While rampant speculation on who is or is not in the running for the role of “Finnick Odair” in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire continues to set the Internet ablaze, producers have reportedly made their first offer for another pivotal role in the sequel.
According to multiple reports, EW reports that Oscar-winner Philip Seymour Hoffman (pictured) has been asked to play “Plutarch Heavensbee,” the new Gamemaker at the Capitol after Seneca Crane (Wes Bentley) was creatively executed at the end of The Hunger Games. Plutarch is a far savvier political animal than his predecessor, and he plays a crucial role in the events of Catching Fire.
Director Francis Lawrence is due to begin shooting the film later this fall with Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones and Woody Harrelson all set to return.
As the sequel to the 2008 bestseller “The Hunger Games,” it continues the story of Katniss Everdeen and the fictional, futuristic nation of Panem. Due to the events of the previous novel, a rebellion against the ruling Capitol has begun, and Katniss and fellow tribute Peeta are forced to return to the arena in a special edition of the The Hunger Games.