And the Role of Finnick Goes to...

Sam Claflin

         
          If you've been following the casting scoop for the much-loved Finnick Odair, you knew he was a contender, but now it's official.  Sam Claflin (Snow White and the Huntsman) will play Finnick in Catching Fire, the sure to be a hit sequel to The Hunger Games.
              I'm not sure how I feel about it yet.  Calflin was alright as a preacher in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, but in Snow White, he was a sort of bland character without the charisma a role like Finnick requires.  That could simply be because he wasn't the main character (the Huntsman)  I'll just have to reserve judgement until the movie comes out.  Sadly, I'll have to wait a while, seeing as Katniss and crew doesn't hit theaters until November 2013.

The Finnick Games

Sam Claflin, Finnick?

          Arguably the best, most nuanced new character in Catching Fire, Finnick Odair is described as a Greek god, bronze hair and all.  The former Hunger Games champion and mentor at first appears shallow and jaded, but later connects with The Hunger Games leading lady Katniss and reveals his brokenness.  Casting rumors for Finnick spread fire faster than one of Cinna's dresses.  Everyone's name from Armie Hammer (The Social Network) to Garret Hedlund (Tron) to Sam Claflin (Snow White and the Huntsman) has been thrown into the casting gossip.  Reports are surfacing that Claflin, who also appeared in the most recent Pirates of the Caribbean movie, is the forerunner, but the studio hasn't confirmed anything.  As long as the fan-favorite Finnick is given  the screen time he deserves, I won't complain either way.  Be on the lookout for the official casting report for Finnick.  May the odds be ever in Finnick's favor, or at least in the actor's who plays him.