Philip Seymour Hoffman will play Plutarch Heavensbee in Catching Fire!

E! News has learned that the übertalented Philip Seymour Hoffman will play Plutarch Heavensbee in Catching Fire!

Sources tell E! News exclusively that the Oscar winner has signed on to play Plutarch Heavensbee in Catching Fire, the much anticipated second movie in the Hunger Games trilogy.

“The deal was made right before the Fourth of July holiday,” one source said.

Lionsgate does not comment on casting until something is official. An announcement about Hoffman is expected to be released any day now.

Heavensbee is the new Head Gamemaker who may (or may not) be more loyal to reigning champ Katnissthan the diabolical President Snow.

Catching Fire is set to start shooting in the fall with director Francis Lawrence replacing Gary Ross.

What do you think of this casting annoucement?

UPDATE: Lionsgate has confirmed the good news!

About the Character:

Plutarch is appointed Head Gamemaker for The Hunger Games following Seneca Crane.

Philip Seymour Hoffman:

Santa Monica, CA, July 9, 2012- Lionsgate® and the filmmakers of THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE are pleased to announce that Philip Seymour Hoffman has been cast in the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, Head Gamemaker for The Hunger Games, in the much anticipated film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ worldwide smash hit novel Catching Fire. The actor and filmmaker just wrapped a Broadway run as Willy Loman in the revival of “Death of a Salesman” for which he was nominated for a Tony Award. He will next be seen in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “The Master” and the indie film “A Late Quartet” alongside Catherine Keener and Christopher Walken. More recent films include “Moneyball,” “The Ides of March” and “Jack Goes Boating” which marked Hoffman’s feature directorial debut. 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. THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE will be directed by Francis Lawrence, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy that has over 36 million copies in print in the U.S. alone. Lionsgate will release THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE on November 22, 2013.

 

Category: Catching Fire, Featured, Plutarch Heavensbee