All the talk about who will play Finnick Odair in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" has been whirling around the Internet for months. Now, there seems to be a winner.
According to Zap2it, British actor Sam Claflin has claimed the role of Finnick Odair in the highly anticipated sequel, based on the second book of "The Hunger Games" trilogy written by Suzanne Collins.
From their reliable sources, Zap2it said that Claflin officially got the gig, and that the producer, Nina Jacobson, and Lionsgate have signed off on Claflin's order. No official reps commented on the casting. Now, he just has to accept the role.
Finnick is a crucial role in the upcoming movie. He becomes a key player in Katniss' life, especially after he saves Peeta from drowning in the Quarter Quell. He's muscular, tan and blonde-haired, and he helps the rebellion by appearing in rebel propos and revealing political secrets of the Capitol.
The British actor is best known for playing Kristen Stewart's childhood sweetheart, William, in "Snow White and the Huntsman." He also had a role in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," as Philip.
Another report says that Oscar winner Melissa Leo is wanted for the role of Finnick's mentor, Mags. According to E! News, a source said that Leo has not been approached about being in "The Hunger Games" sequel, so she may just be a glimmer in a producer's eye at this point.
Zap2it also reported that "Monk" star Tony Shalhoub is the frontrunner for the role of Beetee in "Catching Fire." Beetee is an inventor who used the knowledge of electricity to help him win the games. He becomes essential to the rescue of the tributes from the "The Hunger Games" arena.
The new potential cast members will join lead Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss), Liam Hemsworth (Gale Hawthorne), Hutcherson (Peeta Mellark), Elizabeth Banks (Effie Trinket), Lenny Kravitz (Cinna), and Woody Harrelson (Haymitch).
Jena Malone was confirmed to play the role of Johanna Mason, a character in the book who has a snide personality, wits and she gets physical some scenes in the book.
Recently, Lionsgate announced that Philip Seymour Hoffman will play Plutarch Heavensbee. The Oscar winner reportedly said yes to the role of Heavensbee, who takes over as Head Gamemaker after the murder of Seneca Crane, which took place in the first "Hunger Games" film.
Lionsgate announced Tuesday that actress Amanda Plummer has been cast in the role of Wiress. She was the one who pointed out the flaw in the invisible force fields in the Capitol and revealed that the arena was shaped and operated lick a clock. Her district partner is Beetee.
"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," which is set to begin filming this summer, will arrive in theaters on Nov. 22, 2013.