Philip Seymour Hoffman Confirmed for Hunger Games Sequel Catching Fire

As previously speculated, Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman will star as head gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee in The Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Directed by Francis Lawrence, the movie will begin filming in September in anticipation of a November 23, 2013 release date.

Based on the novels by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games centers on teen heroine Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), who uses her skills as a hunter to outwit competitors in a post-apocalyptic death match. The first film in the trilogy opened to huge box office earnings earlier this year. Hoffman's role, Plutarch Heavensbee, is the new Gamemaker at the Capitol in charge of managing the obstacles the players face inside the death match arena for the Quarter Quell, a special anniversary event of the Hunger Games. Plutarch is far savvier than his predecessor, and he plays a crucial role in the events of the series' second and third installment.

Hoffman received Tony nominations for Long Day’s Journey Into Night, True West and most recently for his performance as Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman. He won an Academy Award for Capote. His additional film credits include Almost Famous, Magnolia, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Moneyball and Doubt.