Ryan Kwanten is best known for his role as Jason Stackhouse on HBO’s True Blood. His name has come up in fan casting for the role of Finnick O’dair. Now the fan sites weigh in. Is Ryan Kwanten right for Finnick?

HG Fireside Chat

Savanna: I love you, Ryan Kwanten, but I’m currently incapable of separating you from your True Blood character, Jason Stackhouse. And Jason Stackhouse would be a terrible Finnick. I’m sorry. Adam: Jason Stackhouse and Finnick Odair have some surprising similarities; they both do quite well with the ladies, and they’re both likely from southern coastal areas. However, the one great differentiation, which cannot be ignored, is that Jason Stackhouse is as dumb as a trident and Finnick Odair wields a trident with as much brain as physique. Kwanten truly is Stackhouse, so much so that he simply cannot be Finnick.

HG Girl on Fire

Sheila : 1st let me say that I love Ryan Kwanten. I love him on True Blood, and loved him in Summerland and while I definitely think he has the physique necessary to play Finnick, the question remains is he the Finnick for me? Sadly I have to say no he isn’t. In my opinion, Ryan looks older than the Finnick I imagined, and for me, Ryan is so connected to his character in True Blood, that Im afraid I would have trouble not seeing him as “Jason Stackhouse”.

HG Movie Site

My argument over Ryan Kwanten as Finnick is similar to the one I had for Ian Somerhalder. Ryan is handsom, talented and has abs like a washboard. Unfortunately, he is too old. I can’t think of any other reason why he couldn’t be Finnick except his age. The end

The Hob

Amanda: Ryan Kwanten is such a hard actor for me to debate for Finnick! He’s absolutely gorgeous, with the body and looks for Finnick. And I have no doubt he could pull off the necessary charismatic attitude. I’ve loved him from the second he stepped on screen on the CW’s Summerland, so separating him from his Jason Stackhouse character on True Blod isn’t an issue for me. Give me this choice 5 years ago, and I’d be all over it. But Ryan today, in his mid-thirties, just looks too old for Finnick, as much as I hate to admit it.

Mockingjay

Crystal: There’s no doubt that Ryan Kwanten has the looks and the body (woohoo!) for Finnick, but he’s played the ditzy southern manwhore for so long on True Blood that I don’t know if I could ever separate the two. It’d be an interesting experiment to see if it’s possible for him to throw out a completely new performance and see if we all buy it, but Finnick isn’t exactly someone you want to experiment with. He’s a great actor, in my opinion, but he just carries too much character baggage with him.

Victors Village

Rebekah: I’ve been a fan of Ryan Kwanten’s since before he was on True Blood, but as much as a love an adore his work now and in the past, there are too many factors going against him in the case of being a good candidate for Finnick Odair. For one thing, he is contracted to HBO for months on end each year, and those months I’m pretty sure fall during the time in which Catching Fire is going to be filming. Another factor is that he’s too old for the part, Ryan is in his mid 30s, and to me he looks it. Finnick we know is 24, Ryan cannot pass for 24 anymore, this is evidenced by his character on True Blood being looked at funny when he tries to hang out with a younger crowd. So there you have it, too busy, and too old. Moving on!

In this weeks Finding Finnick feature we are talking about Trevor Donovan.  Best known for his character Teddy on the new 90210, Trevor is a relative new comer that has fans talking.

But can he pull off Finnick Odair?  See what some of your favorite Hunger Games fansites have to say :

DWTC

Since I know absolutely nothing about Trevor Donovan I will make my judging based on two things. He is extremely good looking with a “Finnicky” type of look and he is a fan of the Hunger Games which is always a plus. With that said, I do not know what his acting is like so I will keep an open mind if he ever does get cast at Finnick.

HG Fireside Chat 

Savanna: I’m sure Trevor is a sweet guy, but he looks way too much like a Ken doll most of the time for me to take him seriously. I also haven’t been too impressed by his work on 90210 (granted, he doesn’t have a lot to work with on that show). I know he wants the part and has a pretty big following, but out of all the actors we’ve featured in Finding Finnick Odair, he’s definitely one of my least favorites. I wish I liked him more, because he seems super well-rounded and intelligent, and I do love the Hunger Games song that he wrote: http://mp3twit.com/b2R

HG Girl on Fire 

Sheila : All I know about Trevor Donovan is what I’ve seen of him on 90210. While he certainly is handsome and has the physique that I would imagine is very Finnick-like, he also seems a bit to handsome and put together, and for me is not really what I envisioned for Finnick. While I enjoyed his character on 90201, I’m also not sure that he has the experience or skill to pull off such a complex character as Finnick Odair. However I’m keeping an open mind and willing to give Trevor the benefit of the doubt.

