In this week’s Finding Finnick feature, the fansites are discussing a favorite in the Hunger Games fandom Hunter Parrish.
Hunter Parrish is a fan favorite to play the heart throb that is Finnick Odair. The 25 year old actor is known for his role on Weeds, 17 Again, and Gone. But what do the fan sites think of Hunter?
Way back when everyone was fancasting for Peeta, DWTC was 100% behind the idea of Hunter Parrish for the role. When we learned he was in the “final” group testing to become our favorite baker, we were giddy to say the least. And when Josh was officially named as our Peeta, we can’t say we weren’t more than a tad bit disappointed at first. However, some of us shortly after started to picture him as a possible Finnick, so we could totally get behind the idea of him stepping into the role. So, why could we see him as the famous Finnick Odair? Well, he loves the books first and foremost, and who doesn’t want a fan in the role? When he wasn’t cast as Peeta, he send out a “cryptic” photo on Twitter of bread, thanking fans for their support. (Awww!) Secondly, he’s 25, so the right age, and he has a look that makes us believe he would be very “popular” as a Victor. ;) He can also play tough, yet have a vulnerable side as well, which fits in with what we see both in ‘Catching Fire’ and ‘Mockingjay’. So, we definitely think he could handle the character’s development over the course of the films. Honestly, one of the possible downsides we see is not a “big deal,” but for some we know it could be, and that is simply Hunter is approximately the same height as both Josh and Jennifer. So if he needs to carry Mags and Peeta…well, yes, that could be difficult to envision, but that could be altered as well in some way. So overall, Hunter as Finnick? We’ll sign on for that. :)
Lindsay: I’ll admit that I was on the “Hunter is Peeta” boat. I’m a big fan of Hunter on Weeds, but he has shown his acting chops in multiple shows on Broadway as well (he can sing!). He has the boy next door look and he appears to be about the nicest guy ever in real life. Now, he’s beautiful to look at and he’s got a good body, both of which are important for Finnick. In addition, he seems like he could pull off snarky, flirty Finnick, with a hidden layer of depth. And that’s more important to me than what he looks like. Hunter could be Finnick for me,but I am not positive how much of that doesn’t come from my wish for him to have scored the role of Peeta in the beginning. Either way, if he gets the part, he’ll show the original naysayers that he’s got what it takes to make it in the Hunger Games series.
Savanna: I love Hunter Parrish. I really do. I’m only familiar with his stage work, though (Godspell, Spring Awakening, etc.). He’s so beautiful when he sings, in fact, that it always makes me sad to hear that people only know him from Weeds! I was against the idea of Hunter as Peeta since he definitely looks older than 16, but I wouldn’t be too disappointed if he were cast as Finnick. He definitely doesn’t fit MY mental image of Finnick, but he’s a wonderful actor and we could certainly do much worse. My only concerns lie with his physical appearance. At 5’7″, he’s pretty short — the same height as Josh Hutcherson, in fact. And is he universally attractive enough to make all of Panem swoon? Adam adds: I’m not quite a Parrishioner, but I do have a little faith. When the lighting’s right, he looks the part, but will the writing be right for him?
I have nothing but crazy, unadulterated love for Hunter Parrish. He’s one of those actors that can do no wrong in my eyes. In addition to be insanely talented he strikes me as a genuinely nice guy. And while I think he has a lot of the emotional characteristics for Finnick Odair there is simply one thing I cannot overlook. (Hunter, if you’re reading this please know that I love you and I’m sorry for what I’m about to say). He is too short. That is literally my only argument over why Hunter can’t be Finnick. Silly but totally valid, right?
Amanda: Hunter Parrish for Finnick? This one is easy for me. The answer is no. Sorry. I LOVED the idea of Hunter as Peeta. He’s got the sort of stocky build I imagined for Peeta and he’s absolutely boy-next-door adorable – attractive in a way that I wouldn’t describe as drop-dead gorgeous. And although he’s 25 years old, he looks boyishly young. Perfect for Peeta, but it’s for those reasons alone that he just doesn’t fit the description of my Finnick. Plus, if he was cast as Finnick, I’m pretty sure I’d just keep seeing him as Peeta throughout the movie.
Tanvi: Hunter Parrish has gained a lot of fans in THG fandom back from the Hunter-as-Peeta days. I had loved the idea, but even back then,thought him to be more on the Finnick side. And now that we’re here – yes, I think Hunter can be a good Finnick! He has the surfer looks, has the acting skills – not just Weeds but as Savanna points out, stage shows as well. While I’m personally not familiar with his outside Weeds work, I take the rest of the guys’ word. Now then, although I’m a supporter, I’m not very staunch on the idea after many other actors that I’ve heard of on this feature. It’s only because of the comparison, I think I’m fifty-fifty on the idea of Hunter as Finnick.
Brittany says: 
Averi says: 
nata says: 
Shannon says: 
