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Sam Claflin Talks Finnick in GQ Style

 

Sam Claflin talks Finnick Odair and The Hunger Games in the latest edition of the UK bi-annual GQ Style, accompanied by some gorgeous photos shot by Matthew Brookes. 

"I wasn't in the right shape for Finnick for the audition. I had stubble and there was a picture of me at a premiere and everyone was like: who is this guy? He doesn't even have blue eyes, let alone copper-coloured hair, a tan or a six pack."
 
But he won the fans over thanks to a restricted diet of egg-white omelettes and porridge, and a brutal training regime: "Three hours a day, five days a week for four months."
 
That and his impressive performance, which I realise from our conversation, is an exemplar of the technical complexity of acting in big-budget blockbusters. As well as staying in his American accent and bearing the emotion of the scene, he had to develop a kind of muscle memory for the intricately mapped out actions sequences all "without hitting someone with the trident."
 
Technical, then, and tiring. He was mostly in Atlanta working long days for ten months shooting the last installments of The Hunger Games movies and was thrilled, when I spoke to him, to be back home in west London, which he loves.

"You can live an anonymous life here in a way that you can't in Los Angeles."
 
At the moment his fame is nowhere near the R-Patz level of hysteria and he walks about untroubled by pestering fans. Come Christmas though, I wonder if this will still be true, but either way, he doesn't have a plan for the next five years. "I'm just excited about what's around the corner."

 

These photos are courtesy of our friends at Sam Claflin Fans, so please visit their site for the full scans of the article and more pictures. 

Bonus photo: Sam Claflin portrait by Jeff Vespa taken while Sam was at TIFF promoting The Riot Club. 

 

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New 'Mockingjay Part 1' District 13 Citizen Posters

We're getting an earlier than expected look at six new Mockingjay Part 1 District 13 character posters. President Coin, Haymitch Abernathy, Beetee Latier, Effie Trinket, Plutarch Heavensbee and Finnick Odair are featured in their District 13 finest. And by finest we mean their drab grey uniforms. Looks like Effie is making the most of what she's been dealt in 13. You go, Effie. 

The posters debuted on various websites tonight after they were leaked a bit early online right after the District 13 mobile site launch

We assume this is the first wave of District 13 citizen posters and we're very excited to see Katniss in one of them, hopefully in the near future. Because District 13 is alive and well and so is the Mockingjay.

 

 

 

 

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VIDEO: Sam Claflin Has a Bizarre Party Trick and "A Real Issue With Trousers"

Sam Claflin was one of 20 different cover stars of Hunger Magazine's Mighty Blighty issue that came out back in February (we posted the photos and entire article HERE if you want to re-read).

Today they posted a never-before-released video from his photo shoot, and they asked Sam all about his most embarasing moments which include this little gem: "I have a real issue with trousers. Pretty much every part and every character I've ever played my trouser will split up the crotch."

Oh, and don't miss his freaky party trick.

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Sam Claflin Talks Finnick Odair and Fan Negativity

Photos by Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

Sam Claflin talked a bit about playing Finnick Odair in Catching Fire and dealing with fan negativity about his casting with Reuters while promoting his new movie, The Quiet Ones. Sam keeps coming back to this subject and we sort of want to shake him and say, "Hey, Sam, we LOVE you as Finnick. Please move on!" Though we totally get it - that must have been absolutely brutal.

Q: You've often played the love interest. Are you worried about being typecast as the romantic hero?

A: It's definitely something that still scares me. Even now I'm in the process of making a decision of where I'm going to be going after "Hunger Games," and I want to make the right decision. I want a long-lasting career as opposed to someone that does the same thing over and over again, people get bored of you, and you then get washed up because the next young, better-looking version of you will arrive. I want to try my hand at new things, I want to be a character actor, I'd like to think of myself as a chameleon.

Q: What drew you to Finnick Odair in "Catching Fire"?

A: Knowing the journey that he goes on, where he begins; he's got this exterior, he's a confident, charming man, very good-looking and often judged on the way he looks, and I think he's the epitome of Hollywood ... but actually what's going on inside, there's a lot more going on. He's very similar to me in that sense, I think I put on a brave face a lot of the time, but actually what I'm thinking is I'm so nervous and intimated by what's going on. He's so vulnerable and naive to the world, he's just had to put on a front.

Q: What's been the most intimidating moment in your career?

A: I think portraying Finnick Odair would be the poignant moment in my career in the sense of I put most pressure on myself. I felt hugely intimidated entering into a franchise I was already a fan of, and had the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson, Philip Seymour Hoffman coming on board, I didn't know what to do with myself. A lot of the fans showed a lot of negative thoughts with the role.

