‘Catching Fire’ director Gary Ross says he already knows who he wants to play Finnick

By Andrew Sims (@Sims) at 3:30 pm, February 24, 2012

A special edition of Us Weekly – featuring lots of new content on The Hunger Games – also includes an interview with director Gary Ross.

Most interestingly, he says he knows who he wants to play Finnick.

The key, though, is that he doesn’t say the actor has been hired yet:

Gary Ross said he and Suzanne Collins are already thinking about casting for Catching Fire. Gary teased saying, “I already decided who I want!” for Finnick Odair.

Who do you think should play Finnick? Catching Fire will be in theaters November 22nd, 2013. Thanks to The Hob!

View the latest articles in: The Hunger Games

Emily Z.

Ian Somerhalder with blonde hair!!!!!!!! PLEASE
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001426435099 Louelle van Rens
  
  AHAHAHAH THAT IS SERIOUSLY FUNNY.
- Kelly Barker
  
  Oh my gosh! I was just about to comment “I imagined Ian Somerhalder as Finnick” and then I read that! Hahahahaha!!! That’s too funny! But Ian is just too perfect :) He’s got the blue eyes and everything :)
  - Kelly Barker
    
    Wait, does Finnick have blue or green eyes?
    - Patty
      
      Green.
      - Rose
        
        What about Joseph Morgan, blue-green eyes, blonde hair and he’s around Ian’s age but I think he could pull off being 24.
    - http://www.facebook.com/people/Joey-Mangum/1820064015 Joey Mangum
      
      Seafoam Green
    - A Very Potter Fan
      
      Sea foam green.
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1381504748 Hibaq Farah
  
  Too old. Ian is 32 given the fact everyone had a fit about Jennifer being 4 years older than Katniss imagine the uproar.
  - lauren175
    
    I think Ian could pass as a 24 year old. But I don’t think it would work if they were planning on doing any flashback scenes from when he was first in the Hunger Games
- TeamSnow
  
  I actually think Nathaniel Buzolic (Kol in TVD) looks like how I imagined Finnick but I’d love Ian to be in Mockingjay maybe as Boggs or someone though he might be a bit young for that role.
- Luna97831
  
  mmm…. no. his features are wrong to be finnick’s.
Celia Alistair

GARY ROSS NOOOO!
- Josh
  
  ??
http://dervish-banges.tumblr.com Tariq

I didn’t realize Catching Fire already has a release date set for just over a year. I hope they spend as much time perfecting it as they did with Hunger games.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1534802836 Kaley Eidson

Armie Hammer!
- lorepottter
  
  I like the idea..older, good looking, im with you in that
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1534802836 Kaley Eidson
    
    He’s only twenty-five. But it makes since to have someone who looks older because Josh is the only one who’s actually a teenager.
- http://twitter.com/altonium Alton de Jesus
  
  Armie Hammer looks the closest to my head-Finnick. But I won’t begrudge other actors who would play them in the films.
- http://www.facebook.com/people/Rachel-Whelen/514317641 Rachel Whelen
  
  That is so perfect! He matches exactly the Finnick in my mind.
- 7Starrchasers
  
  Hammer! Hammer! Hammer! Hammer!…*keeps chanting*
Laura Jones

if you haven’t already i recommend everyone check out mainstaypro on youtube- they have a 6 part mini series (each vid like 5 min) of Annie and Finnicks story- its beautifully shot and really amazing- I think the guy how plays Finnick in that would make an AMAZING Finnick!

this is the first ep: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_MNmhZvYeg
- http://twitter.com/glasswatar Suri Meipapilionis
  
  I think he might be a little too young ;/
- Sara
  
  YES!!! Ever since I watched Mainstaypro’s series, when i reread the books, I imagine the guy who plays Finnick (in the series) as Finnick! He is such a good actor! He will always be my Finnick, who ever Gary Ross picks to play him.
Aviane

Honestly I think Zac Efron would be amazing as Finnick! :D
Allie Rose Mellark

I’m Sorry to say this but I pictured Zac Effron playing Finnick. I know people dont like him but he fits the handsome, tan, brown hair green eyes role. And he is in shape and a pretty good actor.
- Anna-FilmGirl
  
