Hunger Games cast members: Who stars in the Hunger Games movie

You want to know who is playing your favorite characters in the Hunger Games movie? Who is playing Katniss? Who is playing Peeta? The internet search engines heat up more as each day passes towards the release of the cinematic representation of the Hunger Games trilogy. You are in the right place to learn who is playing what character from the hunger Games, as well as a brief sketch of their previous roles in other works.

There are newcomers and old favorites. As with any iconic role such as Rocky Balboa, Harry Potter or Indiana Jones, the right actor or actress can add so much to the motion picture and establish the character as one we will never forget. This is the task the creators of the first picture want to succeed with so that fans feel rewarded when their beloved print story comes to life.

Jennifer Lawrence was tapped for the role of the heroine of the trilogy, Katniss. Miss Lawrence is an experienced actress, with credits in Winter’s Bone, a critically acclaimed movie from 2010 which propelled her to a Best Newcoming Actress award last fall at the Hollywood Awards. She also appeared recently with Jodie Foster and Mel Gibson in a movie called The Beaver as well as “X-men First Class”.

The selection of a blonde locked Lawrence caused ripples of concern within the Hunger Games faithful, but not to fear, her appearance in the Hunger Games trailer and various stills seems to fit nicely with the description we find in Suzanne Collins’ novels. This could prove to be a seminal role for Miss Lawrence, making her one of the newest female icons as teens everywhere seek another love story to follow. All that it will take is making us believe she is Katniss.

Josh Hutcherson gets the enviable role of a potential love interest for Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss. Kentucky born Hutcherson joins his fellow Kentuckian Lawrence as the lead actors in a powerhouse franchise that will be strong box office draws for a few years. Hutcherson is surely up to the task, having been the lead actor in “The Bridge to Terabithia” in 2007. Hutcherson can also claim a critically acclaimed film as he co-starred in “The Kids Are All Right” in 2010.

Liam Hemsworth is the selection as the third part of the love triangle between Katniss, Peeta and his character, Gale. Hemsworth is from Australia, part of an acting family of Hemsworth brothers, including Chris who played Captain America in 2011. Liam was Miley Cyrus’ love interest in 2010 in the movie “The last Song”.

You may have to look hard at Effie trinket in the hanger Games movie to realize the beautiful and talented actress playing the role is someone you recognize. You see Effie has a style commensurate with the skewed mentality of the Capitol residents. I have no doubt veteran actress Elizabeth Banks can pull it off though. With movie credits with many of today’s best known stars and stints on series television, Ms. Banks is a great choice for the effervescent if annoying Capitol escort.

Another veteran actor will help to anchor the cast of the Hunger Games as Woody Harrelson will grace us with his turn f Haymitch Abernathy, the sole District 12 champion who has descended into the life of a drunkard. Haymitch is Katniss and Peeta’s mentor and supposed best hope of getting a good start in the arena when the games begin. First however, they must get past his personal issues, which I am sure Mr. Harrelson will embody to the fullest.

One of the first roles I remember from Mr. Harrelson is his turn as Woody Boyd from the long running NBC comedy cheers. As the hapless bartender playing foil to Ted Danson, he endeared himself to a legion of fans. Other serious roles since established his great range as an actor, including roles in “Natural Born Killers”, “no Country for Old Men” and “Seven Pounds”.

Alexander Ludwig was chosen to play the role of Cato, a Career tribute, meaning one who was bred and trained his whole life for the chance, in The hunger Games. Ludwig is not well known yet, but we can be sure that will change after the movie tops the box office for a few weeks. No doubt his fellow students, especially the co-eds have noticed the handsome actor.

Veteran character actor Stanley Tucci has the task of bringing Ceaser Flickerman, the media darling to life. Ceaser gets some of the greatest lines, such as when he is interviewing the tributes prior and following the games and gets personal with Katniss and Peeta about their love life. His smarmy personality makes you wonder whether he is a friend or not.

Tucci has recently starred in “The Lovely Bones”, "The Devil Wears Prada”, “The Terminal” and “Julia and Julia”. He is predominantly cast as the bad guy, which will no doubt aid his mysterious role as Ceaser, a Capitol man who seeks to ingratiate himself with these teens. But can he make himself lovable to the movie’s audience? That is a great question.

Katniss acts alone for most of the Hunger Games, but realizes the Careers alliance has her at a disadvantage. Enlisting Rue, the girl tribute from District 11, proves to be a wise choice. Filling the role of Rue is Amandla Stenberg. Stenberg also has limited experience as a movie actress although she can claim a role in the action flick “Colombiana” in 2011.

Playing the little sister to Katniss is Willow Shields. She is making her debut in a major motion picture in a role sure to gain her much notoriety. Willow will be twelve at the time of the movie’s release, the same age as the character she portrays.

Lenny Kravitz landed the plum role of Cinna, who is charged with taking Katniss Everdeen from District 12 lower class citizen to someone the whole of Panem will care to see succeed. Cinna turns out to be Katniss’ first real friend in the Capitol as he works his magic to show her true beauty. He is one of the few who seem to believe she has a chance to succeed in the arena when the “Games” begin.

Perhaps the most experienced actor in The Hunger Games is Donald Sutherland. His decades of movie experience gave all the actors involved a wealth of knowledge in the making of this movie. His distinguished presence will make him ultimately believable as the leader of this unusual society.

In the novel there is not a lot of mention of president Snow which suggests he may have more of a part in the motion picture. Count on Sutherland's distinctive voice and delivery to provide a presidential tenor to his part. I look forward to seeing his take on the role.

There are several unknown actors and actresses that help fill out the cast of the Hunger Games movie. Perhaps this will change as the motion picture fills screens around the world. A star is born in some of the least expected roles, which all of these actors hope can happen to them in The Hunger Games.

Please be sure to read my other hubs on the Hunger Games theme. I also have links to some of my own original fiction writing. Who knows, a few months from now you may be reading some of my work in published form.

Also, please comment to help me know how you like my work. Thanks for reading!