The Crying ‘Games’

This chart from Movies.com summarizes the Finnick casting saga, including my scoop of Colton Haynes’ audition.

As part of a summer of healthy living, I have made it a goal to work out every day. Yesterday, I had my friend Patrick’s birthday party in the evening so I had to move up my work out a few hours. After completing my cardio, I was in the middle of my push-ups when I got the worst text I ever received. My friend Lauren shared the news that rumors were circulating that the role of Finnick Odair had been cast. And, it was not someone I wanted. For those of you who are not members of the Brian Tuft Book Club or live under a rock, Finnick Odair is a character in the second and third books of the Hunger Games series. He has also become the hottest casting property in recent history. A few months ago, I presented Colton Haynes as my pick, I also echoed the wide spread sentiments that Armie Hammer or Taylor Kisch would be fine as well. Other names thrown out included Lucas Til, Jesse Williams and Trevor Donovan, and while I did have my heart set on Colton, all of them became acceptable to me over time. So when Lauren sent me the news that the casting was a dark horse who’s name was never mentioned during the months of rumor mill churning, it came as a surprise. And, an unpleasant one at that.

While it’s hard to overlook that when he is half naked and dirty he does look like Finnick, his previous work makes me nervous.

This dark horse is named Sam Claflin, I know him from “Snow White and the Huntsman” the latest Kristen Stewart atrocity I suffered through. He played her best friend from childhood, who was the story’s Prince Charming. I don’t know if it was that he was playing fourth fiddle after an Oscar winner, Edward Cullens’s baby mama and Thor but he seemed very bland, kind of weak and most certainly didn’t register as a sexy Adonis. The entire role was pointless and didn’t do anything to make it to stand out. So my initial reaction has been very negative. While I was excited about them landing Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Jena Malone as Johanna, this role was the one I was the most excited about. So I feel like my knee jerk reaction of hating the casting of this film with the intensity of 1,000 Cinna made fire capes is to be expected. However, my reaction was similar when I learned of Josh Hutcherson’s casting in the series, and look how that turned out. I can only hope that the casting director saw something in Sam’s audition that I have not seen in his on-screen work thus far. Because, while I concede that some of the edits and changes in the film may not have been great. No one can convince me that the casting was not top notch. From Jennifer Lawerence and Josh Hutcherson, to Wes Bentley and the other 22 tributes. Every single one of those actors took the characters I imagined and made them real. As of press time, Sam Claflin hasn’t made an announcement, and Lionsgate remains mum as well. What should be pointed out is that the casting ofAmanda Plummer as Wires another tribute was confirmed yesterday, after the Finnick story broke so the lack of comment strikes me as odd. I guess only time will tell, and with each day we move closer to the Quarter Quell. Tick tock, tick tock Lionsgate.

The Man Who Knew Too Soon

My pick for Finnick, Colton Haynes and I.

Good news travels fast, bad news travels faster. But, as a fan of “the Hunger Games” I’ve learned casting news travels fastest. However, thus far there has been no news regarding “the Hunger Games: Catching Fire” so as fans we have had to live on rumors to keep us going. Last week, I posted that I had finally gotten a little news from my pick for Finnick Odair, Colton Haynes. He told me that the rumors surrounding Armie Hammer, Taylor Kisch and Garret Hedlund should be taken with a proverbial grain of salt. He also shared that he was meeting with the studio to discuss the project when I had asked if I should hold out hope of seeing him wielding a trident. As soon as my post went public, the story was splashed across every “Hunger Games” blog. That was no surprise, I mean this casting is a huge deal and one that has been very anticipated. What did surprise me was the amount times the words “allegedly” “unsubstantiated claims” and “unfamiliar” appeared in each re-posting.

Trevor Donovan who I first came to love as Teddy on “90210″ is rumored to also be in the running for Finnick.

Then yesterday, a bigger website posted that “an insider” had revealed that Armie Hammer, Garrett Hedlund and Taylor Kisch were in fact not being looked at or considered. And, that meetings were being held this week with the final eight in the running. Of course this bigger site’s intel was not questioned or met with shade. But, their report did bestow more validity on my exclusive with Colton and that I am thankful for. So far thehob.org, mockingjay.net and their readers are yet to apologize for being so snarky in their disbelief. Other names on the list of the eight being considered are Trevor Donovan (another BEST Blog fav), Lucas Til and Alan Ritchson. I hope that this little update helps continues to validate my little dog and pony blog. And, once again I want to extend the best of wishes to Colton. I marathon watched “Teen Wolf” this past week and saw many shimmering examples as to why he would kill this role. Good luck Mr. Haynes, and may these new odds remain ever in your favor.

