Lawrence leads 'Hunger Games' casting race

Oscar-nominated Winter's Bone star Jennifer Lawrence is reportedly the frontrunner to star in the film adaptation of The Hunger Games, says Variety.

The project, based on Suzanne Collins's best-selling book series, is also attracting interest from True Grit actress Hailee Steinfeld and Little Miss Sunshine's Abigail Breslin.

The dystopian sci-fi story centres on a young girl called Katniss Everdeen, described as being between the age of 15 and 20, who joins a survival contest in order to save her community.

Steinfeld recently told MTV that she had met with director Gary Ross about the project. "It's definitely something that we're taking one day at a time and making sure that everything is in place," she commented.

Ross and backers Lionsgate are allegedly weighing up whether to cast the role with an older or younger actress. Lawrence, believed to be the favourite to win the part, would give Ross more options when casting Katniss's love interest Peeta.

The Hunger Games will opens in cinemas on March 23, 2012.