Jack Quaid's star has been on the rise due to his role as Hughie Campbell in The Boys, and important parts in films like 2023's Scream VI, but one of his earliest roles came in the 2012 blockbuster movie The Hunger Games. Noted for his affable everyman look, Quaid's true strength as an actor came in his versatility and ability to play heroes and villains in an equally convincing manner. The son of established stars Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan, he inherited his parents' acting chops and has carved a path for himself in Hollywood on both the big screen and the small.
The Hunger Games franchise was the launching point for several future Hollywood stars, and names like Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth rocketed to the top because of their appearance in the Suzanne Collins adaptations. The cast was so packed that many actors' roles in The Hunger Games were forgotten, but Jack Quaid's memorable appearance opened the door for future opportunities, which came to fruition in projects like The Boys. Even though his role in The Hunger Games was his very first, Jack Quaid showed flashes of the star potential he has when playing characters like Hughie Campbell.
Jack Quaid Plays Marvel In The Hunger Games
Making a splash with his cocky demeanor and overall unlikable nature, Marvel is one of the many minor villains that make up 2012's The Hunger Games. Representing the wealthy District 1, Marvel is their male tribute in the 74th Hunger Games. He has spent his entire life training for the honor of representing his district, and that makes him a fierce competitor and a deadly foe, and he isn't afraid to let everyone know just how good he is. However, Marvel is ultimately bested — one of the characters who are personally killed by Katniss when he receives an arrow in the chest.
Later Jack Quaid roles, like Hughie Campbell in The Boys, have allowed him to give a more dynamic performance, but Marvel was an auspicious debut for such a young actor. What he brought to the table was a believable heel who didn't go too far into caricature territory, and there's an element of truth to him that other characters lack. Even if Quaid didn't become a megastar immediately, like Jennifer Lawrence, he pivoted his turn in the movie into a solid career that has stretched over a decade. Parts like Brad Boimler on Star Trek: Lower Decks are a far cry from Marvel, and that's a testament to Quaid's ability.
Quaid Almost Broke His Nose While Training For The Hunger Games
Like the in-universe competition, the production of The Hunger Games put its actors through the physical wringer. On-set accidents can change filmmaking practices, and yet, as reported in Backstage, actors and crew alike can still be injured due to movie production. Speaking with the publication, Quaid explained that he nearly broke his nose while preparing for his role as Marvel and showed up to set with swelling to prove it. Fortunately, no other accidents befell the actor following his Hunger Games mishap, and he continued to build on his early success in show business.