He was downright creepy in Boogie Nights, so endearing in Almost Famous, and absolutely riveting in Capote. Philip Seymour Hoffman is one of those few actors who can morph into whatever role you ask him to play–and do it so-so-well. Lionsgate announced today that Hoffman is traveling to Panem and has been cast in the starring role of Plutarch Heavensbee, the Head Gamemaker in Catching Fire, the sequel to The Hunger Games, starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark set for a November 2013 release directed by Francis Lawrence.
Heavensbee is a far more cerebral and calculated politician than Wes Bentley’s Seneca Crane ever was, and should be a delight to see the actor’s flair for the dramatic. Hoffman should revel the role, which you can already imagine him doing extremely well as he tries his best to make it known to Katniss that a rebellion is underway. Hoffman can be seen most recently in the Oliver Stone film, Savages which was released this past weekend.
Another key role in Catching Fire was announced last week as Jena Malone (Saved!, Sucker Punch) will play Johanna Mason, a former Tribute and Hunger Games champion who exudes both confidence and sarcasm and befriends both Katniss and Peeta in the sequels. Both Johanna and Heavensbee were correctly casted as Malone and Hoffman have shown though a long list of roles that they are perfect for those parts. Only the role of Finnick Odair escapes fans, a male victor of District 4. Also returning in the second film is Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Willow Shields, and Liam Hemsworth.
The Hunger Games novels are based on the best-selling novels by Suzanne Collins and Catching Fire follows Katniss and Peeta as they leave their families behind to fulfill their duty on the “Victor’s Tour” of the districts and Katniss senses a rebellion is being planned.
You’ve heard what we’ve had to say about the casting, what do you think about Philip Seymour Hoffman and Jena Malone in Catching Fire?
