If you’ve been following Screen Rant‘s coverage of the casting process for The Hunger Games, then you know the drill by now: Lionsgate has once again announced the casting of two more relative newcomers (both of whom have stunt work experience, this time around) as “tributes” in Gary Ross’ highly-anticipated literary adaptation.
With the exceptions of Elizabeth Banks and Paula Malcolmson, there have been no long-experienced adult thespians officially cast in the film just yet. That will certainly change in the future, even if rumored candidates like John C. Reilly ultimately do not sign on for the flick.
The latest Hunger Games roles filled are those of the nameless District 6 “tributes”, who will be brought to life by youngsters Ashton Moio and Kara Petersen. Moio has played small supporting roles before, in shows like Dexter and No Ordinary Family, and was a stunt double in several films – including most recently, Hop. Petersen’s resume is restricted solely to stunt work, as will be (sort of ) on display in this summer’s Super 8.
UPDATE: Sam Ly (Tremors 4) and newcomer Leigha Hancock have been cast as the nameless male and female “tribute” from District 7, respectively, in Hunger Games as well.
It makes sense that so many young novices with experience as stunt performers are being hired on to play the participants in the deadly Hunger Games. Most of these characters are literally nameless, and have to mostly be convincing as tough and determined young warriors – so bringing on kids who already know how to take a hit in real life seems like a smart approach.
Once again, here is the most up-to-date roster of Hunger Games “tribute” roles filled:
- District 12 members (and the story’s protagonists) Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson).
- District 11 members Thresh and Rue (Dayo Okeniyi and Amandla Stenberg)
- District 1 pair Marvel and Glimmer (Jake Quaid and Leven Rambin).
- District 3 male and female representatives (Ian Nelson and Kalia Prescott)
- District 4 “career tributes” (Ethan Jamieson and Tara Macken)
- District 5 male “tribute” and Foxface (Chris Mark and Jacqueline Emerson)
- District 6 male and female “tributes” (Ashton Moio and Kara Petersen)
- District 7 male and female “tributes” (Sam Ly and Leigha Hancock)
The Hunger Games hits theaters on March 23rd, 2012.
