The casting of Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark in the Hunger Games film franchise is now the stuff of Hollywood legend. But before Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson cemented those roles in the minds of millions, a number of other young actors were vying for a chance to enter the arena. While Hutcherson ultimately won the part of the baker’s son from District 12, several other hopefuls came close, including some familiar faces who would later find success in other major franchises.
Josh Hutcherson starred in all four original Hunger Games films alongside Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth and the trio’s chemistry was a key ingredient in the series’ massive success. It’s hard to imagine anyone else in those roles now, but the casting process was, as it always is, a competitive one. In fact, nine other actors auditioned for the role of Katniss before Lawrence was ultimately cast, and Hemsworth faced competition from three other actors for the part of Gale Hawthorne.
Now, details are emerging about who was considered for the role of Peeta. According to reports, at least five actors were seriously in the running before Hutcherson landed the part. The list includes some surprising names, and reveals a fascinating “what if” scenario for several rising stars.
One of the actors who auditioned was Evan Peters, then 24 years old, making him the oldest of the frontrunners at the time. While he didn’t secure the role of Peeta, Peters went on to achieve significant recognition for his work in the X-Men series, playing the speedy mutant Quicksilver alongside Jennifer Lawrence. This marks one of several connections between the actors who auditioned and those who ultimately landed key roles in the franchise.
Lucas Till, already known for his work in X-Men: First Class with Jennifer Lawrence when he auditioned for Peeta, was another contender. It’s unclear how far along he progressed in the casting process, but his prior working relationship with Lawrence undoubtedly gave him an edge.
More recently, Austin Butler, who has since become a household name thanks to his portrayal of Elvis Presley, revealed that he also auditioned for the role of Peeta. Speaking to BuzzFeed Celeb, Butler shared that he didn’t receive a callback, but praised Hutcherson’s performance, stating, “Josh is great.” This highlights the often-unseen reality of Hollywood casting, where even incredibly talented actors face rejection.
Alexander Ludwig, who ultimately played Cato, a competitor from District One, was also determined to land the role of Peeta. He reportedly focused on physically transforming his body to better embody the character. Ludwig ultimately acknowledged Hutcherson’s success in capturing Peeta’s essence, and expressed satisfaction with his own portrayal of the villainous Cato, allowing him to explore a different range of acting.
The casting process also attracted attention from a wider pool of talent. While specific details are scarce, reports indicate that several other actors were considered, demonstrating the extensive search undertaken by the studio to find the perfect fit for each role. The competition was fierce, and the stakes were high, as these roles had the potential to launch careers into the stratosphere.
The upcoming Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping, will see both Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson reprise their iconic roles. This return to the franchise is generating significant excitement among fans, and serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of the original story and the actors who brought it to life. It’s a testament to their performances that audiences are eager to see them return to Panem.
The story of who almost played Peeta Mellark offers a glimpse behind the curtain of Hollywood casting, revealing the competitive landscape and the many talented actors who vie for coveted roles. While Josh Hutcherson ultimately embodied the character for a generation of fans, the journey of those who auditioned alongside him underscores the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry and the enduring power of a well-told story.
