"The Hunger Games" has finally found their Finnick Odair.
Lionsgate and the filmmakers of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" announced Wednesday that Sam Claflin has been cast as Finnick.
According to the press release, after breaking out in his role as the romantic lead in last year's "PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES," Claflin starred in the box office smash "SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN" playing Prince William alongside Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron and Chris Hemsworth. He recently finished filming "THE QUIET ONES" opposite Jarred Harris, and "MARY & MARTHA," in which he co-stars with Hilary Swank.
This news has been long awaited. Many fans tried to figure out who would play Finnick, who is an important character in Suzanne Collins' bestselling novel "Catching Fire."
Finnick Odair, a tribute from District 4, is a crucial role in the upcoming movie. He becomes a key player in Katniss' life, especially after he saves Peeta from drowning in the Quarter Quell. He's muscular, tan and blonde-haired, and he helps the rebellion by appearing in rebel propos and revealing political secrets of the Capitol.
It was reported in July that Claflin had in fact had the role already, but he just had to accept it.
These actors will join Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen), Josh Hutcherson (Peeta Mellark), Liam Hemsworth (Gale Hawthorne), Elizabeth Banks (Effie Trinket), Lenny Kravitz (Cinna), and Woody Harrelson (Haymitch).
In recent "Hunger Games" news, Stephanie Leigh Schlund will play the role of Cashmere from District 1. Alan Ritchson will play the role of Cashmere's brother, Gloss. Both were reaped in the 75th Hunger Games, also known as The Quarter Quell.
Lionsgate recently announced that "The Color Purple" actress Maria Howell will play the role of Seeder from District 11. She has olive skin and straight black hair streaked with silver with golden brown eyes.
Also recently announced was E. Roger Mitchell to play Chaff from District 11, Lynn Cohen to play Mags from District 4, Amanda Plummer to play the role of Wiress from District 3, "Sucker Punch" actress Jena Malone to play Johanna Mason, a female victor from District 7, and Philip Seymour Hoffman to play Plutarch Heavensbee.
Cinema Blend announced that Variety reported that Patrick St. Esprit, star of TV's "Sons of Anarchy," has been cast as Romulus Thread, the harsh and violent Peacekeeper dispatched by the government to maintain order in District 12, where Katniss is from.
"Catching Fire" is set to release in theaters Nov. 22, 2013.