You’ll find absolutely zero interest in the second Hunger Games film from this cynical bastard, so I’ve not been inclined to follow the ever-more-fragmented casting bits and pieces that have come out, but this one was too good too pass up I suppose.

In any event, Amanda Plummer has joined the cast as a tribute joining our other favorite characters in the arena. She’ll be playing an odd character that “doesn’t communicate traditionally, [but] her observations and contributions prove invaluable in the Quarter Quell.” I hope she goes full Honey Bunny, slurring obscenities all over the place! I doubt it though.

The plot of the second film, so far as I understand it, is that winners from many generations of Hunger Games are brought back to compete in an event, which is why you’ll see some older actors involved in the action. Phillip Seymour Hoffman will also join the cast, though he will be the new gamemaker rather than a past tribute. He’ll also get to participate in three more films, since the decision was made to split the final film, Mockingjay, into two parts. I understand that is not something that will be easily done based on the book’s structure, but when has that stopped a studio from milking every last drop?

The full release:

AMANDA PLUMMER CAST AS WIRESS IN LIONSGATE’S THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE
 
Santa Monica, CA, July 17, 2012 — Lionsgate® and the filmmakers of THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE are pleased to announce that actress Amanda Plummer has been cast in the role of Wiress in the much anticipated film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ worldwide smash hit novel Catching Fire.  The character’s eccentricity earns her the nickname “Nuts” from fellow tributes, and though she doesn’t communicate traditionally, her observations and contributions prove invaluable in the Quarter Quell.
 
Best known to film going audiences from her memorable and award nominated roles in THE FISHER KING and PULP FICTION, Plummer is also a beloved, Tony Award® winning stage actress on and off Broadway.  She can next be seen as the title character in the forthcoming film ABIGAIL HARMS.  

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark.   Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a “Victor’s Tour” of the districts.  Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) – a competition that could change Panem forever.

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE will be directed by Francis Lawrence, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy that has over 36 million copies in print in the U.S. alone.  
 
Lionsgate® will release THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE on November 22, 2013.