Jennifer Lawrence in the lead for Katniss Everdeen from THE HUNGER GAMES

 After a while of hearing rumors that TRUE GRIT's Hailee Steinfeld was a sure pick for the upcoming adaptation of The Hunger Games by director Gary Ross, Lainey Gossip has gotten word that Jennifer Lawrence, is up for the lead role.

Javi: I personally have not seen WINTER'S BONE (but Jonesy has) and having read the books, I was really rooting for young Steinfeld to get this part. For all of the characteristics that people praised Steinfled, such as her maturity and quick wit, the character of Katniss embodies that as well. She is still in the running though, so let's keep fingers crossed! Regardless, I have heard many great things of Lawrence. She single-handedly carried one of the best movies of last year. I am excited to see who they do end up casting though.

Jonesy: Ever since TRUE GRIT jumped to the screen, Hailee Steinfeld has been on everyone's mind to play the iconic Katniss.  I was even convinced she would be perfect.  Now, with this news that Lawrence is in the running, I'm shocked that she never crossed my mind.  Lawrence is brilliant in WINTER'S BONE as the sole provider for her family after her father has skipped town.  She brings a quiet, yet strong presence to the screen.  Hard accomplishment for someone so young.  Either actress would be fantastic in the role of Katniss.






The book series was definitely an interesting entry into the young adult genre. It presented some pretty harsh and brutal obstacles for Katniss in the span of three books. It will be interesting to see how they depict some of the battles should the movie go forward as a franchise. For those not in the know, here's a description of the Hunger Games:







The Hunger Games is a young-adult science fiction novel written by Suzanne Collins. It was originally published on September 14, 2008, by Scholastic. It is the first book of the Hunger Games trilogy. It introduces sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives in a post-apocalyptic world in the country of Panem where North America once stood. This is where a powerful government working in a central city called the Capitol holds power. In the book, the Hunger Games are an annual televised event where the Capitol chooses one boy and one girl from each district to fight to the death. The Hunger Games exist to demonstrate not even children are beyond the reach of the Capitol's power.

Thanks to the fine folks over /film for the set of news.

THE HUNGER GAMES is directed by Gary Ross and will be released May 23, 2012.