“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” has found its Finnick Odair.
As has been expected, actor Sam Claflin officially has landed the part in the second installment of the successful franchise based on Suzanne Collins’ series of books, Lionsgate and the filmmakers announced on Wednesday.
Claflin, last seen on screen as Prince William alongside Kristen Stewart in this summer’s fairy-tale fantasy “Snow White and the Huntsman,” will play a former District 4 Hunger Games winner.
He joins Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen, Liam Hemsworth’s Gale Hawthorne, Josh Hutcherson’s Peeta Mellark and a supporting lineup including Jena Malone, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amanda Plummer and Elizabeth Banks for the sequel to “The Hunger Games,” which brought in over $684 million worldwide last spring.
"Nurse Jackie's" Lynn Cohen was cast Aug. 2 as Mags, Finnick's 80-year-old mentor.
Also read: 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' Casts Mags
"Catching Fire," due to hit theaters on Nov. 22, 2013, follows returning Hunger Games champions Katniss and Peeta as they embark on a “Victor’s Tour” of the districts amid hints of rebellion and President Snow prepares for the 75th annual Games (the Quarter Quell).
Francis Lawrence is taking over directing duties from Gary Ross for “Catching Fire,” and Nina Jacobson’s Color Force is producing, in tandem with Jon Kilik.
Claflin just finished filming “The Quiet Ones” with “Mad Men” star Jared Harris and “Mary and Martha” with Hilary Swank.