David Henrie Talks Losing 'Hunger Games' Role to Liam Hemsworth, Says It Was 'the Best Thing in the World'
A close race for Gale Hawthorne
Henrie, now 37 and a star of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, said he and Liam Hemsworth were the last candidates for Gale Hawthorne in The Hunger Games. He recalled knowing Jennifer Lawrence before the audition and being surprised to see her at the chemistry read.
Henrie described the audition as strong, then remembered Hemsworth arriving afterward. He said the contract involved three films and millions of dollars, but Hemsworth won the role. Looking back, Henrie said the casting worked well. He thought he resembled Josh Hutcherson too much and said the differences in height among the cast supported the final choice.
A different opportunity follows
After missing out on The Hunger Games, Henrie said he was also being considered for a part in Little Boy. At the time, he had found success as a teenager, bought a house and a car, and earned money, but said those things did not make him feel fulfilled.
Henrie described feeling unsettled as he pursued pleasure and searched for a deeper sense of purpose. While working on Little Boy, he was invited to philosophy nights and began studying Buddhism and comparative mythology.
Questions lead toward Catholicism
Henrie said he had not wanted to engage with God, but began exploring ideas about the universe and seeking something he considered objective. After weighing different religions, he said Catholicism’s view of meritorious suffering resonated with him.
He said the experience changed how he lived. Henrie described not getting the film role as beneficial in hindsight because it set in motion a path that led him to Catholicism.
Key points
- David Henrie said he was a finalist for Gale Hawthorne, but Liam Hemsworth was cast.
- Henrie recalled a strong audition and later said the casting made sense to him.
- He said missing out led to another opportunity in Little Boy.
- Henrie traced his eventual conversion to Catholicism to questions that arose while making Little Boy.