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.

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."