Truth Odair

My pick for Finnick, Colton Haynes and I.

The casting rumors swirling around “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” have been reported on every gossip site, entertainment news program, magazine and blog. I even posted my picks for Finnick and Johanna here on BEST Blog a few weeks back and the post went on to become one of my most popular ones of all time. News broke earlier this week that according to an insider at Lionsgate the casting for the role was down to three actors. The insider was reported as saying that either Armie Hammer, Taylor Kisch and Garrett Hedlund would play the trident wielding Adonis from District Four. Taylor Kisch was one of the picks I suggested, but yesterday he was quoted as saying he would NOT be playing the part. So that leaves Garrett or Armie. Right? Well not exactly. Like I posted earlier, I got to meet some of the cast of “Teen Wolf” including Colton Haynes. One of the first things I said to Colton was that he was my pick for Finnick and how sad I was when I heard that the casting was down to three people who were not him. After thanking me and telling me how excited he would to be a part of the project, he told me hope might not be lost. It was his impression that the EW article that started the Garret/Taylor/Armie rumor was mistaken. And, that it was just that – a rumor. When I asked if I should still hold out hope to see him as Finnick, he coyly said he had a meeting but wouldn’t divulge anymore. I want to wish Colton the best of luck at his meeting/audition and hope that I will get to see him next fall on screens as Finnick Odair.

*Author’s Note: As this entry has gone viral and found it’s way onto many Hunger Games blogs I wanted to clarify some things. Colton merely told me he had a meeting, and I wanted to post the news since I had posted my hopes that he would be Finnick on here a few months back. A few people on various sites are criticizing him for “giving too much information”, he merely thanked me for my support and told me to keep my fingers crossed for him. Normally I don’t respond to such foolishness but as this is something I really want and got the impression Colton would love it too I want the truth out there. Because, I’d hate to be the reason he didn’t get it. Good luck to Colton, and may the odds be EVER in his favor.

Best of the BEST: A Look Back at BEST Blog’s First 100

100 Posts on BEST Blog. Can you believe it?

I have been watching my WordPress dashboard closely the past few days because with every post that I published I moved closer to the triple digits. And, it just so happens this is my 100th Post. Since starting BEST Blog as the Blog of Brian Tuft in September of 2009 I have published 100 blog entries about all sorts of my favorite things. Fashion’s Night Out, One Direction and “Glee” have all gotten their own posts. I thought in honor of this milestone I would share what the top five posts are in terms of traffic, response and reaction.

Karine Vanase and I on the set of “Pan Am”.

The number four and five posts are the blogs detailing my visits to the “Pan Am” set. Last week, the news hit the web that the show had been cancelled by ABC. But, I don’t know how because the show has been a gold mine for me in terms of traffic. It seems that web surfers could not get enough of the stewardess centered drama, even visiting my blog to hear some behind the scene scoop and find out what the stars are like in real life. My third biggest post of all time is a much more recent one, where I detailed who I would cast in “the Hunger Games” sequel “Catching Fire”. I picked Colton Haynes and Mia Wasikowska as Finnick and Johanna. But, obviously my pull at Lionsgate is minimal, even if the official “Hunger Games” account follows me on twitter. The second most successful blog is my first post about “Pan Am” where I listed the reasons why I loved the series and why I thought my readers should give it a shot. Obviously it would seem like it fell on deaf ears since the series was cancelled. But, the entry drew and still draws steady traffic to my little site. It should also be noted that on the list of top search engine terms that bring people to my blog, Pan Am, Karine Vanasse and Colette all rank highly.

Trevor Donovan star of 90210, dreamboat, gay rights supporter and blog traffic magnet with me last year.

My top post of all time is one of my earliest posts but still one of the most popular ones I’ve ever published. In January of 2010 I posted about 90210′s newest cast member Trevor Donovan’s Teddy Montgomery. At this point Teddy was still a home wrecking ass wipe who was pretty much loathed by everyone until the end of the season where he was sweet to Silver as her mother died. In the time since that post went up the character came out of the closet as a gay man who hid behind womanizing ways to keep the truth a secret. This development made Donovan a real life gay hero. He has been honored by countless gay advocacy groups and has become arguably the most famous part of the show. A few months ago, I went to the Ripple of Hope Awards Dinner and got to meet Trevor. I told him how much I enjoyed and appreciated his work on 90210 and his work off screen with the gay community. He was just as handsome in real life, and as nice as he was dreamy. And, while I have posted about many other dreamy men I have loved like Darren Criss, Josh Hutcherson, Matt Bomer and Max Greenfield who is tomorrow’s subject. I think its fitting that my biggest post of all time is the one about Trevor,my original BEST Blog crush. I look forward to seeing who else and what else I will post about, here’s hoping the next 100 posts are as much fun and as successful as the first. Thank you s much for reading, and I hope you will continue to see what the future holds for BEST Blog.

