Grant Gustin gained global recognition as Barry Allen / The Flash in The CW series, The Flash. The show concluded its impressive nine-season run in May 2023. Unlike the 2023 film adaptation, the series garnered positive feedback from the audience and became The CW’s second-most watched pilot with 4.83 million American viewers. Gustin, along with the rest of the cast, received critical acclaim for their performances.
Gustin dived deep into the world of DC comics to research the role even before landing the part and shone through in his audition. However, fans may be surprised to learn that he missed out on a significant role in a major franchise.
Grant Gustin Was Almost Cast As Fan Favorite Character In The Hunger Games
Before he was The Flash, Grant Gustin played the scheming Sebastian Smythe in the musical comedy-drama, Glee. However, few are aware that Gustin was also considered for a role in The Hunger Games franchise. The second installment of the franchise, Catching Fire, introduced the character of Finnick Odair, an important character in Suzanne Collins’ novels.
Fans speculated about different actors who could play the role, including Robert Pattinson, Armie Hammer, and Garrett Hedlund. Gustin confirmed his audition for the role during an interview with The Insider. According to the Arrow actor, the producers were unsure at the time, about what they were looking for in the actor for this character. The Puppy Love actor told The Insider (via Vulture):
“I don’t think [the producers] know what they’re looking for just yet, but yes, I auditioned for the role.”
In The Hunger Games franchise, Jennifer Lawrence played the lead role of Katniss Everdeen. Finnick Odair was one of the male tributes from District 4 in Catching Fire, who grew close with Katniss throughout the series. After extensive speculation surrounding the role, it ultimately went to Sam Claflin.
Sam Claflin Beat Grant Gustin To The Role Of Finnick Odair
Sam Claflin made his film debut as Philip Swift in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, alongside Johnny Depp and Penélope Cruz. He also appeared in the fantasy film, Snow White and the Huntsman, alongside Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, and Kristen Stewart. The Love, Rosie actor was announced in the role of Finnick Odair on August 22, 2012, putting an end to all the rumors.
Catching Fire was only Claflin’s third film project, but his performance in Pirates of the Caribbean made him a worthy contender for the role. Claflin went on to reprise the role in the sequels, Mockingjay – Part 1 and Mockingjay – Part 2. The Adrift actor subsequently landed significant roles, including Sir Oswald Mosley in Peaky Blinders and Mycroft Holmes in Enola Holmes.
While Grant Gustin missed the chance to be part of the $2.97 billion franchise, his career also soared to new heights with The Flash. In his next appearance, the Supergirl actor will play the real-life character Barry Keenan in the upcoming movie Operation Blue Eyes.
The Flash series is available for streaming on Netflix, while The Hunger Games franchise is now available for rent on AppleTV+.
Source: Vulture
