If ‘The Hunger Games’ Was Made In 2022
March 28, 2022 | Dara Marie | @thornfield_laneWhen I was first developing Thornfield Lane, my dad asked, “So what qualifies to go in your blog?”
“Anything I feel like writing,” I said. “…That I can tie to literature.”
This post falls into that exact category: something random that popped in my head that vaguely connects to a book. So, welcome to the more random side of Thornfield Lane. Not as literary as my other posts, but more fun? Perhaps.
Last Wednesday, March 23rd, marked the tenth anniversary of the first The Hunger Games movies’ release. I’m sure that doesn’t feel weird to just me. I remember when it came out! I saw the trailers and remember every other white girl in middle school wearing their hair in braids, arguing over Peeta or Gale (#teampeeta), and singing Alicia Keys’ “Girl on Fire".
An entire decade has come on gone since the world got its first glimpse of Katniss Everdeen on the silver screen. By Hollywood standards, it’s high time for a remake. Although I neither want nor endorse a remake of the series, I did start wondering what a new cast would look like.
This post is completely for fun, not at all serious, and entirely opinion base. You are welcome to object—reach out to me and let’s talk about it.
So here is who I would cast in 2022 ‘Hunger Games’ remake:
Katniss Everdeen: Florence Pugh
Between Midsommer, Little Women, and Black Widow, Florence Pugh has proven her range as an actress. Her Katniss would be as headstrong, determined, and independent as Suzanne Collins could have ever hoped for.
Peeta Mellark: Tom Holland
Like Pugh, Tom Holland has racked up the blockbusters recently and gathered quite a following. He was actually the first one I mentally cast after noticing some resemblance with Josh Hutcherson (mostly in the cheekbones) while rewatching the series. I think he’d easily portray the soft, sensitive Peeta Mellark.
Gale Hawthorn: Jacob Elordi
Without ever seeing Euphoria or either of The Kissing Booths, I’ve still seen quite a lot about Jacob Elordi on Instagram, TikTok, and pop news headlines. When thinking of a cast, he was first in my mind for the brooding hunter. Like Holland, I find a slight resemblance in his features and body types with the original actor.
Haymitch Abernathy: David Harbour
Hopper is one of the greatest things about Stranger Things. Everything about his manners screams, “So what?” He would be the perfect drunk yet likable, tough but caring mentor.
Effie Trinket: Lady Gaga
Do I even need to explain myself here?
Primrose Everdeen: McKenna Grace
McKenna Grace is that female child star. She’s going to have quite the career ahead of her and I’m honestly excited to watch. She’s managed to keep up with every co-star no matter how famous. She would melt hearts as the innocent little sister Katniss volunteers for at the story’s start.
Mother, Mrs. Everdeen: Anne-Marie Duff
I am a massive His Dark Materials fan. Anne-Marie Duff impressed me as the side character, Ma Costa: a mother grieving over her missing son and determined to find him. While this is not exactly Mrs. Everdeen’s dilemma, I saw enough to convince me Duff would make a convincing mother in this series as well.
President Snow: Morgan Freeman
One of the first things I think about when it comes to President Snow is his voice. I hear his foreboding, “Don’t lie. You promised not to.”, “Do convince me, Ms. Everdeen.”, and “Let it fly, Ms. Everdeen—let it fly.” So, when trying to recast him, I naturally thought of the voice first. And who has a more distinct voice in Hollywood than Morgan Freeman? The god of narration would excel as the snake-eyed antagonist.
Cinna: Henry Golding
When I think of Cinna, he’s a sweet, cool, attractive capital designer who breaks away from the capital norm. Henry Golding’s charm in Crazy Rich Asians and Last Christmas immediately came to mind for this part. That face would definitely be a comfort before heading into the arena.
Caesar Flickerman: Tom Hiddleston
If I’m being honest, the main reason for this casting is Tom Hiddleston’s smile. It’s so bright, just like Stanley Tucci’s. He is also an incredible actor and would have a lot of fun with this role, I have no doubt.
Seneca Crane: Sebastian Stan
While everyone else knows and loves him as Bucky Barnes, aka, the Winter Soldier, he will always be The Mad Hatter from that one episode of Once Upon A Time to me. But whether you know him as Bucky or Hatter, I think we can all agree he would rock a flaming beard.
Rue: Priah Ferguson
Priah Ferguson came out of nowhere and became one of my favorite parts of Stranger Thing’s third season as the sassy younger sister. Tears are guaranteed to flow with her as Rue.
Cato: KJ Apa
Riverdale alum KJ Apa has the physique to match a career tribute. He’s also shown in both Riverdale and his personal social media that he could easily slip into a psycho personality to match Cato’s character arc.
Clove: Camila Mendes
Another Riverdale alum, I would love to see Camila Mendes as the scheming knife thrower from district two. Her dynamic with KJ Apa’s Cato would bring a powerful force to the careers.
Fox Face: Sadie Sink
An instant favorite in Stranger Things, Sadie Sink most recently made every Swiftie hate Jake Gyllenhal’s guts in the All Too Well short film. Foxface is never given much screen time, but I believe Sink would make every second count to highlight the mystery and complexity of this district five tribute.
Finnick Odair: Regé-Jean Page
While I have not watched Bridgerton, I have certainly ‘burned’ every time I’ve seen pictures or clips of Regé-Jean Page as the playboy Duke of Hastings. With his charm and physique, he’d be perfect for the seemingly shallow yet deeply complex Finnick Odair. And I don’t think anyone would mind seeing him dripping wet in a tropical arena.
Johanna Mason: Naomi Scott
I could never fully picture Johanna Mason when I first read the books. Who was this stand-offish, unamused, axe-wielding victor from seven? I loved Naomi Scott in Aladdin, Lemonade Mouth, and am a fan of her original music (I want her to release more!). I’d love to see her in this role mostly because it’s so different from anything I’ve seen from her before. Especially alongside Regé-Jean Page’s Finnick and Florence Pugh’s Katniss—she would shine.
Cressida: Gemma Chan
Every time I’ve seen Gemma Chan, I get the impression she’s such an open, gentle person in real life. Yes, Cressida has a job to do as the promotional director of Katniss’ Mockingjay persona. But she always struck me most in those moments when she’s talking Katniss off a ledge. When she’s calming her through the PTSD. I am fully confident Gemma Chan could perfectly play this side of her.
President Alma Coin: Jamie Lee Curtis
For the longest time, I only knew her as the ‘Activia’ commercial lady. I’ve since realized she’s so much more than that and a scene-stealing powerhouse. Her president Coin would be both allusive and alluring.
Plutarch Hevensbee: Mark Ruffalo
This casting was also based more on looks. He was the first actor I thought of for this role and am confident in his ability to take it on.
Do you agree with my casting? Who would you cast in a 2022 'Hunger Games'? I'd love to hear from you! You can connect with me through thornfield.lane@gmail.com or on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter: @thornfield_lane. 