Q: How do you deal with that negativity?

A: I use it to my advantage. To me, that made me work harder ... it pushed me further, whereas I think if everyone was like, "He's perfect the way he is," I wouldn't have done anything; I would have just turned up. But I felt like, "I'm going to prove you wrong," and I can only do as much as I can do, and if they still hate me, they hate me, I can't change my face, I'm sorry. Well, I can with surgery! (laughs)

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Sam Claflin Featured in Marie Claire UK May Issue

Sam Claflin is featured in Marie Claire UK's May edition and he talks about his career, his wife Laura Haddock, and, of course, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay co-stars with whom he has, ‘probably too much fun.’

Transcript of the article and photo thanks to Sam Claflin Fans:

THERE’S A MOMENT ABOUT FIVE MINUTES INTO meeting Hunger Games star Sam Claflin where it feels less like a regular celebrity interview and more like a cathartic therapy session. Having begun a sentence with, ‘It hasn’t felt like my life has changed,’ Claflin starts to unravel. ‘I just feel very grown-up all of a sudden,’ he ponders, sinking into the sofa of a private lounge in a central London hotel.‘I have responsibilities. I have to take a few risks and there’s a lot more pressure on my shoulders now than there was a few years ago. I felt I could make a mistake and no one would care, whereas now people are starting to take note…’

Read more after the jump!

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Video: 'Catching Fire' Behind The Scenes - Sam Claflin Talks About Finnick's Journey

In a new clip from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire 9-part making-of documentary, "Surviving The Game" Sam Claflin talks about the journey Finnick Odair takes in the films.

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Sam Claflin Posts Sleepless Selfie

Well, don't expect us to be too impressed (with ANYTHING else). We just saw Finnick Odair in his underwear. Ok, the actor who plays Finnick Odair, Sam Claflin, shirtless and sleepless is a hotel room somewhere, presumably. We're very sorry you can't sleep. But thanks for making our night by posting this adorable selfie to your twitter. And remember, we're madly in love with you as Finnick Odair, so feel free to post shirless selfies anytime you like.

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Sam Claflin in SFX Magazine

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is reviewed in the February issue of SFX magazine, and there's also a tiny little interview with our Finnick, Sam Claflin included alongside the review. Check out what Sam had to say when he spoke with SFX's Tara Bennett:

What appealed to you about playing Finnick?

That I was playing a character where I would be physically in shape and challenged with the fighting side. Finnick is also so complex, having bad points and good points, so I get to portray a character you don't quite trust.

Was the physical preparation a big change to your daily routine? Yeah, I'm English so I like beer and Christmas dinner! But what's great about working on Finnick was I had no time to eat or drink, as I was literally in the gym. It was time-consuming in a good way.

Did the fan backlash at your casting get in your head? I have to admit I'm one of those people who read things on the internet about me being cast as Finnick. It spurred me on every time someone said, "He's so ugly! I'm going to hang myself!" The fact is it made me work harder to prove them wrong. I'd like to think a lot of people have changed their perception of this English kid getting the part.

[SPOILER ALERT!] In book three, Mockingjay, Finnick meets a nasty end. Worried about that bit? Yeah, there is that. I think my brother is very excited about that scene! I can't wait to get started on the next one, to get thrown into the mix again, and to work for Francis, who I see as a pure delight to work for. It's exciting times.

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Sam Claflin in People's "Ones to Watch"

 

Sam Claflin (Finnick Odair) has made it on People's list of "Ones to Watch" - up and coming stars. 


From People's article:

British actor Sam Claflin makes the list with his portrayal of victor Finnick Odair in this fall's The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

With the film's anticipated success, "I've been told, 'Beware what's about to happen,' " says Claflin. "But nothing has ever changed. I've witnessed the likes of Jennifer Lawrence and Kristen Stewart kind of not being able to walk five meters without having like knickers thrown at them. For me, being able to walk down the street and go to the butcher's is a good thing." 


On his transformation: "I'm English, so I like beer and burgers, and that had to be cut out completely. It was pretty brutal."

On his career change: After a broken ankle sidelined his dream of becoming a soccer player: "I'm like a farm boy. But I'm happy to be here."

 

Thanks to Sam Claflin Fans for the scan!

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Sam Claflin Spread in Nylon Guys

Sam Claflin (Finnick Odair), poised for international fame pending Catching Fire's release, has been featured in this month's issue of Nylon Guys, a men's fashion magazine.

