Production for the next "Hunger Games" movie is in full steam as producers announce new stars joining the cast.
Lionsgate and the filmmakers of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" announced Thursday, Aug. 3, that Lynn Cohen will play the role of Mags in the highly anticipated of Suzanne Collins' bestselling novel "Catching Fire."
According to the press release, known to New York theater audiences for decades of memorable roles, Cohen has also appeared in critically acclaimed films such as Steven Spielberg's "Munich" and Charlie Kaufman's "Synecdoche, NY," as well as commercial fare such as "Sex and The City" and its sequel. She can next be seen in "They Came Together," with Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler.
Mags is the female tribute from District 4 during the 75th Hunger Games, for which she volunteered, as well as a previous Hunger Games. She is an 80-year-old woman who volunteered in the place of Annie Cresta, becoming a tribute alongside Finnick Odair.
According to "The Hunger Games" Wiki, Mags stutters every time she speaks, and Katniss Everdeen (played by Jennifer Lawrence) believes it is because of a possible stroke she may have had in the past.
While in training for the third Quarter Quell, Katniss watched as Mags displayed her skill of being able to make fishhooks out of nearly anything.
Mags joins Katniss, Peeta Mellark (played by Josh Hutcherson), and Finnick in an alliance while competing in the Quarter Quell. She dies on day two because she sacrificed herself to be killed in a poisonous fog so that the other three can survive.
Katniss described Mags as "falling to the ground in a horrible dance" when she was dying and Katniss honored Mags for her bravery.
Recently, "Sucker Punch" actress Jena Malone was cast to play Johanna Mason.
Johanna Mason is a female victor from District 7. She's in her early twenties and is one of the youngest, but also one of the most psychologically scarred Quarter Quell participants.
In the story, Johanna aligns with Katniss and Peeta in their return to the 75th Hunger Games. A rebellion against the Capitol has begun, and there is more pressure than ever. Collins made Johanna with a snide personality, wits and she gets physical some scenes in the book. Her first appearance in the book is when she strips out of her tribute costume in an effort to make Katniss uncomfortable.
Lionsgate also 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.
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.
These actors will join Lawrence, Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth (Gale Hawthorne), Elizabeth Banks (Effie Trinket), Lenny Kravitz (Cinna), and Woody Harrelson (Haymitch).
"Catching Fire" is set to release in theaters Nov. 22, 2013.