Hunger Games Star Sam Claflin Says 'Finnick Deserved Better'

Unfortunately, not all our favorite fictional characters get a happily ever after, especially the ones in "The Hunger Games." On the list of the franchise's characters that deserved better than their untimely, tragic deaths, Finnick Odair is up there. Portrayed by Sam Claflin ("Me Before You," "Peaky Blinders"), the character was famous for having won the Hunger Games when he was just 14. Popular in the Capitol and all around Panem, Finnick was a skilled fighter who could shield himself from just about anything with his trident.

Like Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), Finnick had a public personality devised for him that didn't match who he truly was, and he saved Katniss, Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), and their friends countless times. And, of course, the braveheart met his end in the dystopian sci-fi film adaptation's conclusion, "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2." It's a heartbreaking loss that, even eight years later, fans haven't grown accustomed to, and as it seems, neither has actor Sam Claflin.

Finnick Odair deserved better — say it louder for the people in the back!

Here's a quick recap to jog your memory: at the end of the film, when on the mission to President Snow's mansion, Katniss, Finnick, and the rest of the group are attacked by lizard mutts. For a while, the group holds their own before they climb up the tunnel, but Finnick is pulled back down into the sewer by one of the monsters. Overwhelmed by several of them, Finnick gets devoured before Katniss can rescue him, and she watches as he screams in horror. Katniss then triggers an explosion in the scene's final moments. The mutts are dead, as is Finnick Odair.

In an interview with Variety in February 2023, Sam Claflin reflected on his time as Finnick in "The Hunger Games" and expressed relief that he was only in a supporting role. "There wasn't as much pressure on me at the time or eyes on me," he shared.

Sam Claflin, who has read the "Hunger Games" trilogy by author Suzanne Collins, confessed to being "obsessed" with Katniss and having admired Peeta's journey. The actor admitted he knew Finnick was a fan-favorite character, loved that he exuded charisma, and was confident about everything he did. He told Variety:

"Everyone's always like, 'Finnick's my favorite character.' Don't get me wrong – I f***ing loved him as well! I feel a little more confident in myself and comfortable in myself. Especially with a part like Finnick, where he just exudes charisma."

The actor also shared his two cents on Finnick's death during the rebellion, and he agrees that the character deserved better.

"I think Finnick deserved better. But I think he did the right thing. He's a good guy, sacrificing himself for the cause."

Finnick Odair deserved a happy ending — and his death is one of the most tragic moments in the "Hunger Games" franchise. It's even worse when you realize his wife, Annie Cresta (Stef Dawson), was pregnant and gave birth to their son alone after his death. Finnick's noble act of sacrificing himself for the greater good makes him one of, if not the bravest character, in the franchise. He knew what it took to save those around him, and he did the right thing in a heartbeat. And he deserved a better fate than the one he was given.