14 Jun – Academy award winner Philip Seymour Hoffman has been made an official offer by Lionsgate to play a role in "Catching Fire", the sequel to the popular adaptation of Suzanne Collins's novel series, "The Hunger Games". The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that an offer has made for Hoffman to play the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, the new gamemaker that will replace the last one played by Wes Bentley in the first film. Lionsgate is hoping to begin production on the sequel in September this year that will be under the new directions of Francis Lawrence, after "Hunger Games" director Gary Ross bailed out from his anticipated return for the sequel, that some claim it to be due to differences he had with Lionsgate executives. The three main leads of "The Hunger Games" Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth have confirmed in returning to reprise their roles for at least 2 more movies based on the book. "The Hunger Games" has grossed USD $648 million worldwide.