick—who wielded his trident as both a weapon and a symbol of rebellion—his career trajectory didn’t slow down. Shortly after auditioning, Gustin landed the lead in The Flash, where he became the Scarlet Speedster. As Finnick, Gustin might have showcased his vulnerability and courage in the deadly Quarter Quell arena. But in his role as Barry Allen, he captures a different kind of heroism, proving that sometimes rejection leads to better-suited opportunities.
3. Evan Peters: Peeta Mellark’s Almost-Twin
Evan Peters, widely known for his work in American Horror Story and as Quicksilver in X-Men, was one of the actors considered for the role of Peeta Mellark. Peeta, a male tribute from District 12, becomes a key ally—and eventual love interest—of Katniss Everdeen. Peters reportedly tested alongside Jennifer Lawrence, but the chemistry between her and Josh Hutcherson ultimately sealed the deal.
Peters’ career, however, didn’t suffer from this missed opportunity. His portrayal of Quicksilver in X-Men: Days of Future Past became an instant fan favorite, and his chilling roles on American Horror Story earned him widespread critical acclaim. As Peeta, Peters might have brought a darker, more brooding quality to the role, contrasting with Hutcherson’s warm and empathetic portrayal. Still, it’s hard to imagine anyone else beside Lawrence as Peeta, given the intense and complicated relationship that defines the heart of the story.
4. Mia Wasikowska: A Candidate for Johanna Mason
Mia Wasikowska, known for her breakout role in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, was in the running to play Johanna Mason, the female tribute from District 7. Johanna’s fierce personality, sharp wit, and unflinching resolve made her one of the most memorable characters in Catching Fire. Though Wasikowska was a top contender, the role ultimately went to Jena Malone, whose fierce performance left an indelible mark on the franchise.
Wasikowska, however, went on to carve a successful career in indie and blockbuster films alike. Her role as Alice in a box office smash established her as a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. While her version of Johanna might have been intriguing, Malone’s intensity perfectly captured Johanna’s blend of strength and vulnerability. Wasikowska’s understated acting style might have offered a more subdued take on the character, but it’s safe to say fans were thrilled with the final choice.
5. Chloë Moretz: An Aspiring Katniss
Chloë Grace Moretz, star of Kick-Ass and Carrie, openly expressed her desire to play Katniss Everdeen. In an interview, she shared, “I’d die to play Katniss. It’s such a cool role.” Despite her enthusiasm, Moretz lost out to Jennifer Lawrence. Still, the actress went on to star in The 5th Wave, another young adult adaptation, solidifying her place in the genre.
Moretz’s youthful energy and fierce determination could have brought a fresh dynamic to Katniss, emphasizing her rebellious nature. However, Lawrence’s portrayal balanced Katniss’ vulnerability and strength, creating a character that resonated deeply with audiences. Moretz continues to thrive in Hollywood, tackling a variety of roles that showcase her range and versatility.
She is most known for such movies as (500) Days of Summer, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Kick-Ass, Let Me In, Hugo, Dark Shadows, Carrie, If I Stay and The Equalizer. Chlore Moretz told the LA Times that “I’d die to play Katniss. It’s such a cool role.” The actress is currently in Atlanta, Georgia working on the alien franchise thriller, “The 5th Wave”, based on the bestselling books by Rick Yancey.
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