David Henrie has opened up about missing a major Hollywood opportunity. The actor revealed how losing a role changed his life. He now considers the experience a turning point in finding his faith.
David Henrie says losing The Hunger Games role helped him find God
During an appearance on The Lila Rose Show, David Henrie discussed losing a role in The Hunger Games. He revealed he competed against Liam Hemsworth for the part of Gale Hawthorne. Despite reaching the final stages, Hemsworth ultimately secured the role.
“It was down to me and Liam Hemsworth for the role in ‘The Hunger Games,’” Henrie recalled. He explained that his audition went exceptionally well. “It was a phenomenal audition,” he added.
The actor also remembered meeting Jennifer Lawrence during the chemistry read. He already knew her and believed they shared great chemistry. However, seeing Hemsworth enter the room changed his expectations.
Henrie described Hemsworth as a “hulking stud-looking guy” during the interview. He revealed that they had even negotiated a three-picture contract worth millions. However, he acknowledged that Hemsworth was ultimately the right casting choice.
“I really wanted the role. But Liam got it,” the Wizards of Waverly Place actor explained. Missing the opportunity eventually led him to another project. He subsequently landed a role in the 2015 film Little Boy.
At the time, Henrie had achieved considerable professional and financial success. However, he admitted those accomplishments were not making him happy. He described the pursuit of pleasure as something that quickly lost its appeal.
Things changed when he attended philosophy nights during filming. Henrie began exploring questions about existence, the universe and God. Although initially uninterested in religion, those discussions gradually changed his perspective.
He eventually embraced Catholicism and reconsidered his personal priorities. “It all clicked, and I radically changed the way I live,” he explained. His faith also influenced his approach to romantic relationships and acting opportunities.
Henrie became more selective about his projects and dating life. He decided to pursue serious relationships rather than casual dating. Today, Henrie looks back on losing the role as an unexpected turning point that transformed his life.
