Lionsgate announced a few weeks ago that the role of Plutarch Heavensbee has been cast with the role being filled by renowned actor Philip Seymour Hoffman. Many were surprised by this casting as Hoffman is most known for his serious roles in films such as “Doubt,” “The Ides of March,” “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead,” “Capote,” and “Cold Mountain.” (Though he was also gold in the comedy film Along Came Polly.)
Hoffman recently spoke about why he chose the role. A major fact, he explained, was the character he would be portraying.
“I liked the people involved. It’s a great group of actors. It’s a great environment. And the character was something I was attracted to. It was just an interesting role,” Hoffman recently told EW.com.
Plutarch becomes the head gamemaker during the 75th Hunger Games Quarter Quell in Catching Fire and eventually helps the main character Katniss.
“He’s somebody who’s part of the revolution, but you don’t know it. The idea that somebody would be risking themselves in such an extreme way to join something that’s that dangerous because he thinks it’s the future…that’s interesting stuff, you know?” he continued.
Before taking the role, Hoffman revealed he hadn’t even read the novels. However, once offered, he read the entire series and watched the first film to catch up.
“It’s good. I’ve read the script, which is true to the book — I kinda ruined it for myself. But I’m reading it anyway, because I really want to find out everything I need to know about this guy,” Hoffman said in the interview.
Hoffman is expected to return for Mockingjay part 1 and 2, a two part film based on the third and final novel. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is due out in theaters Nov. 22, 2013.