'Hunger Games': Philip Seymour Hoffman cast as Plutarch Heavensbee

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By Jevon Phillips, Emily Christianson and Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times staff writers

Casting for the movie version of Suzanne Collins’ young adult novel “The Hunger Games” was a big source of debate and speculation for fans and actors alike. Open casting calls such as one in South Carolina (with the film under its “Artemis” working title) attracted hundreds. And higher-profile actresses like Abigail Breslin and Chloe Moretz made it known early that they were interested in being a part of the franchise. Jennifer Lawrence nabbed the lead role of Katniss Everdeen, with Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth cast later as Peeta Mallark and Gale Hawthorne. Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Paula Malcolmson, Lenny Kravitz and more have also signed on. The “tributes” (the participants in the Hunger Games) and main players in Panem have been cast -- and here they are. (Clockwise: Al Seib / Los Angeles Times, Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images, Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

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Actor: Philip Seymour Hoffman

Who he is: Hoffman is an Oscar-winning actor who recently completed a Broadway run in “Death of a Salesman.”

“Hunger Games” persona: Hoffman will play head gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee who designs and controls what happens in the Hunger Game arenas in the upcoming sequel to the film. (Joel Ryan / Associated Press)

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Actor: Jennifer Lawrence

Who she is: Lawrence shot to fame in 2010 with her Sundance hit “Winter’s Bone,” about a young girl from the Ozarks trying to track down her father. The breakthrough role earned her an Oscar nomination for best actress. Next, she’s set to costar with Mel Gibson in “The Beaver” and take on the role of Mystique in “X-Men: First Class.”

‘Hunger Games’ persona: Katniss is a resourceful teen living in Panem’s District 12. Before being chosen to fight to the death in the Hunger Games, Katniss spends her time hunting illegally and trading goods on the black market with her best friend Gale to help feed their families. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

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Actor: Josh Hutcherson

Who he is: He’s just 18, but Hutcherson has already enjoyed a long career with films like “Bridge to Terabithia,” “Journey to the Center of the Earth” and, most recently, the Oscar-nominated film “The Kids Are All Right.”

‘Hunger Games’ persona: A baker’s son, Peeta is District 12’s male “tribute” who develops a close bond with Katniss during the games. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

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Actor: Liam Hemsworth

Who he is: Though he had multiple-episode stints on “Neighbours” and “The Elephant Princess” and was in “Knowing” with Nicolas Cage, he’s probably best known for being the on-again-off-again boyfriend of pop star Miley Cyrus and starring alongside her in “The Last Song.” His brother Chris is playing Thor in “Thor.”

‘Hunger Games’ persona: Gale is the best friend and hunting partner of Katniss Everdeen in District 12, one of the poorer districts in Panem. When Katniss was 12 and he 14, both of their dads died in the same mining accident. They’ve grown close over the years and make a good team, especially with his skill for setting traps and Katniss’ accuracy with a bow. (Dan Steinberg / Associated Press)

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Actor: Elizabeth Banks

Who she is: One of the busiest actresses in the biz, Banks has jumped from genre to genre, notably playing First Lady Laura Bush in “W” the same year she made the raunchy comedy “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” with Seth Rogen.

‘Hunger Games’ persona: Effie escorts the tributes from District 12 to the capital for training and media interviews and then to the games. She’s fashion-forward and likes wearing wigs, even bubble-gum pink ones. (David Livingston / Getty Images)

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Actor: Lenny Kravitz

Who he is: A multiplatinum-selling, all-American rocker. Not as well known for his acting ability, his debut in “Precious” was well-received.

‘Hunger Games’ persona: Cinna is a stylist assigned to Katniss Everdeen in the Hunger Games -- tasked to make her presentable and even trandscendant to the television viewers in Panem. He becomes much more than that to Katniss, and his understated appearance in a sea of often over-the-top fashion excess sets him apart just as much as his unique creations. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

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Actor: Wes Bentley

Who he is: Bentley was an up-and-comer when he starred in “American Beauty,” but a debilitating drug addiction set him back. He’s rebuilding his career in his 30s by taking on roles in Roland Joffe’s “There Be Dragons” and Alejo Mo-Sun’s “Hirokin.”