  And he’s a charismatic humanitarian!
  - Daughter of Eve
    
    I was thinking of a young Jeremy Renner before your comment. I can see Efron as Finnick. After Charlie St. Cloud, I thought Efron really has a lot to offer as an actor.
  - A Very Potter Fan
    
    I just appreciate his charms…and hair! He can’t be evil, you know, he’s Headmaster Zefron!
- http://twitter.com/altonium Alton de Jesus
  
  Effron, huh? If he kicks ass with the role, I could jump in the band wagon. I think he’s a pretty decent talent. I wonder, would Finnick have any singing scenes? I do like Effron’s musical competency.
- http://twitter.com/Tarah94 Tarah
  
  As much as I feel like I should be opposed to that idea, I think he’d make a really great Finnick.
- Kat
  
  Totally agree. High School Musical made me have doubts but 17 Again, New Year’s Eve, The Lucky One and Charlie St. Cloud totally ruled out everything. He is so attractive that he would be PERFECT! He even was on the cover of the 2010 People Magazine for best bodies. He’s an amazing actor. Zac is absolute perfection for Finnick Odair.
http://twitter.com/STEPHYCAKESBBY Stephanie Hemmings

Hayden Christensen.
- Camillo
  
  Agree!
- Misswriter18
  
  He’s a terrible actor… that’s a bad idea!
Jael

Sam Clafin (don’t know if that’s you spell it) please.
Emma

JENSEN ACKLES
- lorepottter
  
  tooooooooo old
- Kelly
  
  YEEEEESSSS (and I know he’s probably too old but I don’t care, I agree with you 100%)
zoe

joey graceffa! he wants it sooo badly look him up on youtube
- jp
  
  YES
- http://twitter.com/StarKid_Diablo Aimee
  
  thats who I was gonna say too. And I can see it
Annie

JARED LETO. He has the eyes and is a good actor, I think it cuz be the perfect Finnick.
kate

tom felton
- Luna
  
  helll yaaa
- Kate
  
  I don’t think that would be a good idea, for him to do another (what seems like it will be) big franchise.
  - Liz
    
    Hate to compare HG or HP to Twilight but they did choose Pattinson to play Edward after he played Cedric in GoF. I wouldn’t be surprised if the studio chose actors from the other major fandoms (notably HP and Twilight) just to get people who aren’t already fans to watch the movies in future.
    - Kate
      
      This is true, but Cedric was only in one film, and it had been a few years after that he was cast in Twilight. And I’m not a huge fan of Twilight, but I have read that Kellan Lutz from those movies wasn’t allowed to audition for The Hunger Games. So I really don’t see it happening.
Miskk9

Joey Graceffa should sooo play Finnick freakin O’dair
http://twitter.com/nmaX_district4 Nicole

This is going to be tough. I don’t think anyone will ever be able to live up to the Finnick in my head. And everyone has a different Finnick. For other characters, it didn’t matter so much what they looked like, but I think because Finnick is who he is, it matters a little bit more….. I DON’T KNOW ANYMORE!!!
Haley S.

I always imagined Chris Pine as Finnick but I am sure that Gary Ross will not disappoint us. :)
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1455462014 Lauren Humbard

I actually think Zac Efron would be a pretty good choice for Finnick. I know, I know, he’s famous for Highschool Musical and the acting in that movie was…well, that doesn’t mean he can’t act. 17 Again was amazing; if he can make that work, he can do Finnick.
http://twitter.com/glasswatar Suri Meipapilionis

haha All the fansites doing finding Finnick Odair… sorry I just had to laugh at the slight irony since Gary Ross and Suzanne Collins probably already cast him in their heads :) and generally, judging by this movie, I think it might just come around :D
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001426435099 Louelle van Rens

I’m rooting for either Armie Hammer (because this post with an open letter
http://victorsvillage.com/2012/02/04/an-open-letter-to-armie-hammer/ and his response
http://victorsvillage.com/2012/02/08/real-or-not-real/)

OR Garrett Hedlund
OR Jake Abel.
http://twitter.com/ShelleBelleSki Rochelle Korolewski

Freddie Stroma
- Luna97831
  
  YES THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I THOUGHT TOO!!!! i think he would make a terrific finnick, he looks exactly like i thought finnick would look like.
- Joshaholic113
  
