Who should play Katniss Everdeen in the movie? Pam Pastor Philippine Daily Inquirer
October 09, 2009
MANILA, Philippines – Since Lionsgate bought the license to turn the “Hunger Games” into a film, there’s one big question on everyone’s minds: who should play Katniss Everdeen in the movie?
Fans of the book have been throwing around names of different Hollywood actresses around while countless others express hopes that they would cast an unknown to bring Katniss to life.
Fans are fiercely protective of Katniss and The Hunger and have been very vocal about their choices.
We explore ten possibilities.
Ellen Page
Where you’ve seen her: “Juno”
Why she’s the perfect Katniss: “If you’ve seen her in Hard Candy, you know she has the stuff to take on this role.” –Kastrink
Why she’s not: “Her acting style is too sarcastic and wouldn’t fit Katniss.” –Apollo127 “She’s too fragile to be Katniss.” –Ace Of Spades “I can’t picture her shooting people with arrows.” –twilight_addict
What we think: Pregnant 16-year-old ready to give up her baby for adoption? Yes. 16-year-old forced into an arena in what could be the final battle of her life? No.
Camilla Belle
Where you’ve seen her: “The Lost World: Jurassic Park,” “When A Stranger Calls,” “Push,” The Jonas Brothers’ “Lovebug” music video
Why she’s the perfect Katniss: “She looks exactly the way Katniss Everdeen is supposed to look.” –girlonfire
Why she’s not: “Camilla Belle is definitely too old.” –rosalieorcatherine
What we think: Sure she’s pretty. But you need to be more than just pretty if you’re playing The Hunger Games.
Megan Fox
Where you’ve seen her: “Transformers,” “Jennifer’s Body”
Why she’s the perfect Katniss: “She is a beautiful black-haired girl with tannish skin who can play bold, brave and cunning characters.” –Shahidkapoor
Why she’s not: “She’s way too provocative to be Katniss, who is the complete opposite of provocative. As charming as a dead slug, remember?” –yael5012
What we think: Megan Fox is too old and too hot for this role. Yes, sometimes excessive hotness can be a bad thing.
AnnaSophia Robb
Where you’ve seen her: “Race to Witch Mountain,” “Bridge to Terabithia,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”
Why she’s the perfect Katniss: “She’s of perfect age! If she dyed her hair, she’d definitely fit the image.” –Jaelovedoll
Why she’s not: “AnnaSophia Robb is not dark enough.” –peeta412
What we think: AnnaSophia looks innocent, sweet, wide-eyed. She doesn’t possess Katniss’ edge. Can you imagine her hunting animals, skinning them and eating them? I thought so.
Dakota Fanning
Where you’ve seen her: “I Am Sam,” “Charlotte’s Web,” “War of the Worlds,” “The Secret Life of Bees”
Why she’s the perfect Katniss: “I think she has the depth to portray all the layers of Katniss.” –Lehua
Why she’s not: “If she’s cast she might just ruin the movie.” –Mayci
What we think: No doubt about it, Dakota Fanning is a brilliant actress. But she’s no Katniss.
Kristen Stewart
Where you’ve seen her: “Twilight,” “Panic Room”
Why she’s the perfect Katniss: “She will be perfect! All she needs to change is the color of her eyes.” –lilchocoluver
Why she’s not: “If Kristen Stewart was Katniss, I would scrape my eyeballs out with a plastic spoon” –UnderlandSavior
What we think: If Kristen was cast as Katniss, we’ll just keep waiting for Edward to appear in the arena and kick the crap out of the other tributes.
Emily Browning
Where you’ve seen her: “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events,” “The Uninvited,” “Stranded”
Why she’s the perfect Katniss: “She can totally pull of the hostile thing. I mean, she went from quiet, dark and smart Violet in “Series of Unfortunate Events” to psycho, scared, depressed Anna in “The Univited.” She could totally pull of serious, hostile, funny, and sometimes emotional Katniss!” –Bellissa
Why she’s not: “She’s a bit too cute.” –daydreamingxxx
What we think: We also believe Lionsgate is better off casting an unknown to play Katniss Everdeen but Emily Browning may just have what it takes to play “The Hunger Games’” beloved heroine. Emily Browning still has a raw quality to her – she isn’t too glossy like a lot of young Hollywood actresses are.
Kat Dennings
Where you’ve seen her: “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist,” “The House Bunny,” “Shorts”
Why she’s the perfect Katniss: “She’s not perfect but she’s likeable. And like Katniss, she’s not aware of how pretty she is.” –sam221
Why she’s not: “She’s cool but she’s too old.” –havewingswillfly
What we think: We have to admit we’re a little biased. We love Kat Dennings and adored her in “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist.” But as much as we love Kat, Katniss is a 16-year-old in the first book and Kat is already 23. We can totally see her with that braid and those crazy arrows though.
Michelle Trachtenberg
Where you’ve seen her: “Harriet the Spy,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Gossip Girl”
Why she’s the perfect Katniss: “She has that look to her.” –Failing to Repeat
Why she’s not: “Michelle Trachtenberg? That’s way off.” –Sam
What we think: We’re good with her letting arrows fly on the Upper East Side as Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl. Let’s leave it at that.
Miley Cyrus
Where you’ve seen her: “Hannah Montana”
Why she’s the perfect Katniss: “She’s the one I pictured in my head as I read the book. Plus she’s so much hotter now.” –summerbreeze Why she’s not: “Hannah Montana won’t last a day in the arena.” –teampeeta