Josh Hutcherson Makes It Even Easier to Love Him…

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I rarely revisit topics on BEST Blog, but after last week Josh Hutcherson has earned another post.

I rarely revisit topics on this blog, I think once I’ve given my views on things it’s better to move on. Unless they change, there’s no point in rehashing old things. That’s how dead horses end up getting beaten. And, as an animal lover I am unable to stand for the abuse of horses. Even if they’re previously deceased. But, I feel so passionately about this particular topic I need to revisit it. Last month when the Hunger Games premiered I posted about how charisma, talent and charm helped me go from being ambivalent towards Josh Hutcherson to really liking him. With “the Hunger Games” grossing 350 million dollars the entire cast has been in the media constantly. This has allowed me to know what Jennifer Lawerence wears to the airport, what Liam Hemsworth buys at Whole Foods and that Josh Hutcherson is the most awesome mother fucker to walk this earth other than myself.

First, I saw his indie slasher comedy and SXSW feature “Detention”. Initially after seeing the movie I was not a fan as it felt too all over the place. There was a thin explanation given about how the students were able to time travel, and a bit about a student being half-insect goes all but unexplained. However, with each passing day I came to think of the film more and more positively. I realized how many references Director Joesph Khan threw in from his years of music video directing. Then while telling a friend about the film I recalled how struck I was by the whip smart dialogue and fun on screen pop up graphics. But, the final nail in the coffin was that for days after seeing it I couldn’t stop thinking about the final scene where Josh Hutcherson and his on-screen love Shanley Caswell recreate the final dance from the 1987 classic “Dirty Dancing”, to a modern remix of “Mmm Bop” by Hanson. The film is currently in extremely limited release in ten US cities, but I think once the film is released on DVD and made available on Netflix it will find its audience. I feel with it’s sci-fi, slasher and comedic elements plus a witty commentary on the cyber generation that it will undoubtedly gain a cult following. If you are lucky enough to live in one of the ten cities showing “Detention” be sure to check it out.

Wearing a three piece suit, fighting for equality, making homos swoon. All in a days work...

The other, and more serious reason to love Josh Hutcherson this week came when he was honored at the GLAAD Awards. When researching Josh for my initial post on him, I came to learn about his work with “Straight but Not Narrow”. A group dedicated to dispelling misconceptions about gay people to high school aged students. During the media’s inescapable coverage of “the Hunger Games” cast it was revealed Josh had lost two gay relatives to AIDS and was inspired by them to be active in the movement for LGTB equality. It was due to his work towards that goal and his involvement in SBNN that earned him the GLAAD Vanguard award. At first, I was nervous that the Vangaurd award might be a little premature. But, those feelings were dispelled after seeing Josh’s emotional, intelligent and heart string tugging acceptance speech. Calling for equality not just in marriage but in all aspects and even going as far as to discuss his hopes for his own children should they be gay, Josh pretty much made it impossible to not love him.

 

In addition to the GLAAD Vangaurd Award, Josh recently picked up LOGO’s “New, Now, Next Award” for Next Mega Star. So it seems that the LGTB community has just as much love and support for Josh as he does for us. I think at this point it would take a Michael Richards type racial tirade or personal attack from Josh himself to get me to not love him. Although, his rumored flirting with Emma Roberts is not winning him any points on the BEST Blog scoreboard. However, the buzz stemming from his indie films “Carmel” and “7 Dias en La Habana” will keep him in my good graces. Until their release, I will look forward to the good work I can expect from Josh onscreen and off.

Colton Haynes Bulks Up His Abs AND My Case…

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I present more damning evidence in the case for Colton Haynes as Finnick Odair.

Thanks to WordPress and their amazing dashboard, I am able to tell exactly how many people read my blog each day. A recent addition even shows me where my readers are based. Today I’ve attracted eyes from the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and many other far off places. But, today may be the first time I learned that a celebrity might read BEST Blog. This morning I presented my picks for roles in the next Hunger Games film. My dark horse pick Colton Haynes was met with an overwhelmingly positive response. Then this afternoon JustJared.com posted photos of Colton Haynes at the beach. 15 beautiful and slightly creepy paparazzi shots of Colton splashing around in the waves like a certain trident wielding victor from District 4. It was like he saw my post and wanted to provide me more fodder and inspire me to campaign harder. Compared to the photo I included in my original post, it looks like Colton has been bulking up. Bringing him even closer to the Finnick I pictured as I read Catching Fire and Mockingjay. If Colton is reading this, please remember me and my support if and when you get cast. BRB going to photoshop a trident into his hands in these photos.

