RIP Philip Seymour Hoffman

My heart goes out to the family of Philip Seymour Hoffman, our beloved Plutarch Heavensbee in The Hunger Games trilogy movie depictions, who died today at the age of 46.

Hoffman was such a talented actor, giving life to every character he portrayed. One of the first roles that made me take notice of him was his depiction of Freddie Miles in "The Talented Mr. Ripley." While Matt Damon headlined, it was obvious that Hoffman was a serious actor.

He played the cranky manager of the Oakland A's (Art Howe) in one of my favorite movies of all time: "Moneyball." No one could have played that part as well as he. Of course, he had already made a name for himself before "Moneyball" when he played Truman Capote in "Capote." After winning the Oscar for best actor, it was hard not to take notice of his versatility. His role as Harper Lee's childhood friend was the link joining my favorite novel movies together: Harper Lee's classic To Kill a Mockingbird and Suzanne Collins' best-sellers The Hunger Games trilogy.

Sources say he only had one remaining scene to complete for "Mockingjay Part II," which will most likely be rewritten and filled by another character. Even so, it should be noted that he is irreplaceable. I remember my reaction when his name was released to play Plutarch, thrilled that such a talented actor would play the war-mongering head gamemaker that ultimately saves, destroys, then saves Katniss again. Will he ever get to utter the line, "Don't be a stranger" to Katniss?

My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. I will miss him not only for the role he played in The Hunger Games trilogy, but for all of his films. The three-finger salute goes out to you, Philip...

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Casting Updates

Jena Malone will play Johanna Mason in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire." (Lions Gate®) Digital art by Tracee Orman, original images by TheCapitol.PN (Lionsgate) and MovieWeb.com.

In case you hadn't heard the news, Jena Malone has been offered the part as District 7 Victor Johanna Mason in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," released By Lions Gate® November 22, 2013 - yes, still 505 days away. You can catch up on the latest in this excellent post by Perri Nemiroff, which features another edition of How Panem Celebrates Independence Day by our favorite Hunger Games fansites. (P.S. I love how Adam incorporates art into his post on how Delly Cartwright celebrates Independence Day.)

I remember Malone from "Stepmom" and she definitely had the snotty, bratty kid part down. I think she's an excellent actress and while she may seem too young looking, I think she's perfect. Lionsgate continues to amaze me with their casting choices, so I have complete faith that she was the best candidate for the part.

I cannot wait to see who they choose for Finnick Odair. There was some buzz about Hunter Parrish playing the part, but nothing is confirmed. If you have used my Catching Fire Teaching Unit, then you know that Parrish was the actor I had pictured in my head when I read Catching Fire in 2009.

From "Catching Fire Character Graphic Organizer" Teacher's Guide by Tracee Orman. Blocked out answers, arrows, and commentary on the "Reminds Me Of..." section were added and do not show up on the original document. ;]

I honestly do not care whether he is selected since I know the right person for the part will ultimately get it. But, I think it's kind of cool that at least one person who I had originally pictured might be in the running.

The only other visions I had were not of anyone specific. I pictured Beetee and Wiress as more Asian-looking and Seeder and Chaff with darker skin. The one actor for Chaff who comes to mind is Michael Clarke Duncan. Enobaria has to be a woman who you would not want to mess with...perhaps a Grace Jones type? (I actually pictured Grace Jones for Atala's part, but since it's such a small part, a lesser-known actress makes sense.) I can't wait to see how they do her teeth, whoever gets the part. And it probably won't be long before we are talking about who should play Boggs and President Coin.

What do you think? Are you happy with the casting choices so far? 

(See my post about Plutarch Watch 2012: Philip Seymour Hoffman...) 

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