HG Movie Site 

We all know that no one wants to have this role more then Trevor. He doesn’t hold back on twitter about it, and we kinda admire the fact that he goes for the gusto. Nothing wrong with a man that knows exactly what he wants. It’s hot. Here’s the thing Trevor, we would be sold on you, but you don’t tell us why you want it, just that you do. Granted you owe us no explanation. But, because you are so passionate about it, we want to know why. I mean the only thing we have seen you in is 90210, and though we are all for Teddy having a baby with Silver, it doesn’t sell us that you can play Finnick. BUT, out of all the people that have come across the Finding Finnick list, you make it into our top 5, cause your passion for the books have sold us more then anything else.

The Hob 

Megan and Amanda: When we posted previously about Trevor calling Finnick his “dream role,” reader comments were nearly all supportive, and we have to agree. Based on his appearance (face, body, height), Trevor is spot on. We’ve met him in person a few times, and he has a sweet demeanor and an absolutely magnetic smile that is perfect for the charismatic Finnick. He is, however, another actor whose acting ability we can’t comment on because we haven’t seen him on 90210. But if the rumors are true that Trevor is being considered for the role, then we have to believe Lionsgate sees talent there. So with that talent, his attractiveness, and his passion for The Hunger Games, Trevor is certainly a great candidate for our Finnick.

MockingjayNet

Crystal: The only thing I’ve seen Trevor Donovan in is a single episode of CSI in which he played a bit part of some muscle man dressed as a Spartan. It’s really not much to go on acting wise, so I really can’t comment there. He did look great in the costume, so that would favor him having the right physique for Finnick. He’s got the right look, but there aren’t very many pictures of him smiling so it’s tough to judge a person’s charm when he has that “model” look on his face all the time.

Victors Village 

Rebekah – this is going to sound weird, but if you cut off his head he could possibly be considered exceptionally good looking by the likes of me. Yeah, that was weird, but bear with me for a sec. Trevor Donovan has a physique that most men and women either want to have or want to have in their bed. However, when I look past Mr. Donovan’s shoulders all I see is my Malibu Ken doll. I don’t know if Lionsgate, or Suzanne Collins envisioned Finnick Odair to look like a molded plastic toy best known for running around town with the top down catchin’ some rays and waves, but I sure didn’t. I envisioned an Adonis, someone that would make me look at them and just well… cry, because they’re so damn beautiful. I can’t solely base Mr. Donovan’s talent however on his appearance, even though I find it to be completely unappealing– I did make the effort and watched a handful of clips of his work on youtube, as well as a couple of episodes of 90210. I searched out the most dramatic episode I could think of. So, I found the episode in which he came out, thinking “This should show a range of emotions. This should make me feel something.” It didn’t. I felt hollow watching this young man, who I have to add is 33 years-old in real life (and looks it to me), come out to his ex-girlfriend. I don’t see it guys, I just don’t— and I know he wishes I did, because he’s really been trying to advocate for himself for this part. I’m waiting for someone to shove a suggestion under my nose who’s not currently loved loved loved by Perez Hilton as well.

Ian Somerhalder, who many Hunger Games fans have consistently championed as an ideal candidate for Finnick, is best known for playing Damon Salvatore on the CW’s hit TV series The Vampire Diaries. You may have also seen the 33-year-old actor as Boone Carlyle in ABC’s Lost or on the short-lived WB series Young Americans. Ian seems to be universally adored, but is he right for this role?

Here’s what we had to say:

Down with the Capitol
Arianna: I’m a huge fan of Ian Somerhalder but I just can’t see him as Finnick. Every time I look at him I think about Damon from The Vampire Diaries. If he somehow miraculousy got the role as Finnick, I would think Finnick turned into Damon. Also I don’t think there is any way for his hair to turn blond. I’m not normally concerned about hair color and characters but for Finnick…it matters.

HG Girl on Fire
Lindsay: Ian Somerhalder knows how to play the dreamy bad boy in Vampire Diaries, and someone with a sad past in Lost. These are two things that could contribute to him playing Finnick rather well. He is beautiful to look at, albeit not necessarily what I had in mind for Finnick. I am not one of those fans that needs an actor to look identical to how he/she was described in the book. So I can overlook that difference as long as he embodies Finnick. Ian Somerhalder could easily pull off the sugar cube scene (which is the scene I require them to audition with in my head). Does Ian have enough brawn to drag an old woman around on his shoulders for half of a movie? I think so. He’s not my number one choice, but I’d say he is completely acceptable.

