She’s been the reported front-runner for a while now, but according to The Wrap, Winter’s Bone star Jennifer Lawrence has nabbed the coveted role of Katniss in The Hunger Games.
Lionsgate is hoping for big (as in Twilight-sized) things from the film, which is based on the massive selling franchise about a dystopian future society where teens fight in gladiatorial clashes. The story comes with a ready-made franchise in the follow-up books of Suzanne Collins’ young adult trilogy.
Gary Ross is directing the first film based on Billy Ray’s script adaptation. The lead role of Katniss Everdeen is a prime one loaded with possibilities, and it’s one that many young actresses have been vying for, with Chloe Moretz, Lyndsy Fonseca, Saoirse Ronan, Emma Roberts, Kaya Scodelario, Emily Browning and Shailene Woodley all under consideration.
But it would seem that Lawrence is now the final choice, capping a year that has seen her less as a rising star and more as a rocket, as she’s gone from indie acclaim (and an Oscar nomination) with her role as Rae in Winter’s Bone to working with Jodie Foster on The Beaver and a plum part as Mystique in X-Men: First Class.
There’s no solid news yet on who will play the main male role (Peeta Mellark) in Games, though likely candidates are Alex Pettyfer, Josh Hutcherson and Weeds’ Hunter Parrish.
With production set to kick off in a couple of months, The Hunger Games will be out on March 23 next year.