Monday, July 9, 2012

Philip Seymour Hoffman Officially Cast in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire


Lionsgate officially came out today and announced the casting of Oscar winner, Philip Seymour Hoffman, as Plutarch Heavensbee in the upcoming Hunger Games sequel, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

Those that are unfamiliar with the book series, Plutarch Heavensbee is named Head Gamemaker for the 75th Annual Hunger Games, eventually becoming an uneasy ally to the story's heroin, Katniss Everdeen.  Hoffman joins returning cast members Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, and Donald Sutherland - all of which reprise their respective roles.

Hoffman becomes the first official addition to Catching Fire.  Rumors continue to circulate on who is up for the role of Finnick Odair, while the role of Johanna Mason has been reportedly offered to actress Jena Malone.

In addition to the casting announcement, Lionsgate has also released the first official synopsis of the film:
'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a “Victor’s Tour” of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) — a competition that could change Panem forever.
Directed by Francis Lawrence, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is expected to begin filming later this year and is scheduled to hit theaters November 22nd, 2013.

I find the casting news a little off-putting.  While Hoffman is a phenomenal actor, he is not at all who I imagined while reading the books...same goes for Jena Malone as Johanna.  I guess I will reserve judgement until the film's release, or at the very least, a trailer.

What do you think of the casting news?  Are you excited for PSH joining the cast?  Who would you have liked to have seen as Plutarch?  Let me know in the comments below.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

2 comments:

  1. I've never read the books...

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  2. OMG that is so funny b/c that's who I pictured!

    ReplyDelete