The Hunger Games shortlist includes Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Hunter Parrish

I guess I'm going to have to read The Hunger Games to be convinced it's not just another Battle Royale ripoff. Judging by the fanatical following Suzanne Collins' novels have, there must be something pretty unique about them. I'll reserve judgment for now, but the way people are so intently latching on to every bit of casting news about Gary Ross's film adaptation has turned me into a sortof fan by proxy. So far only Jennifer Lawrence(X-men: First Class) has been confirmed as Katniss Everdeen, the main protagonist of the story. Her casting hasn't been without some controversy, mostly due to her age(she's four years older than Katniss) and the fact that she's white. I didn't read the book yet, but my understanding is she's "undefined" racially. Who cares about this kinda crap, anyway?

Before I go off on a rant, there are two other big roles that need to be filled: Peeta Mellark, Katniss's "love interest" and Gale Hawthorne, Katniss' best friend.  We've heard a few names floated for Peeta already: Alex Pettyfer, Josh Hutcherson, and Hunter Parrish.  Nothing for Gale until now.  THR has the shortlist of actors currently testing for both roles, some we've seen, some we haven't.


Testing for Peeta:
Hunter Parrish – 23 years old (Weeds)
Josh Hutcherson – 18 years old (The Kids Are All Right)
Evan Peters – 24 years old (Never Back Down)
Alexander Ludwig – 19 years old (Escape to Witch Mountain)
Lucas Till – 20 years old (X-Men: First Class)

Testing for Gale:

Liam Hemsworth – 21 years old (The Last Song)
David Henrie – 21 years old (The Wizards of Waverly Place)
Robbie Amell – 22 years old (American Pie Presents: Beta House)
Drew Roy – 24 years old (Secretariat)

Gale is about two years older than Katniss in the books, so these names all make sense. As for Peeta, Josh Hutcherson has the most name value, but I don't think that's very important in this case. This a franchise builder, so whoever gets the role is going to be very popular very fast. One name you don't see? Alex Pettyfer. Hip hip hoo-friggin'-ray.