HG Movie Site
In my mind, when I imagine meeting Ian Somerhalder, I get lost in thought staring at his pretty eyes. We’re having a conversation and he’s the only one talking cause I’m just staring at his handsome face. I love him. I watch Vampire Diaries for him. Having said that, he’s too old to be Finnick Odair. That’s pretty much the only argument I have. Well, that and I think Ian would make a terrible blond.

The Hob
Gabby: When I picture Finnick, all I can see is Ian Somerhalder with that sexy smirk he wears so well! Ian has the ability to bring the confidence, cockiness and charisma Finnick oozes, but at the same time can switch gears to being vulnerable and sweet just as well. I know many fans will argue about little things like his hair being too dark, but I can live with that, since the rest of the package fits just perfectly for me. Ian’s character on Vampire Diaries is one that fans fall for time and time again, but he is playing a “bad guy.” When you can bring legions of fans to your side, have them rooting for you in a role like that, then I believe you are doing quite a good job as an actor.

Hunger Games Fireside Chat
Savanna: If it were 2004 instead of 2012 and you asked me if Boone from Lost should/could play Finnick Odair, I’d probably be totally open to the idea. Unfortunately, it’s now quite difficult for me to imagine Ian Somerhalder as anyone other than his Vampire Diaries character. His tan and bronze-y hair are gone, and he’s 33 now, not 25. Would we see Finnick onscreen or Damon Salvatore? Yes, Ian’s good at playing tortured souls, but how far does his range as an actor extend? We haven’t really had a chance to find out. I do hope that someday he can break away from Mystic Falls, but I don’t think that this is the right opportunity for him.

Mockingjay.net
Crystal: Ian Somerholder is hot, no doubt about it, but I never was all that convinced about his acting abilities. I’ve seen every episode of Lost he did and I always felt he was one of the weakest cast members. That being said, I’ve never seen him in Vampire Diaries and people seem to love him to death from those so maybe he’s improved or his Lost character just wasn’t right for him. Still, he looks a little too sinister for my liking. He looks too much of a bad boy and doesn’t have as much charm as I’d like to see in Finnick.

Victor’s Village
Tiffany: Way back in 2000, I used to watch a short-lived TV show called Young Americans where a young Ian Somerhalder was falling for a girl posing as guy to attend an uptight, all boys academy. I thought he was gorgeous, and a few years down the line when I saw him on Lost, I was excited because that hot guy from that show I used to watch was on the show I was now addicted to. We all know what happened to Boone, but then last year, I finally started watching and loving The Vampire Diaries, and when he wasn’t brooding over Elena, Damon was always one of the most interesting characters on the show. Unfortunately, Ian is just too old, as he’s in his 30s, and he looks it. He was the correct age while he was on Lost. And there isn’t really anything about him that has ever screamed Finnick to me. He excels at playing Damon (vaguely evil, intense, cuttingly sarcastic), and Finnick is not like that character at all. Ian has beautiful eyes, but I think we should be looking for more than that.

Well, you’ve heard what we have to say! What do YOU think? Is Ian Somerhalder your Finnick? Let us know in the comments!

This week’s Finding Finnick post is all about Zac Efron.  Best known for his role in the High School Musical movies, he has definitely grown up and is branching out into more mature roles. So what do you think of him for Finnick?

Here’s what the fansites have to say :

DWTC 

Theresa: I’ll admit Zac Efron is cute, adorable and talented, and he’s been working hard to “break free” from his High School Musical Days, something that is no easy task.  But is he Finnick material?  In my mind, no he’s not.  Zac may be trying hard to step away from the Disney mold, but I still haven’t been able to see beyond it and I’m sure there are a lot of other fans who feel the same.  We need someone to step into the role of Finnick and become the character, much like Jennifer and Josh truly became Katniss and Peeta, and I just can’t see Zac being able to do that. If he were cast, I’m afraid  I wouldn’t see Finnick on screen, I’d see Troy. Sad, but true.

HG Fireside Chat

Savanna: I’m not a huge fan of Zac Efron, but I think he’s a great person and an underrated actor (he was awesome in Me and Orson Welles). Is he talented enough to pull off a role like Finnick, though? I’m not sure. Even if he is, he hasn’t had enough time to fully break away from his association with High School Musical and the teenybopper set, and I think casting him would probably do more harm to the franchise than good.

