Meet Sam Claflin aka 'Catching Fire's' Finnick Odair
Finnick Odair was considered the 'heartthrob' of the 75th Annual Hunger Games, with his perfectly-chiseled body, 'camera-ready face' and 'incredible' green eyes.
But Sam Claflin, who plays Finnick in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," admits that playing the role entails a huge responsibility.
'In the book, Finnick is every woman's dream man, and that was hugely intimidating, and a lot of pressure on my shoulders to please the fans,' shares Claflin to The New York Post.
In addition, he was also one of the latest addition in the cast of the movie franchise, along with Jenna Malone who plays Johanna Mason. Claflin admits to being intimidated at first, but they blended in together organically.
'There was no sort of awkwardness to begin with, you know like I'm guessing probably does happen at times, but we all kind of found out place very quickly I think, so it was good. It was very, very organic and natural,' stated Sam On The Red Carpet.
And one of the bonding moments with the cast paved way to the added boost he need in playing the suave, handsome tribute.
'Early on, we had a party where we all had a bit of dinner and some drinks, then went out on the town and had a few more drinks. [Director Francis Lawrence] came up to me the next day and said, 'I want you to be exactly like you were last night. Just be you with a few drinks. Let yourself loose, relax, chill.'
Since a lot is expected of Finnick in terms of appearance, Claflin prepared for the role with workouts in the gym and a strict diet that involves omelettes and protein shakes. But he still has room for a few luxuries, like Christmas lunch.
'I had my mom's home-cooked turkey and quickly fell asleep afterwards,' shared Claflin.
The British-born actor was initially interested in football, or soccer in the US, but he shifted to acting after breaking his leg during a game. Claflin then studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, and landed a few roles in British TV. He debuted in Hollywood via "Snow White and the Huntsman," but "Catching Fire" is likely to catapult him to fame.
Clafin and the rest of the cast and crew are in the fifth week of filming of the last installment of "The Hunger Games" which will be divided into two parts. The first part of "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay" is set for release next year, while the second part is slated for 2015.