Finnick Odair Officially Cast For 'Catching Fire!'

It’s official, folks.

After tons of speculation about which actor was hot enough to step into the studly shoes of Finnick Odair in the “Hunger Games” sequel, “Catching Fire,” the shiny ab-ed trident wielder has finally been cast.

Lionsgate announced today that Sam Clafin, who was at the center of a lot of the casting rumors, is officially taking the role.

You might recognize the 24-year-old Clafin from his most recent role in “Snow White and the Huntsman,” where he mooned adorably after the love-torn Kristen Stewart.

The British born Clafin beat out a variety of attractive men who were vying for the role. Special interest was on actors Arnie Hammer, Garrett Hedlund, and Taylor Kitsch, but lately the focus had narrowed down to Clafin, so the announcement doesn’t come as too much of a surprise.

Can the smirky cutie step into the coveted role?

If you haven’t read the book, Finnick is a former champion who won for his District by using his crazy lean swimming muscles and dangerous trident. He’s also known as something of a ladies man about court, seducing practically every lady of power in the Capital, and attempts to turn his oily charm on Katniss Everdeen.

While Clafin is totally adorable, and proved both his ability to be a little sexy but vulnerable at the same time in “Snow White,” I guess I personally pictured Finnick a little more… pretty?

But there’s no doubt that if Clafin was cast, Lionsgate has full confidence in his ability. I don’t think they’re planning to miscast anyone in their newest (cash cow) blockbuster, so I’m for one looking forward to seeing Clafin stripped down, oiled up, and oozing around the distrustful Katniss.

What do you think of the casting? Did the role go to the right man?