‘Hunger Games’ persona: Crane is the head game-maker of the 74th annual Hunger Games, which pit heroine Katniss Everdeen and her childhood acquaintance Peeta Mellark against one another and 22 other teenagers in a life-threatening competition. (Carlos Alvarez / Getty Images)

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Actor: Leven Rambin

Who she is: Rambin has had recurring roles on a number of shows, including “Grey’s Anatomy” and “CSI: Miami,” but her longest role was on the recently canceled soap opera “All My Children.”

‘Hunger Games’ persona: Glimmer is a career tribute from District 1 and is described as one of the most beautiful of the assembled fighters. Tall, with flowing blond hair and emerald eyes, she is a fierce competitor once the battle begins. (Reed Saxon / Associated Press)

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Actor: Stanley Tucci

Who he is: One of the most versatile and respected actors around, Tucci has won multiple Golden Globe awards and an Emmy, and has was most recently also nominated for an Academy Award as supporting actor in “The Lovely Bones.”

‘Hunger Games’ persona: Caesar Flickerman is the very colorful personality that is the face of the Hunger Games as the interviewer who introduces the ill-fated tributes to the viewing audience and those in attendance in the Capitol. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

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Actor: Woody Harrelson

Who he is: Forever ingrained in the public conscieousness as bartender Woody from “Cheers,” Harrelson has also had a string of popular and well-regarded films, including “No Country for Old Men,” “White Men Can’t Jump,” “Zombieland,” and “The Messenger.”

‘Hunger Games’ persona: Haymitch Abernathy is the winner of the 50th Hunger Games, and is a mentor to the District 12 tributes. It is at the 74th games that he meets the duo of Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mallark, and is instrumental in their participation and preparation for the games. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

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Actor: Donald Sutherland

Who he is: From 1970’s “M.A.S.H.” to 2011’s “The Mechanic” in film, to Golden Globe-winning TV performances in 2002’s “Path to War” and 1995’s “Citizen X,” Sutherland’s career is going into its sixth decade of memorable characters.

‘Hunger Games’ persona: President Snow is, to Katniss Everdeen, “snake-like” -- a description of his physical attributes (thin, wispy) and personality. Smelling of blood and roses, he rules Panem from the Capitol, keeping the Hunger Games alive as a reminder of where the seat of power resides. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

By Nicole Sperling

July 9, 2012 12:11 PM PT

Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman has joined the cast of “The Hunger Games” sequel “Catching Fire” as head gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee, according to Lionsgate, the studio behind the movies.

Hoffman will play the sly orchestrator of the 75th annual Hunger Games, replacing the previous gamemaker, Seneca Crane (Wes Bentley), who met an early demise after allowing heroine Katniss Everdeen to manipulate the previous games.

Hoffman will enter the fictional world of Panem, playing opposite “Hunger Games” cast members Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth and Woody Harrelson. The sequel is being directed by Francis Lawrence (“Water for Elephants”), who took over for Gary Ross this year.

PHOTOS: Meet the main cast / characters of ‘The Hunger Games’

According to Lionsgate, “Catching Fire” tracks Everdeen’s journey as she returns home to District 12 after winning the 74th Hunger Games along with her fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. The two must now embark on a victory tour across the districts, where rebellion is beginning to simmer.

Production on the movie is set to begin this fall with the studio already locked into Nov. 22, 2013, as its release date.

Most recently, Hoffman completed a Broadway run of “Death of a Salesman,”for which he was nominated for a Tony for his role as Willy Loman. He will be seen later this year in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “The Master,”opposite Joaquin Phoenix, and in the indie drama “A Late Quartet” with Catherine Keener and Christopher Walken.

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