It had been rumored for some time, but now it can be confirmed: Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman has been cast as Plutarch Heavensbee in ‘The Hunger Games’ sequel ‘Catching Fire.’

E! Online quotes a source who claims that Hoffman inked his deal “right before the Fourth of July holiday,” allowing him to play the story’s new Head Gamemaker and replace the character played by Wes Bentley in the first ‘Hunger Games’ film.

Hoffman’s stepping into an already-massive franchise. ‘The Hunger Games’ earned a whopping $404 million domestically this year, tacking on an additional $273M in international territories. The sequel’s bound to be bigger in size and scope, and filling the cast with Oscar winners should help build on what’s an already solid foundation.

Hoffman joins existing cast members Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks and Woody Harrelson. The sequel is expected to start filming in the fall, with director Francis Lawrence filling in for departed filmmaker Gary Ross. Lionsgate has targeted a Nov. 22, 2013 release date.

So tell us, ‘Hunger Games’ fans, is Hoffman the right choice for Plutarch?

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