Casting has begun on the sequel to The Hunger Games, with Philip Seymour Hoffman joining the original cast as Plutarch Heavensbee, head games maker of The Hunger Games, the role occupied by Wes Bentley's character in the first film. He will be joining other new cast member Jena Malone (Sucker Punch) as tribute Johanna Mason, previously reported by EW.
Francis Lawrence (Water For Elephants, Constantine) will be taking over directing duties from Gary Ross for Catching Fire, which sees Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) return to The Capitol for The Quarter Quell, a special festival to mark the anniversary of The Capitol's defeat of 13 districts rebellion.
Much of the original cast, including Josh Hutchinson, Woody Harrelson, Liam Hemsworth, and Elizabeth Banks, are returning, and a release date is set as November 22nd 2013.
Source: Deadline