If you need further evidence, some thinspiration or just want to ogle more eye candy: http://www.justjared.com/2012/04/04/colton-haynes-shirtless-at-the-beach/

Even his friend is like "Damn boy."

The Hunger Games Sequel’s Casting Rumors Catch Fire

A fan made poster that I enjoyed from Tumblr.

“The Hunger Games” pulled a rare trifecta this week, with a number one selling book, a number one selling soundtrack and the weekend’s number one movie at the box office. It is safe to say that it is a phenomenon. And, while Lionsgate counts their money and sends an Edible Arrangements to Suzanne Collins my friends and I along with every other HG fan seem to already be thinking about “Catching Fire”. As a big fan of the book, I don’t feel comfortable discussing it too much. I feel like the book’s plot is so crazy, that reading it and experiencing it for yourself is part of the fun. But, in the course of the book’s events we meet a few new characters. And, just like the internet was ablaze with chatter over who was going to play Katniss, Peeta and the others, this new crop of characters is in the center of a firestorm of speculation. I figured I should throw my opinions out there to stir the pot and so that when official announcements are made, my picks were in writing ahead of time.

Kellan Lutz was my original pick, but the material and a reported ban on Twilight stars in THG made me look elsewhere.

One of the new characters is Finnick Odair. When we meet Finnick he is wearing sea weed and a tuna net, eating sugar cubes and cheekily hitting on our dear Katniss. Upon our first introduction to Finnick we are led to believe he is a sexy, shallow and one note Lothario. He is from District 4, which is where Panem’s fish originate so he is a skilled swimmer and deadly with a trident. When I first read Fire I imagined Kellan Lutz to be Finnick. Collins paints a portrait of a man who is incredibly sexy, very muscular and super cocky. But, as the rest of the story was told both in this book and later in Mockingjay we see the rest of Finnick unfold.

Colton Haynes would be ideal Finnick. Look at how good and how natural he looks in that water.

These later developments take the character into deeper territory, and while I love Kellan, I am not sure he has the dramatic abilities to portray the heavier elements. In the discussions I’ve had I have heard Grant Gustin, Armie Hammer and countless others mentioned. The two people who I would throw my weight behind are Taylor Kisch of “Friday Night Lights” and “John Carter” fame. From those I know who watched FNL, I’ve heard Taylor has the chops for the role and with his history of modeling we know he has the torso for Finnick. The other pick is a bit of a dark horse and was suggested by my friend June, “Teen Wolf’s” Colton Haynes. From what I have seen of “Teen Wolf” he could handle the role. Plus his Abercrombie and Fitch ads will show you he not only has the body for Finnick but also seems like he would be totally comfortable talking to Katniss in a net and leaves. While I feel Kisch is a safer pick, Haynes is closer to the Finnick I imagined. Plus, I like Colton and think this project would boost his profile.

Kristen Bell discussed her passion for the series a few weeks ago on Jimmy Kimmel.

Our other character in need of casting is Joanna Mason. We meet Joanna in this book, but she is mentioned in the Hunger Games novel. Katniss tells us about watching Joanna, a girl from District 7 in an earlier games. She cried and appeared cowardly in the weeks leading up to the games, but as the tributes lessened Joanna revealed her true nature as a cold blooded killer who wields an ax and takes no prisoners. As with Finnick, this character has a dual nature so the actor cast has to be able to nail the weakling side and the tough killer side. Some of Collins writing may be clunky, but her ability to tell stories and develop characters is magical.

With her chic style and sweet face, Mia Wasikowska could nail the seemingly weak but lethal Joanna Mason.

Kristen Bell has been campaigning for the role of Joanna since I can remember. While I love that she is a big fan of the books, even admitting to throwing a HG themed birthday party. I am not sold on her as Joanna. Other names I have heard are Naya Rivera and Anna Kendrick but, my pick would be Mia Wasikowska. She has proven herself a wonderful actress in “Albert Nobbs” and “the Kids Are All Right”, plus we know she can do a blockbuster after her work in the $1 Billion grossing “Alice in Wonderland”. I think she is someone who could absolutely pull off the weak coward side of Joanna and also be a total bad ass who is a thorn in Katniss’ side.

