After fans of the successful Suzanne Collins novel The Hunger Games eagerly awaiting for months to see who director Gary Ross is going to cast in the lead role of Katniss in the highly anticipated film adaptation, he is now close to signing Jennifer Lawrence, Collider.com is reporting. It’s widely believed that the casting of Katniss in the film, which is set to hit theaters on March 23, 2012, will determine how successful the movie will be.
Ross has said that he’s been looking for an actress who can portray Katniss’ strength, assuredness, defiance and compassion. The director and Lionsgate, the studio that will distribute ‘The Hunger Games,’ have presumably already ruled out former Academy Award nominees Abigal Breslin and Hailee Steinfeld in favor of Lawerence. The latter rose to fame after she was nominated for an Oscar this year for her breakout role in ‘Winter’s Bone.’
Besides her Oscar-nominated performance, Ross and Lionsgate are looking at Lawrence because it will be easier to cast a recognizable male lead in his 20s for the role of Peeta, Katniss’ love interest, alongside her instead of Steinfeld or Breslin. Ross is expected to offer Lawrence a deal sometime this week for the planned trilogy.
Written by: Karen Benardello
