Josh Hutcherson

Liam Hemsworth

UPDATE: Director Gary Ross, producer Nina Jacobson, and Suzanne Collins speak out about casting Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth:

When I read the book, I thought Peeta would be the hardest role to cast,” Hunger Games director Gary Ross said in a statement to the Hunger Games Examiner. “And I feel so lucky that we found someone who embodies every aspect of such a complex character. I can’t wait to work with Josh.”

Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins is also thrilled with Hutcherson’s portrayal of Peeta. When asked to respond to the casting news, she had nothing but praise. “I was fortunate enough to be in the room with Gary Ross when Josh came in to audition,” Collins said. “Three lines into the read I knew he’d be fantastic.  Josh totally captured Peeta’s temperament, his sense of humor and his facility for language. I’m thrilled to have him aboard.”

“Gale is a young man who uses words very sparingly, so the onus was on the actor we cast to capture him by showing, not telling. This was accomplished so beautifully in Suzanne’s writing, and Liam was able to translate it so naturally to the screen,” Hunger Games producer Nina Jacobson said. “At the same time, Gale’s journey across the three books transforms him, and Liam’s performance left no doubt that he would take us there. ”

According to The Wrap, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth have both landed very coveted roles in The Hunger Games! Hutcherson will play Peeta Mellark, and Hemsworth will play Gale Hawthorne. They will star opposite Jennifer Lawrence who landed the main role of Katniss Everdeen.

This news is official! Lionsgate just announced it moments ago! We’ll update this post if the director or Suzanne Collins release a statement about this latest casting news.

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