Philip Seymour Hoffman is joining the cast of the upcoming “The Hunger Games” sequel “Catching Fire,” and playing a major role.
E! reports the “Death of a Salesmen” star has been cast as Plutarch Heavensbee in the film, which begins shooting this fall.
“Heavensbee is the new Head Gamemaker who may (or may not) be more loyal to reigning champ Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) than the diabolical President Snow (Donald Sutherland),” explains E! of the Hoffman role.
Translation for “Hunger” novices: Hoffman takes over a character similar to Seneca Crane, payed by Wes Bentley, in the first film adapted from Suzanne Collins’ books.
Director Francis Lawrence is replacing Gary Ross for “Catching Fire.”
The first film made $678 million worldwide.