HG Girl on Fire 

Sheila : Zac Efron has definitely grown up. With his recent appearance in the Lucky One, I was convinced that he has definitely transitioned nicely into mature adult roles. While I believe that Zac definitely has the looks and the acting skills to take on Finnick Odair, the problem that I see is simply that he’s Zac Efron, someone people has come to feel very familiar with over the years, and is too recognizable a celebrity which will make his believability as Finnick a difficult transition.

HG Movie Site 

Efron, you are no longer the annoying kid from High School Musical to me. After seeing you in the Nicholas Sparks movie, we are all over you being Finnick. We think you could carry off the raw sexuality, the hero… the amazeness. However, you are not Finnick to us. You just don’t scream the guy that could win the games. We mean we hate to say it, but casting you would just cause damage to the franchise we love. And I think that you have had your franchise, you wouldn’t want to screw this one up. Keep on with the adult roles, we appreciate that about you.

The Hob 

Amanda: Zac has come a long way from this High School Musical days, and his latest film The Paperboy with Matthew McConaughey and Nicole Kidman is meant to show a grown up, more serious actor. But I’m still not sure if audiences would be able to see him as Finnick and not his real-life persona. In the same vein as Justin Timberlake, Zac’s pop culture image may be too big for the role. But if it’s possible for him to overcome that, then I have to admit that I think he could physically look the part. He is very attractive, in great physical shape, and the right age. Finnick could be the role Zac needs to break out of the teen idol bubble, and I think he could bring the right level of attitude and vulnerability to the part.

MockingJayNet

Crystal: Zac Efron is cute, but I think he looks a little too young and boyish to be Finnick. The only thing I’ve seen him in is Hairspray and that was five years ago. All that aside, no matter how great of an actor he is, since he’s such a popular teen idol, I really don’t want to see him as Finnick. It would be like plopping Justin Bieber into the role, only not as bad. I’d never be able to see Finnick, only Zac Efron.

Victors Village

Tiffany: I’ll be honest. When I first read Catching Fire, I pictured Zac Efron as Finnick. Not in a he-could-play-him-in-the-movie way, but more as a place holder since he is the right age and shares a few characteristics with the character. I’m a fan of his. I’ve seen and loved his movies, and I like him as a person. Recently, I saw Charlie St. Cloud, and a scene where he dives into the ocean made me go, “How Finnick of him!” That being said, he isn’t my Finnick. He’s too close to Jennifer’s height, and I can’t endorse a Finnick under 6 feet (and he’s well under it at 5’8″). If he were cast, I wouldn’t put up too much of a fuss because I like him as a person, but I think we could find someone better.

 

This week’s Finding Finnick is sure to generate lots of discussion as we take a look at the suggestion of Justin Timberlake for Finnick Odair.  Best known for his music career, Justin in the last few years has branched out into the acting world and can be seen in movies such as The Social Network, In Time, and Friends with Benefits.   So without further ado,   let’s kick off this week’s Finding Finnick discussion by finding out what your favorite fansites think :

HG Fireside Chat :

Savanna: I have to start out by saying that I freakin’ love JT (and trust me, I only use “freakin’” if I really mean it). He’s both boyishly adorable and “manishly” sexy at the same time, and — as everyone knows — he’s a ridiculously talented singer. But did you know that he’s also a ridiculously talented actor? He was brilliant as Sean Parker in The Social Network, and his performance in Alpha Dog — the first time I saw him act in anything — blew me away. All that being said, I don’t really like the idea of him as Finnick. He’s handsome, yes, but not the right kind of handsome. And with one big name musician already in a major role, casting Timberlake may come off as just too gimmicky.

Adam : Long before the likes of Garrett Hedlund, Armie Hammer, and Hunter Parrish circulated as fan favorites, I was pushing Justin Timberlake. The singer-turned-actor has proven to be just as deft at the latter as the former, putting forth stirring performances in Alpha Dog and The Social Network. He’s so much more than a boy-band pretty boy, and among all the candidates, he’s truly the “coolest” and most recognizable face. If they can make him look taller, he can mix Finnick’s looks with small-town charm, and attract new fans in the process.

HG Girl on Fire :

Sheila : When I first saw Justin Timberlake come up on our list of Finnick’s, I thought this can’t be right? While I’ll admit I love Justin Timberlake for his his immense musical talent and charming personality, I have never really been blown away by any of the movies I have seen him him. I’m not sure that he embodies the characteristics I look for in Finnick, and is just not at all how I imagined Finnick coming to life on screen.