  YES OMG I LOVE FREDDIE STROMA <3 HE'D BE SO PERFECT!!
http://www.facebook.com/JesseB.72 Jesse Barrow

Damon from TVD I think he has the perfect demeanor for this role plus he has the acting chops to pull of tortured like he did when he was werewolf bitten in TVD… and since finnick is only emotionally tortured it should be epic… :D
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=23710435 Aletha Stainbrook

TAYLOR FREAKING KITSCH!!!!!!!
- TeamSnow
  
  Wow! Excellent choice :)
Cjjones95

Ryan Reynolds
- lorepottter
  
  i like him, but come on, he cant look like a 24 years old
Violet

Either Freddie Stroma or Jeremy Irvine!
(Jeremy as a blonde, obviously)
He’s the casting I’m most excited for! (:
http://www.facebook.com/TreeKisser Jessica White

Garrett Hedlund
- Amanda Nicole
  
  YES!!!
Rwnumber1

Freddie Stroma!
Zack

I pictured Zac Efron.
HG

Please Gary Ross pick Freddie stromer!!!! I knew there was one guy that I totally imagined finnick as and I finally figured out it was cormack mcclagen!
Guest

I picture Matt Bomer… I have only seen him in White Collar and I love him in it! I think he looks perfect, but I’m not sure he has the depth of character needed for Finnick, especially with what he goes through in Mockingjay. But, honestly, with how well the first movie casting seems to have turned out (based on pictures and trailers) I trust Ross to pick the perfect person.
- Gary65
  
  Oh God yes. Matthew Bomer is brilliant. He makes White Collar.
- Laycie
  
  OH MY GOD I SO AGREE. MATT BOMER WOULD BE THE PERFECT FINNICK.
jordan.d

I’ve always pictured Ryan Goseling as Finnick. Finnick is supposed to be about 24, 8 years older than Katniss and since Jennifer is 21 they should cast someone who is roughtly 8 years older than Jennifer… someone in their late 20s would be the right age.
Gary’s casting judgment has been good so far (at least with what we have seen), so I think the person he has in mind will be good.
http://twitter.com/7BearSarah Sarah

Grant Gustin (Sabastian on Glee) would be the perfect Finnick!
- Layla_S
  
  LOL i’m keeping my fingers crossed for him cos he really wants it <3
- LSpell619
  
  He’d be PERFECT!
- Anna
  
  Omg!!! All of my friends and I agree that Finnick should be Grant too!! Glee+ hunger games = AMAZING!!
- TeamSnow
  
  I love Grant Gustin but he looks slightly younger than Jennifer Lawrence so it might be a bit strange having him in the older experienced tribute role.
Cheezy229

Alex Pettyfer!
Cynara M.

Drew Van Acker
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1683360003 Paige Barton

AGHH he can’t do that to us!! Ryan Gosling, PLEASE. i know he may be a little old, but so what? everyone is older than their character
http://twitter.com/WhatTheGrace Grace Nzita

It’s been so long since i last read the series, so i can’t remember too much of what Finnick looked like but Hunter Parish keeps appearing in my mind.

He used to be the actor who i wanted to play Peeta. But as he was in his 20s, he wouldn’t have fit the part, i think he’d be good playing Finnick!
http://www.facebook.com/iDomi Domi Ed

What about Trouty Mouth?
lol
But really, Chord Overstreet would be great. I have seen him look older then we are use to seeing him on Glee.

As much as I love Ian ( I have no problem confessing this) I just don’t see him in this role (he is too old). I REALLY can’t see him blonde…..
QuaffleRose34

if only Bradley Cooper were younger….
Erika

Hunter Parrish!
GingerGames

Drew Van Acker, Diego Boneta, Joseph Morgan, Wilson Bethal, Sam Claflin, Theo James, Freddie Stroma
http://twitter.com/twixie09 Lauren Gizzi

Joey Graceffa! hahaha xD
http://www.facebook.com/Panhead1922 Ande Anderson

ME! Haha. Chris Evans. He played the stuck up ladies man in Fantastic 4, and the sweet guy in Captain America, so I KNOW he can play both sides of Finnick!
http://memonisma.blogspot.com/ F.FRANKLIN