 

I’m one of those people who, the moment they say ‘cut,’ I go back to being Sam. Take Finnick Odair, for example: I’m not one to continue my American accent when I go home. I’m kind of happy being who I am, and I guess I’ve learned from the best. Like Jennifer Lawrence, who can literally be joking with you on set until the moment they say “action,” then cry on the spot. She’s just phenomenal to watch, and that’s the way I want to work.

Sam rehearsing the monket mutt scene in Catching Fire?

Images are courtesy of Sam Claflin Fans

 

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Sam Claflin for British Airways

First off: how adorable is he? Come on. Seriously.

British Airways has debuted its new "Red Carpet Route" - a direct from Los Angeles to London on their new Airbus A380 - with Sam Claflin (Finnick Odair) as one of their spokesmen! 

"We currently fly three flights a day from LA to London and are proud to be strengthening our connection between these two entertainment capitals with the largest and most luxurious aircraft in our fleet," said Sean Doyle, EVP Americas for British Airways.

Celebrating the connection between two entertainment capitals of the world, British Airways has partnered with Varietymagazine to present "10 Brits to Watch". The best emerging U.K. talent in Hollywood will be recognized at a red carpet event on September 25.

At the premiere party, guests will experience signature elements of the A380 while honoring the magazine's "10 Brits to Watch."  These up-and-coming actors, writers, directors and musicians include Sam Claflin, Tuppence Middleton, Harry Treadaway,Sally El HousaniGugu Mbatha RawGeorgia KingEd WhitworthGeorge BlagdenAlexandra McGuiness and Lauren Harris.

 
Image and Text from PR News Wire.com

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Sam Claflin on 'Catching Fire' - "This saga occupies an important place in the hearts of millions of people."

In a new interview, Sam Claflin spoke with Italian magazine, Grazia, about 'Catching Fire,' Finnick Odair and his friendship with Jennifer Lawrence. And he finally REALLY confirmed the wedding! Congrats Sam and Laura!

He was chosen for one of the most coveted roles in Hollywood and still can't believe it. Sam Claflin will portray Finnick Odair, a key figure in three highly anticipated sequels of the The Hunger Games saga. Not bad for an actor who, in just three years of his career, has starred opposite Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz in Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides, and with Charlize Theron and Kristen Stewart in Snow White and the Huntsman. Sam, 27, is perhaps the only movie star who blushes and lowers his eyes when he speaks about himself, however, he does not contain his excitement when we mention his marriage to actress Laura Haddock, one of the protagonists of the series tv Da Vinci's Demons.
We meet him in Los Angeles to talk about the new Hunger Games, and it's only been a week since the wedding. The British actor proudly shows his wedding ring: "I flew in from London for this interview, at the climax of the honeymoon!" He says. "But in the end, it is not so bad to stay a couple of days here in California, on the shores of the ocean."
GRAZIA: When you were chosen for the role of Finnick, the Hunger Games fans unleashed on the internet. Did you expect that?
Sam: "No, I had not the slightest idea of ​​what people were interested in for the casting of  the Hunger Games. Then I started to get messages on Twitter: many congratulations, some negative reactions, some even a little extreme. I was amazed: I discovered that this saga occupies an important place in the hearts of millions of people."
GRAZIA: The main reaction was: surprise ...
SAM: "I was the first to be surprised! Finnick is described in the books as a kind of divinity: he's beautiful, he's a great warrior ...

At the casting, before me, in came a guy, one of the most handsome men I've ever seen. At that point I thought I had no chance. Instead, I had myself underestimated the fact that we actors, by definition, we are able to transform according to the role."
GRAZIA: In fact, you put on a lot of muscle in no time. How did you do it?
SAM: "Chicken and asparagus for three months in a row and hours of daily training. I've always been an athlete, but not a fan of the gym, on the contrary, I always look for an excuse to avoid it ... Now we will shoot the two sequels of the film and for one whole year, I will not have the opportunity to avoid the daily training. My wife will be glad to see me in such good shape."
GRAZIA: What is Jennifer Lawrence like, the star of the "Hunger Games"? Did it go to her head since she won the Oscar?
SAM: "On the contrary, she's a very open girl and likes to make jokes all the time. Jennifer is amazing as an actress and as a person. In recent months she has become a great friend of mine. "
GRAZIA: So it's because you're friends that she said in an interview that you're a very attractive guy?
SAM: "Who, me? (Blushes) It is not true, it was a joke: it's a stereotype that Americans have of us Brits, they say that we talk in such a gracious way that it makes us sexy. I'm actually very shy. I get embarrassed even when someone I do not know starts a casual conversation with me in a store. My wife and I have recently bought a puppy, and when I walk her, it's a disaster: anyone who sees her, approaches, caresses her and starts to chat with me. In fact, look at how cute"(pulls out his phone and shows me the picture of the puppy)
Of course, when The Hunger Games: Catching Fire comes out this fall,  the fans are going to chase his autograph ... Perhaps, only then, Sam Claflin will understand that he has become a star.


