Sam Claflin: I almost killed my Hunger Games co-star

Sam Claflin confessed he almost killed a co-star for real during the filming of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

The 27-year-old British hunk, who plays fan favourite Finnick Odair in the film series, almost finished off 80-year-old veteran actress Lynn Cohen in the filming process.

‘It was the first day I had to pick Lynn up and whoever decided to give me the responsibility of another human life made a mistake,’ Claflin told Guilty Pleasures, recalling a scene where he runs with the elderly star – who plays Mags – clinging to his back.

‘I picked her up and we were running towards a rocky beach when my knee hit a rock. I should explain – Lynn could not go into the water because it would send her blood pressure ridiculously high,’ he went on.

‘I hit this rock and she was clinging on for dear life and I was asking her to get off. But she didn’t let go and we went in.’

Fortunately an on-set death was avoided. It transpires, though, that the actor did a good job of maiming himself during filming in a jungle.

‘I walked into a bush and nearly blinded myself, I broke a finger… it was treacherous terrain,’ he revealed.

Meanwhile co-star Liam Hemsworth explained he is more of a danger to himself when not on a film set.

‘Last night I was playing with a knife and I smashed it on my finger. It might be broken,’ the Australian actor said.

[Originally published Metro, Guilty Pleasures, Tuesday 12 November 2013]

Liam Hemsworth: Hollywood needs more female role models like Katniss Everdeen

Liam Hemsworth has called for more strong female characters – like Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games series - to be written for the big screen.

The 23-year-old Aussie hunk – who plays love interest Gale Hawthorne in the film – thinks the journey of Katniss, who fights for her life in a deadly arena and confronts a totalitarian government, gives a positive message to young fans.

‘There should be more strong females on screen,’ he told Guilty Pleasures as the latest film in the series took over London’s Leicester Square.

‘I think it’s such a great thing about these stories is that it is about a young courageous woman who is managing to stay herself throughout these horrible events. I think it’s great.

‘Jennifer is such a larger than life person – she is a good role model,’ he added, praising his co-star.

Discussing his own character, Hemsworth can see some of his own characteristics in the character.

‘He is someone who stands up for what he believes in and protects the people he loves,’ he said.

[Originally published Metro, Guilty Pleasures, Tuesday 12 November 2013]

LIAM HEMSWORTH

“I haven’t spoken to him since he got Thor,” jokes Liam Hemsworth of his older brother Chris, who he lost out to for the lead role in Kenneth Branagh and Marvel Studio’s superhero movie. His jealousy is, however, just a joke. “It’s a friendly rivalry,” he says. “We definitely push each other to do better. If he gets a part over me, I’m as happy for him to get it as for myself.” 
    Having moved across the Pacific to LA, the Australian actor is taking steps to build his career from Australian TV actor to Hollywood star.  First up is romantic drama The Last Song opposite singer/songwriter/actress Miley Cyrus – someone he admits to having chemistry with on and off screen. “She was great to work with. She’s such a good person, really professional, and she has achieved so much for her age. It’s kind of incredible,” he says. And how was the experience of taking his first lead in an American film? “It was beautiful weather and we were shooting on the beach all day – it really was like a summer holiday and a really good time in my life. I’m excited for people to see the film.”

[Originally published in Wonderland Magazine Issue 22, April 2010. Photography Kenneth Cappello]