HG Movie Site :

While I think that you are a great actor, and that your best is yet to come… I am not seeing this. I mean, first of all, I love Bye, Bye, Bye. It’s great. But, I just think that you aren’t Finnick to me. I think that FInnick needs to be younger, and you my friend, are getting up there in age. And really, I am sure that you are going to concentrate on your wedding. I think that you have big things ahead of you, but being in the Hunger Games fandom is not one. So I mean really, though I love you as an actor, I am giving you space. Keep doing you JT, cause you rock.

The Hob :

Amanda: Justin Timberlake…where to start?! When we mentioned last week that this week’s Finding Finnick would discuss Justin Timberlake, nearly every reader comment was against the idea and confused why his name was even being thrown into the mix. And I couldn’t agree more. From the second I heard Justin and Finnick in the same sentence, I’ve wondered what the heck is going on. I personally can’t see an ounce of Finnick in Justin. Not his face, his hair, his body, his voice, his age….nothing. And I’ll admit to loving him when he was a member of ‘NSync, but I’ve never been that impressed with Justin’s acting ability. The idea of Justin playing Finnick in Catching Fire doesn’t work for me at all, and his pop star image only trivializes the role to something unworthy of the Finnick in the books.

Mockingjay.Net :

Crystal: I was never an NSync fan, so I really never got all the hype over Justin Timberlake. Then last year I saw In Time and although the movie left a lot to be desired, he was still pretty good in it and I suddenly understood why so many other women were attracted to him. It just took me like 15 years to understand. He was surprisingly good in The Social Network. That being said, I don’t think he has quite enough of what he needs to be the perfect Finnick. He’s handsome, but not Finnick handsome; he’s a good actor, but he’s also a very well known face and therefore carries a lot of background into the role. The only thing I think he has fully going for him is the fact that I think he could pull off the Finnick ego with swagger and charm in a very entertaining way. Overall though, I think there are better Finnicks out there.

Victor’s Village :

Kait: Out of all the possible Finnicks we’ve discussed, Justin Timberlake has a unique problem: He’s Justin Freaking Timberlake. His face, his career, and his acting style are so recognizable that there’s absolutely no way he could seamlessly transform in Finnick Odair, the complex District 4 victor. Even if his acting were perfect (which we don’t think would be the case for Finnick, though his acting has been solid elsewhere), he would be Justin Timberlake playing Finnick Odair and no one would truly believe in it. Though Timberlake is only 31, he looks a lot older than that and doesn’t pull off the Finnick look in our opinion. Also, pulling his sugar-coated pop star power on board would probably ruin the film’s reputation for hiring stars for their acting skills rather than their name.

 

Photo credit : Rankin via People

We’ve been tossing out various names in our weekly fansite feature “Finding Finnick Odair” but very few of the actors we’ve mentioned have had the opportunity to comment on the role themselves. Trevor Donovan (90210) recently discussed the Catching Fire role with The Advocate, and it looks like he REALLY wants the role! What do you guys think? Could Trevor be your Finnick?

Perez Hilton has started an unofficial campaign to get you cast as Finnick in the next Hunger Games movie. Thoughts?
I’m humbled and honored, but most of all excited, because Mario [Lavandeira, a.k.a. Perez] is a good guy. All actors have a dream role; playing Finnick Odair is mine. I know the odds are stacked against me. I’ll be going up against big stars like Zac Efron and Armie Hammer, but you know what, I want it more and am very passionate about it, it’s not just another job to me, it’s much more than that. I’m not saying that it is for them. I was a fan before anyone knew the Hunger Games series would be made into movies.  I read all the books the day they first came out and knew right there and then I wanted to play Finnick. I’m definitely the underdog in this race, but I’m committed and going to give it all I’ve got. As Effie Trinket says, “May the odds be ever in your favor.”

Via The Hob

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?

DWTC

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. :)

HG Girl on Fire

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.

HG Fireside Chat

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?

HG Movie Site

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?

The Hob

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.

Hunger Games Network

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.

 

It’s another week in our Finding Finnick Odair installment, and this week we are setting our sites on Gossip Girls Chace Crawford!