For your information: His puppy's name is Rosie.

 

Thanks to our friends Sam Claflin Fans for the tip and the translation by Sam Claflin Italia!

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Sam Claflin Talks Finnick & 'Catching Fire' With Elle

Sam Claflin recently chatted with ELLE Magazine to discuss his role as Finnick Odair in Catching Fire:

 

Amid all the YA dystopian literature that’s captivated scores of teens and teens-at-heart, there’s hardly been a character so beloved by fans than Finnick Odair of Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games series. A previous Hunger Games victor who’s brought back into the arena to compete with other past champions, including Katniss and Peeta, Finnick is tall, tan, and beautiful. Thusly, the role presented certain challenges to producers when it came to casting for Catching Fire, the second installment in the HG movie trilogy, out in November. But, in a race that included hunks such as Armie Hammer, Taylor Kitsch and Garrett Hedlund, who should prevail? That would be Sam Claflin, perhaps marginally known for enduring but less-weighty roles in films like Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Snow White and The Huntsman. Fans certainly voiced their concerns about the relative newcomer, but once production photos of Claflin—dyed, tanned, buff—surfaced on the Internet, their fears were quickly quashed. Now, the 27-year-old Brit is poised for international superstardom in one of the most popular franchises of all time.

ELLE: Hello, Sam! Let’s get to it. You’ve said in previous interviews that when you went in for your first Catching Fire audition, you didn’t know what the role was for. How could that be?

Sam Claflin: I was sent over a script and there was no title to what I was reading. It was just two scenes with a character called “Finnick” and a mini-character breakdown. I started reading the scene and saw the name Katniss, and I’d just recently seen The Hunger Games, so I thought, “OK, is this a connection?” But I didn’t know it was a trilogy. I just thought it was a one-time film. So I typed Finnick Odair” into Google an all these book and fan pages came up and I was kind of like, “whoa.” So I just went through all of it and did as much research as I could the night before.

ELLE: And how did that first casting interview go?

 

SC: I thought I had a pretty good idea of who the character was, but I was pretty off. I thought he was just kind of a bad guy. And obviously he’s kind of painted in that light in the beginning, so I honed in on the fact that he was mysterious and untrustworthy as much as I could. But thank God Frances [Lawrence] was there for my recall because he directed me in a very different way than I was expecting the second time.

ELLE: How so?

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New Finnick Still From 'Catching Fire'

Here's a brand new still of Finnick Odair in Catching Fire, thanks to Page To Premiere. Obviously, it's the 'Want a sugarcube?" scene from Catching Fire where Finnick offers Katniss sugar in exchange for her secrets. 

"Want a sugar cube?" he says, offering his hand, which is piled high. "They're supposed to be for the horses, but who cares? They've got years to eat sugar, whearas you and I..well, if we see something sweet, we better grab it quick."

 

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Sam Claflin's Fiance Talks Finnick and 'Catching Fire' Fans

Sam Claflin's lovely fiance, Laura Haddock, talked to Empire Magazine (June issue) about Sam, his fans, and his new sex-symbol status:  

Professionaly, Haddock is presently juggling a number of future projects. Personally, though, the future is set - she's engaged to Sam Claflin, who will shortly best his parts in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Snow White & The Huntsman to go stratospheric as The Hunger Games: Catching Fire's revolutionary sex bomb, Finnick Odair.

"Sam being a pin-up is funny," says Haddock. "We have this big monthly session where we sit down with his fan mail, him with a big marker pen and me and his mum with a cup of tea, and he signs all these things that have come in. The other day he got a bracelet from this girl who's a fan of The Hunger Games. It had his district on it. And he put it on and took a picture of it and sent it to her by Twitter, which made her day. But he's not taken it off! He loves it!" She laughs. "Otherwise he gets all of these pictures of him, where he's looking all sexy and serious..."

And her point is? "Well he IS very sexy," she says. "But he's really not very serious. You know, he looks gorgeous in that film. But if you said that to him he'd say, 'What? Me? I'm from Norwich!'"

Here's the bracelet she was referring to in the article! Lucky @Tanyelala

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