Sam Claflin thought Hunger Games role was prank

Sam Claflin thought it was a prank when he was offered the role of Finnick Odair in ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’.

The 27-year-old star was surprised to land one of the main parts in the adventure movie and while he assumes ”everyone in Hollywood” must have turned down the role, he was excited about portraying the ”hottest man in the world”.

Speaking at the ‘Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ world premiere in London’s Leicester Square last night (11.11.13), he told BANG Showbiz: ”I was shocked to get the phone call and then realised they had probably got the wrong person and got me instead.

”Or they’d asked everyone in Hollywood who had turned it down and I was like, ‘Yeah OK, I’ll go for it, I’ll try to be the hottest man in the world.’ ”

As well as Claflin, director Francis Lawrence was also new to the franchise, taking over from ‘The Hunger Games’ helmer Gary Ross, and while he felt some pressure taking on the role, he was delighted to have the support of the movie’s fans.

He said: ”There is always some pressure because you want to do the best you can.

”The enthusiasm of the fans was comforting and energising as opposed to scary and daunting.”

Josh Hutcherson, Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth also walked the red carpet at the event alongside fellow co-stars Jena Malone (Johanna Mason) and Willow Shield (Primrose Everdeen).

Several stars also turned out for the occasion including Ellie Goulding, Union J, The Wanted’s Tom Parker and chat show host Jonathan Ross.