Philip Seymour Hoffman has filled the first big opening in Lionsgate’s upcoming sequel The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, based on Suzanne Collins’ book of the same name.
Earlier today the studio announced Hoffman had landed the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, the new Head Gamemaker for The Hunger Games annual event. The position was held in the first film by Seneca Crane (Wes Bentley) until he was unceremoniously removed after letting the Games’ finale not conclude according to plan.
Deadline first reported that Philip Seymour Hoffman was in the running for the role roughly a month ago.
Hoffman is coming off a Broadway run portraying Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman. Before that, he appeared in The Ides of March, Moneyball and Jack Goes Boating, the latter of which marked his directorial debut. Before appearing in Catching Fire, Hoffman can be seen in the upcoming films The Master and A Late Quartet.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is expected to start shooting next month under the direction of Francis Lawrence. Returning for the sequel are Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Willow Shields and Lenny Kravitz.
Lionsgate will release The Hunger Games: Catching Fire with newcomer Philip Seymour Hoffman in theaters on November 22, 2013.
