'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay' will be split in two

Although rumors of Lionsgate splitting the third and final book in Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games" trilogy into two films have been swirling since last summer, the studio made it official this week when it announced two separate release dates for the forthcoming adaptation.

Mockingjay concludes the series.

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1" will be released Nov. 21, 2014, while "Part 2" will arrive 12 months later on Nov. 20, 2015.

Production is set to get underway soon on the second novel of the trilogy, "Catching Fire," with the film set for release on Nov. 22, 2013. The film will be directed by Francis Lawrence, who is replacing "The Hunger Games" director Gary Ross

Last summer, it was revealed that Lionsgate included the possibility turning the trilogy into four films in the cast's contracts, unlike those for the "Harry Potter" and "Twilight" series, which had to be adjusted after each added a movie by splitting the final installment in two.

"The Hunger Games," released in March, has grossed $404 million domestically and $678 million worldwide.

Philip Seymour Hoffman officially joins 'Catching Fire'

Lionsgate and the filmmakers of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" announced that Philip Seymour Hoffman has been cast in the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, head gamemaker for the Hunger Games, in the  film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' hit novel "Catching Fire. "

Philip Seymour Hoffman

The actor and filmmaker just wrapped a Broadway run as Willy Loman in the revival of “Death of a Salesman,” for which he was nominated for a Tony Award. He will next be seen in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “The Master” and the indie film “A Late Quartet” alongside Catherine Keener and Christopher Walken.  More recent films include “Moneyball,” “The Ides of March” and “Jack Goes Boating,” which marked Hoffman’s feature directorial debut.

"Catching Fire" begins as Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) has returned home safe after winning the 74th annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). 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.

"Catching Fire" will be directed by Francis Lawrence, who is replacing "The Hunger Games" director Gary Ross, 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 more than 36 million copies in print in the U.S. alone. Lionsgate will release "Catching Fire" on Nov. 22, 2013.

Hoffmam was first reported to be in talks for the part last month and now becomes the first official addition to the cast. Last week, Jena Malone ("Sucker Punch") was offered the role of Johanna Mason and is in negotiations.

"The Hunger Games" crossed the $400 million mark this past weekend at the domestic box office and has grossed $650 million worldwide.

Jena Malone in negotiations for role of Johanna Mason in 'Catching Fire'

With two actresses reportedly in contention, "Catching Fire" has finally reaped its Johanna Mason.

Jena Malone

According to Heat Vision, Jena Malone ("Sucker Punch") has been offered the role and is in negotiations for "The Hunger Games" sequel.

Malone beat out fellow actress Zoe Aggeliki for the part, who was also in contention. Johanna is described as sarcastic and mean-spirited. She won her original Hunger Games by pretending to be weak and waiting until only a few opponents were left before revealing herself to be a skilled killer.

Malone portrayed Rocket in "Sucker Punch," as well as a younger version of Jodi Foster in "Contact."

The actress joins potential series newcomer Philip Seymour Hoffman, who has been offered the role of gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee.

Lionsgate is looking to start production on "Catching Fire" in September with the release date scheduled for November 2013 under director Francis Lawrence ("I Am Legend," "Water for Elephants"), who is replacing "The Hunger Games" director Gary Ross.

Cast members Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Lenny Kravitz and Donald Sutherland are all expected to return, reprising their roles from "The Hunger Games."

The first film, which was released this past March, grossed more than $400 million domestically and $650 million worldwide.

Zoe Aggeliki joins chase for Joanna Mason in 'Catching Fire'

Let the games begin. On the heels of a report that "Sucker Punch Star" Jena Malone was in the running for the role of Joanna Mason in "Catching Fire," it now seems that actress Zoe Aggeliki may be the new frontrunner.

Zoe Aggeliki

Deadline is reporting that is in the most serious talks of those up for the part in the forthcoming "Hunger Games" sequel to be directed by Francis Lawrence ("I Am Legend," "Water for Elephants").

The newcomer has roles in the upcoming "R.I.P.D." and "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters."

Joanna is described as sarcastic and mean-spirited. She won her original Hunger Games by pretending to be weak and waiting until only a few opponents were left before revealing herself to be a skilled killer.

