Now that Lionsgate has settled(quite emphatically so) on Sam Claflin for the sought-after role of Finnick Odair in Catching Fire, there was really only one major slot left to be filled. Months ago when Claflin's name first started being kicked around, we also learned that Tony Shalhoub(Monk) was being eyed for the role of Beetee, the genius victor from District 13 who joins Katniss and Peeta in the 75th Hunger Games. We never really heard anything more about it until now, with the announcement that Jeffrey Wright has joined the cast.
Wright is definitely a step up, and indicative of the franchise's ability to draw big name talent for supporting parts. One of the strongest actors working today, Wright first won me over with his incredible performance in Basquiat, and ever since he's a guy who has shown an ability to do pretty much anything he wants. He was most recently seen last year in Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, and also starred in Source Code and The Ides of March. Like I said, the guy can do anything.
Beetee plays a crucial role in Catching Fire, drawn back into the Hunger Games after President Snow declares it the Quarter Quell, which forces past winners to fight yet again. Nicknamed "Sparks" due to his skills with electronics, Beetee has mastered the ability to use wire as a destructive force.
If the cast of The Hunger Games was already great, Catching Fire's has only gotten better. Wright joins Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Donald Sutherland, Jena Malone, Sam Claflin, Lynn Cohen, and Amanda Plummer with Francis Lawrence taking over as director. Catching Fire opens in theaters on November 22nd 2013.
