Ever since finishing Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games and the sequel, Catching Fire, I’ve been filling the time until the August 24th release of the third and final installment, Mockingjay, by keeping a close eye on the reported Hunger Games movie. Unfortunately, every since that special Scholastic event, there’s been zero development.
During that event not only did Collins give some folks a sneak peek at Mockingjay, it was also announced that Lionsgate hoped to have a director for the film adaptation by the summer and to go into production in January 2011. Clearly part one never happened and I have a feeling the second won’t either. But of course, that doesn’t mean the project is a dud; good things take time. So, in the meantime, a few sites out there have been speculating on who’ll lead the film as our heroine, Katniss Everdeen.
Suggestions have included Ellen Page, Camilla Belle, Kristen Stewart, Malese Jow, Jodelle Ferland and even Megan Fox. Some of the suggestions floating around aren’t half bad, but there’s one name missing from all of these lists that should be at the top, Kick-Ass’ Chloe Moretz. In fact, the young actress wants it herself!
During a recent chat about the Kick-Ass DVD and Blu-ray release, we spared some time to talk about her upcoming projects Hugo Cabret, The Rut and Hick. All of those films sound promising, but I couldn’t help but to ask if Moretz had ever read The Hunger Games. She knew exactly what I was getting at and didn’t even answer the question, she just said, “I really really want to be in it.” The enthusiasm continued when I suggested she’d be perfect for the lead role. “I would so so so so so love to be in this film.” She added, “It would be such an honor to be in it.”
I think it’s safe to say that once The Hunger Games casting commences, Moretz will at least seek out an audition. Ever since Kick-Ass she’s the hottest commodity in Hollywood when it comes to playing a young girl with a little edge. Moretz made the perfect hero in Kick-Ass, so doing so in the Panem Hunger Games should be no problem. The only thing that might work against Moretz is her age. However, this is Hollywood we’re talking about, an industry where a 30-year-old can pass as a high school student. There’s no reason Moretz can’t play a 16-year-old. Plus, should the first film spawn into a franchise, she can grow with it.
I’m all for Moretz as Katniss. Who’s with me?
By Perri Nemiroff
