Has Weeds Prepared Hunter Parrish For a Leading Role in The Hunger Games?
Both Josh Hutcherson and Alex Pettyfer have been vocal about meeting with The Hunger Games producers to discuss the leading role of Peeta Mellark and now Hunter Parrish is throwing his hat into the casting ring. Just last night, the Weeds star told E! that he has also met with producers and would "be grateful" to get the coveted part. But can the 23-year-old actor be convincing as a 16-year-old in the Gary Ross film adaptation, especially after spending six seasons on a Showtime series about marijuana? Movieline investigates below.
In spite of that whole "seven-year age gap" (which will only grow before shooting begins), Parrish's role on Showtime's black comedy series Weeds may have actually prepared him for the role of Peeta. Consider the following:
· Like Peeta, whose parents died in a tragic fire raid, Parrish's Weeds character Silas was left without a father after he suffered a fatal heart attack. His mother's illegal (and time-consuming!) career has meant that he had to virtually raise himself and his younger brother Shane.
· Peeta is the son of a baker. Silas is the son of a drug dealer who once posed as a baker for tax evasion purposes.
· Depending on who is cast as Peeta's love interest Katniss (although it looks like it will be Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence), Parrish might have to share a love scene with a much younger actress. Fortunately, Parrish has experience with illicit love scenes as he shared a few with Julie Bowen, who is 18 years his senior, on Weeds.
· Parrish is blond and blue-eyed.
· Finally, like Peeta, Silas has gone to extreme lengths to protect the most important woman in his life.
Are you convinced that Hunter Parrish would make a good Peeta Mellark?
· Weeds Star Hunter Parrish Also Being Considered For Peeta In The Hunger Games [CinemaBlend
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Comments
Hunter Parrish rules.
In my fantasy casting for a Spring Awakening movie, I had always put Hunter Parrish in the Melchior role after he did such a great job on Broadway. But later I thought he might be too old for the part. If he's being considered for this then maybe it's not too late!
Who wrote this article, an intern? Hunter Parrish has done a vast range of work outside of Weeds. He is a Broadway veteran, having taken over the lead role of Melchior in Spring Awakening when Jonathan Groff left the show. He also played alongside Alec Baldwin and Meryll Streep in "It's Complicated" - where in the DVD features they both sung his praises. Then there is the role of Stan in "W7 Again" where he plays Stan, and is so good, even Weeds fans could recognize him.
Hunter is a huge talent. This role is perfect for him.
Who wrote this comment, Hunter's agent?
I like the kid in Weeds and from that alone want him to go on to some success, but to cite his couple of minutes in It's complicated? C'mon.
perfect!!!
Pettyfer reads as about 30 on screen.
Ummmm, Peeta's parents didn't die, that's Katniss'. He has a kind father and a witch of a mother with two older brothers who aren't that close to him. But, Hunter Parrish is exactly what I envisioned as Peeta and Lionsgate BETTER choose him. *biting my nails while my fingers are crossed*
I think an unkown actor should have a chance. Its a new triology so fresh faces should be portrayed. YouTube has some promising talent. I was searching and found this guy...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYTpHqSOnaA....I think he did an amazing job and should at least be considered.
actually peeta's parents died when district 12 were taken out.