British actor Sam Claflin has opened up about one of the funniest and most unexpected moments from filming the Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, the 39-year-old star reminisced about accidentally hitting co-star Jennifer Lawrence with his character’s signature weapon — a trident — during a fight scene.

A Behind-the-Scenes Mishap Turned Funny Memory

While promoting his new Prime Video series Lazarus, Claflin reflected on his time filming The Hunger Games: Catching Fire in 2013, calling it “such a special time” in his career. The actor, who played fan-favorite Finnick Odair, recalled a moment that still makes him laugh over a decade later.

“I honestly look back at that time with so many fond memories,” Claflin said. “I was running around the jungles of Hawaii with Lynn Cohen on my back, sprinting through brush, rolling down hills, and just having the best time. But there was one take where things didn’t go exactly as planned.”

Claflin explained that during an intense action sequence, the bottom of his trident came loose and flew off — striking Jennifer Lawrence right in the bum.

“Jen said she felt like she’d been bitten,” Claflin laughed. “It turned out the end of my trident had spun off and smacked her right in the bum cheek. She even took a picture of the bruise — it was perfectly circular, exactly the shape of the trident’s end.”

Bonding, Laughter, and Jungle Memories

Despite the minor mishap, Claflin described the Catching Fire shoot as one of the best experiences of his life. Filming took place in Hawaii’s lush rainforests, and the cast spent months bonding over long shoot days and unforgettable adventures.

“It was such a special time in my life,” he said. “We were all so close — joking around, sharing scenes, and creating something that still means so much to fans.”

Claflin also mentioned that he recently caught up with Catching Fire director Francis Lawrence, praising the filmmaker’s latest movie The Long Walk as “incredible.”

Revisiting the Hunger Games Legacy

The Hunger Games franchise, based on Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novels, remains one of the most iconic movie series of the 2010s. Catching Fire was released in 2013 and grossed over $865 million worldwide, with Claflin’s portrayal of the charming yet complex Finnick Odair earning him widespread acclaim.

The actor reprised the role in Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014) and Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015), becoming a central ally to Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen in her rebellion against the Capitol.

“We were reminiscing about the old days,” Claflin said. “They’re now shooting the Haymitch prequel, which is so exciting. I’m still trying to get myself a cameo in there somewhere!”

Sam Claflin Today: From Finnick to Lazarus

Beyond his Hunger Games fame, Sam Claflin continues to impress audiences with his versatile performances. His latest project, Lazarus, a psychological thriller streaming on Prime Video, has earned praise for showcasing a deeper, more emotional side of the actor.

In recent interviews, Claflin has spoken openly about personal growth, vulnerability, and the pressures of fame, revealing that he’s finally learned to “take the mask off” and embrace authenticity in his work.

Jennifer Lawrence and Claflin’s Enduring Friendship

Jennifer Lawrence, now 35, has often spoken fondly about her time filming The Hunger Games, describing the cast as “a second family.” Despite their on-set accident, her friendship with Claflin has endured, with both stars continuing to support each other’s work.

Their shared humor and chemistry on and off-screen helped make their scenes together fan favorites — and the story of the trident mishap only adds to the fun behind-the-scenes lore of the franchise.

The Hunger Games Legacy Lives On

With a new Hunger Games prequel centered on Haymitch Abernathy currently in production, fans are once again revisiting the franchise’s iconic moments — including Sam Claflin’s unforgettable debut as Finnick.

Though it’s been over a decade since Catching Fire hit theaters, the film — and its hilarious behind-the-scenes moments — continue to remind audiences why the series remains such a cultural phenomenon.

“That time in my life was truly magical,” Claflin concluded. “We worked hard, we laughed harder, and I wouldn’t trade a second of it for anything.”