'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' Finds Its Cashmere
by Sean ComerDrafting "The Hunger Games" cast-announcement releases must be somebody's designated daily routine at Lionsgate, by this point. I like to imagine it's somewhere between "first cup of coffee" and telling Robert Pattinson for the nine-millionth time, "No, your life-sized Kristen Stewart voodoo doll can't accompany you on the red carpet instead of her, and no, I don't care how much blood of how many chickens it cost you."
The studio officially announced Stephanie Leigh Schlund today as the latest to join 2013's sequel "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," Celebuzz noted this afternoon. Schlund is to this point most recently known for appearing on "Drop Dead Diva" and this fall on FOX with the debuting drama "The Following" but comes 2013, she'll be portraying prior District 1 victor Cashmere. Of course, as will many of the newly signed cast, she'll be playing a victor cast back into competition for the 75th Hunger Games, The Quarter Quell.
According to Celebuzz's handy infographic, the remaining roles to be cast include the tech-savvy Beetee, Head District 12 Peacekeeper Cray and his power-hungry rival Romulus, among others listed below.
It was just Monday that the studio confirmed "House of Payne" and "The Blind Side" actress Maria Howell as playing previous District 11 victor Seeder. The week before, E. Roger Mitchell was confirmed to play Chaff, "Smallville" alum Alan Ritchson to play former career District 1 tribute Gloss, Cashmere's brother. Bruno Gunn will play returning District 2 victor Brutus. Rounding out last week's castings, Meta Golding of "Cold Case" and "Criminal Minds" plays brutal former District 2 victor Enorabia.
Additionally, Oscar winner Phillip Seymour Hoffman is in as Plutarch Heavensbee, and Jena Malone has signed to play young, damaged former victor Johanna Mason.
Star Jennifer Lawrence will be returning as Katniss Everdeen, but her $10-million salary reportedly has Josh Hutcherson (Peeta Mellark) and Liam Hemsworth (Gale Hawthorne) wanting a sit-down with Lionsgate executives to discuss an alleged bump from their $2-million offers to return up to $5-million salaries.
Also back will be Woody Harrellson as Haymitch, Elizabeth Banks as Effie, Lenny Kravitz as Cinna and Stanley Tucci as Caesar. "Catching Fire" hits theaters Nov. 22, 2013, with shooting set to start in September.
(Infographic From: Celebuzz.com)