Jennifer Lawrence's casting in The Hunger games has been given the thumbs up by the book's author Suzanne Collins.
In a letter to fans, Collins reveals she was a part of the casting process which became a race for one of Hollywood's most coveted young roles - and she's convinced Winter's Bone star Lawrence embodies the character of Katniss Everdeen.
Her casting hit Hollywood headlines last week (ends18Mar11) and director Gary Ross and Lawrence herself have since confirmed the news.
And now Collins, who created the character, has spoken out.
In her letter, she writes, "I went into the casting process with a certain degree of trepidation. Believing your heroine can make the leap from the relative safety of the page to the flesh and bones reality of the screen is something of a creative act of faith.
"But after watching dozens of auditions by a group of very fine young actresses, I felt there was only one who truly captured the character I wrote in the book. And I’m thrilled to say that Jennifer Lawrence has accepted the role.
"In her remarkable audition piece, I watched Jennifer embody every essential quality necessary to play Katniss... Jennifer’s just an incredible actress.
"So powerful, vulnerable, beautiful, unforgiving and brave. I never thought we’d find somebody this amazing for the role. And I can’t wait for everyone to see her play it."
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