Another day, another “Hunger Games” casting update. Today EW jumps into the fray, reporting that actress Jena Malone is also in the running for the role of Johanna Mason in “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” While it was reported last week that Mia Wasikowska and model/actress Zoe Aggeliki were among the names being considered for the pivotal supporting role opposite Jennifer Lawrence, EW says Wasikowska, at least, is not in contention, and does not have the time in her schedule to shoo the film.
Like that other big casting question mark Finnick Odair, Johanna is in her twenties, and is a former Tribute and survivor of the Hunger Games. She hails from District 7, and has lost everyone she knows, making her jaded and dangerous – she’s got nothing left to lose. She and Lawrence’s Katniss have an antagonistic relationship at first, but she ultimately becomes an invaluable ally. Francis Lawrence will begin directing the sequel in the fall, with Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz and more of the original cast all returning to reprise their roles, and “Catching Fire” already has a release date of November 23, 2013.
Malone, last seen on the big screen opposite Emily Browning in Zack Snyder’s “Sucker Punch”, also recently appeared on hit TNT mini-series “Hatfields & McCoys.” She’s attached to play acclaimed novelist Carson McCullers in “Lonely Hunger” later this year, as well as indies “A Doll’s House” and “The Go-Getters.”