Sadly, my pull at Lionsgate is minimal and as of yet they haven’t asked me for my take on whoever they’re thinking about. But, I wanted to share my opinions and hopefully get a good debate going on who will eventually step into the roles alongside Josh Hutcherson and Jennifer Lawrence. “Catching Fire” is scheduled for a November 2013 release and according to my dream BFF, JHutch, is expected to start shooting this summer. So hopefully we will have a casting scoop soon. I feel like these two characters are such a huge part of the story from here on out and think the pressure is on. The world will be watching Lionsgate, so may the odds be ever in your favor.

The Kid is Alright

Lets be real, when you read the Hunger Games THIS is what Peeta looked like to you.

When I wrote last week about my Hunger Games experience, I mentioned that Josh Hutcherson was not my pick for Peeta Mellark. Which is true, but doesn’t really cover it. Truthfully, after reading the Suzanne Collins novel, I had imagined Peeta to be closer to Weed’s star Hunter Parrish. When I was just about finished with the book, the casting went public and the image I had built for 250 pages was ruined by a Lionsgate Press Release. A quick search of ONTD! to find out who Josh Hutcherson was made things worse. According to ONTD! he was 5’7 and Vanessa Hudgens post Zefron slam piece. I was livid. I actually said that I was going to skip the movie altogether.

Then the thaw process began, I went to an event for Godspell the Broadway musical that Hunter Parrish is currently the star of. After the event I got to meet him so I told him how I had envisioned him as Peeta, and while he was very thankful he was also super awkward. Not just with me, but with all of the other fans and well wishers. I wasn’t expecting him to present me with a loaf of burnt bread or anything, but I guess I was expecting him to be a little charismatic, a little charming… a little like Peeta. A few weeks later, my friend Lauren got the news that Good Morning America was holding a fan event for the trailer’s premiere. The first official trailer for the Hunger Games would be premiering on the jumbo-tron in Times Square, and Lionsgate would be there, as would Josh Hutcherson. It goes without saying, if you know me at all, that I went to this event.

Josh Hutcherson and I at GMA. Excuse my face, I was mid-laugh over something charming Josh had said.

I went and was so ready to be critical. I was so ready to meet Josh Hutcherson and come up with a laundry list of reasons as to why he should not be Peeta. And then I actually met him. And, he was so charismatic, and funny, and charming, and stylish. He was wearing a jacket that I own! That’s how fucking stylish he is. Obviously this interaction paired with my first glance at the Hunger Games movie adaptation meant I was officially on board. But, over the course of the press tour starting with that trailer premiere and leading up to the film’s release I went from totally anti-JHutch to thinking that he is so awesome that I kind of want he and I to be best friends. From the charming interviews I’ve seen, to his work with anti-homophobia foundation Straight But Not Narrow and of course his flawless portrayal of Peeta in the movie I think he is just about the greatest. I’m even able to overlook that rust colored suit he wore to the THG LA premiere and his horrible boho inspired Coachella outfits. I am still coming to terms with the fact that he willingly starred in Journey to the Center of the Earth 2. I mean come on Josh, even Brendon Fraiser said no.

Regardless of previous career moves, at this point I have a good feeling about Josh and where is he headed. Aside from filming Catching Fire this coming year, he will release three films not set in Panem. “Detention”, a slasher comedy that he produced, a remake of “Red Dawn” and one that I can actually see being both a success and a decent film “Carmel”. Let’s be real, a comedy horror film starring Dane Cook? That sounds like a marketing nightmare. The remake of Red Dawn has had several release dates before its current one. But, with Josh’s profile being so hot right now both could actually turn out to be modest hits. The latter one “Carmel” will also be helped but actually has its own appeal. In it a young art student played by Josh, turns to the world art forgery to survive after his mother slips deeper into drug addiction. It co-stars Lauren Bacall and Alfred Molina. If all of these films are released when they’re scheduled, Josh could be this year’s Jessica Chastain. Without the Oscar nomination.

Regardless of how this year plays out, “the Hunger Games” buys Josh a few years of front page fame. Just ask Josh’s “Zathura” co-star Kristen Stewart. She has made years of unwatchable crap and still gets the cover of Vogue because of “Twilight”. But, Josh is much more likable than Kristen so hopefully things will work out for him. And, if by any chance Josh sees this, please feel free to contact me! Let’s hang out. I promise not to be too cruel about the Coachella headbands. LOL JK. I will be. But, its part of my charm.