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Sam Claflin is Finnick Odair in 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire'

by Ethan Anderton
August 22, 2012

It's official. After being mentioned as the top choice for the fan favorite role of Finnick Odair in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Lionsgate has officially announced that Snow White and the Huntsman star Sam Claflin has landed the role in the anticipated sequel. Finnick is a District 4 Hunger Games victor called back into the arena for the Third Quarter Quell, or 75th Annual Hunger Games. The strong and striking trident-wielding tribute is a key player in the games with Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) alongside Lynn Cohen as his fellow tribute, the elderly Maggie, from the same district.

This role for Claflin could thrust him into the same kind of fame that Robert Pattinson gained after landing the lead in The Twilight Saga. Finnick Odair is one of the most popular characters in the entire series, so this casting was under a lot of scrutiny from those who have read the book. Claflin got a big boost in his career from a small turn in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, and the same kind of role let him shine again in Snow White and the Huntsman, but this role will really let him show off his skills on the big screen, and should be his breakthrough role if he nails it.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Third Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever. Francis Lawrence is directing the film hitting theaters on November 22, 2013.

Filed under Casting, Movie News

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