Whoever gets the part will the list of potential series newcomers which now consists of Philip Seymour Hoffman, who has been offered the role of gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee.

Lionsgate is looking to start production on "Catching Fire" in September with the release date scheduled for November 2013 under Lawrence, who is replacing "The Hunger Games" director Gary Ross.

Cast members Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Lenny Kravitz and Donald Sutherland are all expected to return, reprising their roles from "The Hunger Games."

The first film, which was released this past March, grossed more than $400 million domestically and $650 million worldwide.

'Sucker Punch' star Jena Malone in the running for 'Catching Fire' role

Casting continues on the anticpated "Hunger Games" sequel, "Catching Fire," with actress Jena Malone reportedly the latest to join the discussions.

Jena Malone

According to Entertainment Weekly, Malone is in the running for Joanna Mason, the female tribute from District 7 taking part in the 75th annual Hunger Games, which plays a large role in the second book in Suzanne Collins' best-selling trilogy.

Joanna is described as sarcastic and mean-spirited. She won her original Hunger Games by pretending to be weak and waiting until only a few opponents were left before revealing herself to be a skilled killer.

Malone portrayed Rocket in "Sucker Punch," as well as a younger version of Jodi Foster in "Contact."

The actress joins potential series newcomer Philip Seymour Hoffman, who has been offered the role of gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee.

Lionsgate is looking to start production on "Catching Fire" in September with the release date scheduled for November 2013 under director Francis Lawrence ("I Am Legend," "Water for Elephants"), who is replacing "The Hunger Games" director Gary Ross.

Cast members Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Lenny Kravitz and Donald Sutherland are all expected to return, reprising their roles from "The Hunger Games."

The first film, which was released this past March, grossed more than $400 million domestically and $650 million worldwide.

Philip Seymour Hoffman offered role in 'Catching Fire'

Philip Seymour Hoffman has been offered the role of Plutarch Heavensbee in "The Hunger Games" sequel "Catching Fire."

Philip Seymour Hoffman

Heat Vision is reporting that the actor was offered the role the same day he split with his agency Paradigm.

Heavensbee is the new gamemaker, replacing Seneca Crane (Wes Bentley) from the first film.

According to the report, Lionsgate is looking to start production on the film in September with the release date scheduled for November 2013 under director Francis Lawrence ("I Am Legend," "Water for Elephants"), who is replacing "The Hunger Games" director Gary Ross.

Cast members Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Lenny Kravitz and Donald Sutherland are all expected to return, reprising their roles from "The Hunger Games."

The first film crossed the $400 million mark this past weekend at the domestic box office and has grossed $650 million worldwide.

Hoffman was most recently seen in "Moneyball." He won the 2006 Academy Award for Actor in a Leading Role for his work in "Capote." He also earned two nominations for best supporting actor in 2007 for "Charlie Wilson's War" and in 2008 for "Doubt."

'Catching Fire' will blaze into theaters Thanksgiving 2013

There's no time like the present to plan ahead. At least that seems to be the thinking in Hollywood these days.

The sequel will be released Nov. 22, 2013

Lionsgate announced today that "Catching Fire,"  the second film in "The Hunger Games" series, will be released Nov. 22, 2013. The first movie, which is still filming with director Gary Ross, won't hit theaters under March 23, 2012.

The films are based on the best-selling books by Suzanne Collins which include "The Hunger Games," "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay."

The Hollywood Reporter quoted Lionsgate co-COO and Motion Picture Group president Joe Drake saying, "The magical thing about 'The Hunger Games' trilogy is that the books have such a vastly broad appeal. The stories truly offer something for everyone, and the period around the Thanksgiving weekend is such an opportunity for families and friends to make an event of going to the movies."

It was reported in June that Lionsgate had included options in the all of the actors' contracts for a possible fourth film should the studio decide to split the final book in two, following the trend set by the "Harry Potter" and "Twilight" franchises.

At the time I said I wasn't convinced "Mockingjay" really needs to be spread over two movies, but having seen the success of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," I'm more open to the idea. Still, a final decision won't be made until the studio sees how well the returns are for the first film.

This news comes on the heels of Columbia Picture's announcement that the sequel to next summer's "The Amazing Spider-Man" will be released May 2, 2014.