We've had a welcome respite from all the Catching Fire casting rumors, with much of the activity in the past centered on who would play the role of the athletic and gorgeous Finnick Odair. But there are other, equally crucial roles that are yet to be filled, and while we await word on the recent talk of Philip Seymour Hoffman possibly playing Gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee, the attention has now turned to the part of Johanna Mason.
ThePlaylist has learned that Mia Wasikowska(Jane Eyre) and French/Swedish/Greek model Zoe Aggeliki are the top two contenders for the role, with the latter possibly signing in the next few days. Wasikowska would make for an interesting choice and a much bigger name, but she doesn't seem like the right fit. Johanna Mason hails from the lumber producing District 7, and is a past winner of the Hunger Games. She has a very sarcastic, rough exterior that puts her at immediate odds with Katniss(Jennifer Lawrence), however she later becomes a staunch ally and an integral figure in the coming battles, especially in the 75th Hunger Games they are all thrust into. Mason won her Hunger Games by pretending to be weak, and then when it counted revealing just how tough and vicious she really is. Sarcastic and tough I can see Wasikowska nailing just fine, she did it quite well in The Kids Are All Right, but I'm not sure she's physical enough for the part.
Aggeliki is new to me, as she's really just getting her feet wet as an actor. Still, she's made a quick impression as she's got a number of films lined up, including Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, R.I.P.D., and the Josh Schwartz comedy, Fun Size. This would be one heck of a breakthrough role for her, as Mason is also a key player in the final film, Mockingjay.
I think there are better options out there, some of which have been discussed here, but I like the idea of Lionsgate digging for unknowns to fill out the supporting cast. Production on Catching Fire begins later this year, and should open next year on November 22nd.
