The people behind The Hunger Games are already plotting worldwide domination following the success of the first film at the box-office earlier this year. It did so well that a big-name casting has been confirmed for the sequel Catching Fire by Lionsgate with Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman (Capote, Doubt) finally signing up for a key role.

E! News have revealed that Hoffman will play the new Gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee. He replaces the original Gamemaker Seneca Crane (Wes Bentley) who was killed off at the end of the first film. Hoffman was linked with the role last month but has signed a deal to star in it.

Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend) replaces Gary Ross as director with Jena Malone (Into the Wild, Sucker Punch) in talks to play a new tribute who helps the titular character Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in Catching Fire.

It will begin filming in Autumn with a release date likely for November 2013.