When I read the book, I felt Armie Hammer or Henry Cavill(after losing some muscles almost with the Immortals body not Man Of Steel body) would fit the role..I feel by casting Zac Efron(he is talented) will make the film look like a film for the tweens and that will only kill the film, I seriously hope they would cast someone who can really act instead focusing just on the looks
Anna

Grant gustin (sebastian on glee) or Colton hayes (teen wolf) they would both be amazing!! They have the sexiness and arrogance!!!!
Taylor

NO glee in the hunger games that does NOT go together. I don’t really care if it’s zack effron of whoever but i imagined finnick with blonde hair and youngish i guess. whoever they cast will probably be awesome!
sarah_layla_777

Grant Gustin or Curt Mega – Please <3 that'll make me ecstatic <3 Please <3
akacj18

i realize he’s a little old for the part, but Justin Thoreaux would be perfect for me.
- lorepottter
  
  i think he would be good for oned of the hippie roles
Blair Warren

Hmm I think SEBASTIAN STAN! Thats as close to the Finnick I imagined while reading the book. :-D
Taylor Rayne

While reading the books, I always pictured Zac Efron as Finnick. His appearance matches perfectly, and his acting career has definitely matured for a role like this.
Charlotte

Joey Graceffa!!!!!!<3
haymitchatemylunch

BEN BARNES ANYONE?? He definitely has the looks for it, and he fits the age factor as well. What about his acting? Think he has what it takes to pull off Mockinjay Finnick? Haven’t seen him in Dorian Grey, but I am secretly hoping it’s him!
Not too sure about Zac, though he has improved greatly in recent years. Too much star power, maybe? He’s kinda short, too. Meh. But the Mainstay Finnick was way better as Haymitch, in my opinion. And he is kinda too sullen looking for Finnick. Armie Hammer- he is gorgeous, no doubt. But in a serious Mr. Darcy kind of way. Don’t really see him as much of a flirt, though he can bring depth to the role.
Can’t wait to find out!!
- TeamGreasySae
  
  Yeah I think that too :) Ben Barnes x Freddie Stromer divided by 2!!!
Kennedy

Grant Gustin…or any really good actor who’s attractive and has a swimmer’s body.
- http://twitter.com/Tarah94 Tarah
  
  I was thinking Gustin as well
- I<3Books
  
  I could see that.
Isak

Garrett Hedlund would be PERFECT
Ana

Matt Lanter! When Katniss described Finnick, he INSTANTLY came to my mind. I think he would be perfect for the part.

Drew Van Acker would be a good one too.
- Aeo2626
  
  Drew Van Acker is my choice too. I don’t typically drool when I see a good-looking guy, but he is just so pretty!
  
  http://www.manchic.com/.a/6a00d83452a5f269e2014e8c05e6f0970d-pi
  
  http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vlz5Zs-9fOA/Ton2pVvP8UI/AAAAAAAAGXY/Qb2qBuzkc8o/s1600/DVA_03_1.jpg
Rose

WHAT A TEASE.
Liizzodvj

ARMIE HARMER
WillowBlood

I’d personally like an unknown actor who comes out into the spotlight and does really well.
I<3Books

I read through the comments and some people said they think he has blond hair while others thinks it’s brown. I’m pretty sure he has brown hair (or am I just delusional?)
- Whisperwolf
  
  I always imagined him blonde, but I could easily have read it wrong…
annie

I know hes not an actor but I’ve always imagined Finnick looking like David Gandy. purely because he looks really, REALLY good in speedos.
- annie
  
  http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=david+gandy&um=1&hl=en&safe=active&sa=N&biw=1280&bih=709&tbm=isch&tbnid=qz7O4nkudy9q3M:&imgrefurl=http://superstarmagazine.com/fashion/david-gandy-wet-pants-boy.html&docid=pxjDFb0FtTZtPM&imgurl=http://superstarmagazine.com/images/uploads/2011/05/David-Gandy-DG-Light-Blue-Lying-Down-785×1024.jpg&w=785&h=1024&ei=myFJT6raOuOt0QWJqNGZDg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=755&vpy=220&dur=553&hovh=256&hovw=197&tx=71&ty=107&sig=106681218358439733889&page=1&tbnh=167&tbnw=137&start=0&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:11,s:0 Just so you can visualize nothing more…
http://www.facebook.com/richard.r.bailey Richard Bailey

