Ah, The Hunger Games. That series about that girl! But imagine the movies with a different cast. Despite the amazing acting skills of Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth, other actors could well have almost got their roles instead. Let’s look at some of the other talented actors who auditioned for the movie series. Here they are.
Saoirse Ronan as Katniss
In 2011, over 30 actresses were auditioned for the role of Katniss. In the end, Jennifer Lawrence was selected to play the lead character, but she was by no means the only big name up for the role.
Even though Saoirse Ronan didn’t get the part of Katniss, she later starred in another book-to-movie adaptation. She got a role in The Host from Twilight writer Stephenie Meyer.
Hailee Steinfeld as Katniss
Hailee Steinfeld shared that she didn’t regret not getting the role of Katniss. Thanks to her enormous talent, she got a part in another successful movie.
She played Kate Bishop on Marvel’s Hawkeye. We personally love her in Begin Again, another movie she stars in with Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo.
Zoey Deutch as Katniss
Unlike Hailee Steinfield, Zoey Deutch was truly disappointed after not getting to play Katniss. She said she had screen-tested for the role, but she knew she wouldn’t get it because of some of the comments from the crew during her audition.
Later, she got to star in YA films like 2013’s Beautiful Creatures and 2014’s Vampire Academy.
Evan Peters as Peeta
Even though he didn’t get the chance to star in The Hunger Games along with Jennifer Lawrence, Roberts still got to partner with her in the X-Men movie franchise—as the super speedy Pietro Maximoff, otherwise known as Quicksilver.
Is it just us, or does Evan Peters actually look more like Peeta than Josh Hutcherson does?!
Kristin Chenoweth as Effie
Kristin Chenoweth was a fan of the books even before auditioning for the role of Effie.
Even though she was disappointed she didn’t get the role, Kristin still thought Elizabeth Banks’ performance was “so good.”
Garrett Hedlund as Finnick
Garrett Hedlund had to turn down the role of Finnick in Catching Fire due to his busy schedule.
Eventually, Sam Claflin got the role, which helped him get started on his Hollywood journey. Movie buffs among you may recognize Clafin as Achilles’ cousin Patroclus in 2004’s Troy.