First Photo From The Hunger Games Movie

And the critics fall silent.

There was a lot of initial grumbling when Jennifer Lawrence was cast in the role of Katniss Everdeen for the Hunger Gamesfilm adaptation. No one argued that Lawrence couldn’t act (she was fresh off an Oscar nomination), but they went after the little things.

In casting one of the most anticipated book to movie female protagonists since Stieg Larsson’s TheGirl With The Dragon Tattoo or Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight, it was inevitable that people were going to nitpick this choice to death. She’s too old, she doesn’t have dark hair, she’s too tall, she’s never fired a bow before, she’s not my daughter that I pushed into acting at an early age despite her pleas that she just wanted to do gymnastics and hang out with friends (very specific, I know, but I guarantee some of the grumblers were grumbling this).

I myself thought Lawrence was a little too old at first. But having seen her in Winter’s Bone, a role that had her playing a scrappy, stubborn adolescent who must provide for her impoverished family after her father disappears (eerily similar to the role that she’ll take on in the Hunger Games), I’ve turned the corner. And now with this first photo of her in costume hitting the internet, you could say I’m convinced.

What about you? Are you one of the many diehard Hunger Games fans dissecting each bit of casting news? If so, how do you feel about the other roles? Would John C. Reilly or Hugh Laurie have made a better Haymitch than Woody Harrelson? Do you feel slighted that you were not cast as Katniss after sending in your audition tape of you in cosplay outfits in the park? Will this movie series be the next Harry Potter at the box office or the next Golden Compass?

13 comments on “First Photo From The Hunger Games Movie

  1. Kate Evangelista says:

    I, for one, can't wait. I want to see how the movie goes, even if I don't agree with the casting of Peeta.

  2. M Pax says:

    Hair can always be dyed. I think acting chops are most important for any casting.

  3. Kimberly Krey says:

    Kind of took the same path as you. Wasn't so sure at first. Say "Winters Bone" and warmed up to the idea. Seeing her in that pic? I'm feelin' it. Can't wait!

  4. Conor says:

    I can't wait either, Kate. Pax, I completely agree with you. I was terrified they'd stick one of Will Smith's kids in this movie and line the rest of the cast with people who can't act their way out a box, so I'm at least encouraged by most of the casting decisions.

  5. Ninja Girl says:

    Hey Conor,
    I've heard so much about this book series/movie. Just about everywhere I found someone saying how terrible a casting this was. I have no idea myself. I've never actually read the book (I'm not really into dystopian…but I'm willing to be converted by the right book ;)) But anyway, I'm always rooting for the underdog, so I'm really hoping this girl hits one out of the park!
    Thanks for dropping by my blog and great post.
    New follower here,
    Ninja Girl

  6. Tiger Holland says:

    Returning the blog visit! Yeah, I had the same gripes about Lawrence early on–she's too pretty! She looks too sophisticated! Until I realized that I was looking glammed-up publicity shots of her, which in no way resembled how she'd look in costume. I'm happy now. 🙂

    I wanted Harrison Ford as Haymitch. He's a little older, but he could pull off that kind of curmudgeonly role.

  7. blookbog says:

    She's ok. I don't know much about her acting, which for me personally will be an advantage when getting into the story. And this picture is awesome! She can definitely look the part!

    ~Jenni

  8. chelleyreads says:

    i'm a big fan of the hunger games and i admit i'm a bit disappointed in some of the actors they chose, especially for peeta and gale. but we'll see. these guys just might surprise me.

    also, thank you for stopping by our blog and for the very lovely comment. 🙂

  9. Conor says:

    Thanks to everyone new for stopping by, it's appreciated.

    @Tiger Holland – Oh man, I didn't even consider Harrison Ford. That could have been really good.

    @blookblog – I think her acting should hold up, but we'll see how the other parts of the movie work out. Having this many child actors in a movie must be a nightmare.

    @Chelleyreads – I feel like the Gale/Peeta roles were always going to be criticized. The Peeta casting is the one I have a bigger problem with.

  10. Sandy says:

    I like to think I've matured over the years or have grown understanding. Before when I was younger I would have most likely picked at the most unimportant things in this book to movie adaptation like I did with early Harry Potter films but now I'm a go with the flow kind of girl. I also understand that stuff like hair and eye colour can be changed (heck facial features can be changed) and that the most important thing is the skill of the actor and the mood of the story. The story itself is what's important and the portrayal of the characters.

    When it was announced that Jennifer had been choosen I was a little dissapointed that it wasn't this other actress that was also on the short list but I also knew Jennifer had an oscar nomination so that made it alright for me. Also after an artical I read where she talked about Katniss and her favourites scenes from the book I was convinced that she was perfect for the role.

    If they stay true to the book this movie could be the next HP.

  11. Truly Bookish says:

    Thanks for stopping by my blog! I'm fine with Jennifer Lawrence, not very happy with the actor cast for Peeta but I will get over it. Very excited to see this movie!
    NC
    Truly Bookish

  12. Conor says:

    Sandy, a very sound and reasonable view on books becoming movies. Truly, the more healthy approach is to just go with the flow. Not to diminish what I just said, but I agree with Truly Bookish. They did botch Peeta a bit.

  13. tfwalsh says:

    I loved these books and can't wait for the movie to come… I'm not too bothered which actors they cast, as long as it sticks true to the story and they do an outstanding job:)

    Followed you from Book Blogs and now following you… cool blog.

    Tania

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