Chace Crawford is best known for his role as the handsome Nate Archibald on the CW’s ‘Gossip Girl’. The native Texan has also has an upcoming role in Lionsgates ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’. So is the handsome 26 year old right for one of the most coveted roles in ‘The Hunger Games’ fandom? Here is what the fan sites have to say…

HG Girl on Fire

Chace Crawford has never been what I pictured for Finnick, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t work for the role. Good looks? Check (I mean, gorgeous). Right age? Yep. Charming? Heck yes. And he’s from Texas, so I like to think he has a cowboy kind of charm. Can I see him with sugar cubes? I can. So why have I not thought of him for Finnick before? Well, I only know Chace as Nate Archibald on Gossip Girl. I haven’t seen him in anything else and have no idea how well his acting can translate to different genres, from tv to film, or from melodramatic into a person that ends up being my favorite character in the Hunger Games series. If Francis Lawrence were to cast Crawford, you would not hear me complain. but Chace will have to prove himself to me and the legions of other Finnick fans.

Hunger Games DWTC

Arianna: To be honest I’ve heard of Chace Crawford but I never paid much attention to him. I’m not sure I could see him as Finnick because he’ll forever be “that dude” from Gossip Girl. Although he will be appearing in What To Expect When Your Expecting this year, it looks like he has only really done scary movie before. I cannot judge his acting since I’ve never seen it and I won’t knock him if he ever did get the role, but he is a good looker, which is always a plus.

HG Movie Site

Lindsay: Chace, dear Chace. I am sorry, to say… NO. I am not trying to be rude, but your turn as Nate Archibald on Gossip Girl has made me hate your whining woo is me character. I just can’t see it. I mean you are devastatingly handsome, and I can see the women swooning. But that is about it. I just am sorry to say, I have pigeonholed you into a character actor, and I don’t want to see you as Finnick. You are not Finnick to me.

HG Fireside Chat

Savanna: I haven’t watched Gossip Girl in a couple of years, but I used to be a huge fan and can vouch for both Crawford’s handsomeness and talent as an actor. I really like this guy, but as with most Finnick fan favorites, I have some concerns. Yes, Crawford is great at portraying Nate Archibald on Gossip Girl, but could he successfully pull off a role like Finnick? Also, while Crawford is 26 — two years older than Finnick — he looks SO young, and I don’t think he’d stand out next to Josh and Jennifer as an older victor. Adam adds: This Gossip Girl star is handsome enough to make girls gossip about him, which is certainly

Finnick-esque. He’s not quite Armie Hammer or Garrett Hedlund level, but there’s at least some promise here. Lionsgate could do far worse.

The Hob

Amanda: Yes, Chace is handsome (can anyone argue that?!). Yes, Chace is about the right age. But does he have the necessary acting chops? It’s hard to say. I saw him in The Covenant many years ago, but barely remember him. I used to watch him on Gossip Girl, and while he did fine in that role, I don’t know that he’d be able to pull off Finnick. And can we ever see him as anyone but a spoiled NYC rich kid? Regardless, at least this one fan casting choice looks the part…it would just remain to be seen if he could act the part.

Hunger Games Network

Tanvi: Oooh yes. I can actually for once see a little Finnick-ness in someone. I’m a Gossip Girl fan, so as a corollary, a Chace Crawford fan. He’s about 25 years old, is tall and has the kind of looks that could be
groomed into boy-next-door to a straight off Upper East Sider. I’m sure that could be handy in Finnick’s role. Now acting wise, he’s a trademark Nate Archibald and haven’t had that much of exposure to emotionally daunting acting – but he’s also going to be in Lionsgate’s What to Expect When You’re Expecting (also stars Elizabeth Banks), so I like to think he must have crossed Lionsgate’s mind? Well I wouldn’t complain if he was cast as Finnick.

Mockingjay

Crystal: I feel like every week I’m saying, “I’ve never heard of him.” and sadly, this week is no different. I haven’t seen him in anything, so once again, I have no idea if he can act. I will say though, that he does look charming enough to be Finnick. A bit of lightening of his hair and a bit of a tan and I think he could be him. He does look young, but he looks like the right kind of young. I can see him being a 24 year old Finnick. The really weird thing about him though, is that he reminds me of a cross between Wes Bentley and Liam Hemsworth!

Victors Village

Kait: We all know that Chace Crawford has played the rich snob before, but we just don’t think he can be trusted to take on the tortured, emotional core of Finnick. He’s best known for his role in Gossip Girl, which is not known for its superb acting skills, and a few lackluster “thrillers”. Chace’s prior experience would probably lead him to pour the melodrama on thick, which just isn’t what we need. Also, we don’t understand why some people find him devastatingly attractive! On our attraction scale, he settles in at “pretty okay”.