I would actually be okay with Zac Effron as Finnick Odair. I know I should probably be shot for saying that, but I’d be fine with that :)
- http://www.facebook.com/richard.r.bailey Richard Bailey
  
  or Chace Crawford
Jaime

Chris Zylka! I totally imaged him.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3024712/
- Jaime
  
  Imagined* sorry.
Gary65

Are you guys going to do a poll for who should be cast as Finnick?
HungryGamerStarkidwithHP

Zac Efron!!! The Charismatic Humanitarian. He is a horcrux and hot!!
Guest

alex pettyfer anyone?
http://twitter.com/HungerGames4all Rae

I trust Gary Ross fullheartedly so whoever ends up being Finnick, I’m sure we’ll end up loving him in the end <3
Lookat

I will be disappointed if it’s not Sheamus from WWE.
Laurenw1025

Joey Graceffa!
Glaciusx

OMG PLEASE BE LUKE MITCHELL.
Estella

Joey Graccifia
Sam

Grant Gustin and nobody else
Chelsea7547

Zac Efron!!!
Chelsea7547

Or Grant Gustin!
Horserider_mel

ARMIE HAMMER
Hayley

If Garret Hedlund doesn’t play Finnick I will cry.
He’s exactly how I pictured him.
Although I never considered Armie Hammer until reading these comments, and he’d be great too!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Vickie-Toro/1572150081 Vickie Toro

Armie Hammer, all the way.
Jenna

Chord Overstreet!
hi

chord overstreet!!!
Domo

I think chord overstreet would be great to play it!!!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=51500624 Lindsey Ferguson

Jared Padalecki!! Yes He may be a tad too old but given what Finnick has been through he read older to me.

Or for some reasn I can only blame on too much babysitting I pictured Spencer from iCarly as Finnick. Also pictured Freddie as Peeta and Sam as Katniss. It could totally work!!
April

I definitely saw Alex Pettyfer as Finnick.
Beth

Mike Vogel all the way.
Jade

Joey grecaffa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Tabitha
  
  Its Graceffa. But yeah, it should totally be him! He’s perfect- sea green eyes and dark hair- not to mention he’s gorgeous! For those of you who don’t know Joey, here he is.
Monkey

Henry Cavill should play Finnick! He is able to pull off arrogance and you could also find him endearing as well!!! He is above and beyond the best choice.
Blondiexliz

Alex Pettyfer for sure!
KAILE

BEN J STONE!
hi

CHORD OVERSTREET!!!
hes perfect he has green eyes
amazing body
and blonde hair hes perfect im telling you!!
- Tabitha
  
  Definitley not. Not only is Chord hella ugly, he’s too pale, has a screwed up mouth, and Finnick has dark hair.
Laycie

Matt Bomer, honestly he’s the literal embodiment of Finnick right down to the green eyes.
Bigsmiley106

for me, i was quite disappointed with the first movie because most of the time the connection or feelings was a little bit not complete. for example the conectio between rue and katniss didn’t developed properly and i was hardly feel any emotion there. however, i still want the sequel though=)
makayla2500

After looking through most of the commets, I believe none of you have a correct image of Finnik Odair. Just saying. I have heard alot of rumors about The Hunger Games being just like Twilight. Which i also heard the Robert Pattinson going to play the roll of Finnik…. NO. NO. NO. It would most definetly seem like Twilight. And The Hunger Games is WAY better then twilight. And just no just no to Zac Efron. I actully picture Finnik as a middle-aged, blonde man. Rethink everyone (:
makayla2500

And i wish it would hurry up and come out… lol.
Hannahmk2000

Joey graceffa where should I begin he has been acting since 2007 and a little before and has the looks and actually calls himself finnick I don’t know about you guys but I want a sugar cube Joey!!!!check out his YouTube channel (joeygraceffa) he is perfect and also he has read hg and lives the series
And guys who want Alex he turned it down cuz he has another role to play and Joey is the best out of everyone

Hypable encourages the community to use our Comments feature to hold thoughtful, polite, and critical discussions. We do NOT tolerate inappropriate, rude, or downright mean discussion towards the news story's subject matter or towards other Hypable users. We reserve the right to delete or ban comments and users who violate these guidelines.

‘Catching Fire’ director Gary Ross says he already knows who he wants to play Finnick

More in The Hunger Games (500 of 987 articles)