toddboettche: 'Catching Fire': Jena Malone In Running To Play Johanna

Thursday, June 28, 2012

'Catching Fire': Jena Malone In Running To Play Johanna

Mia Wasikowska is reportedly no longer being considered for role in 'Hunger Games' sequel.
By Kevin P. Sullivan

Jena Malone
Photo:

Fans of "The Hunger Games" have been keeping a close eye on two yet-to-be-cast roles in the upcoming sequel "Catching Fire" as the follow-up gets ready to move into production. Rumors about the part of Finnick Odair have floated around for months, but talk about who might be cast as Johanna Mason has only picked up this week.

The latest word on who might play the former champion for District 7 comes from Entertainment Weekly, which is reporting that Jena Malone is in the running for the role.

Last week, the first rumors about the role began to circulate. According to the Playlist, both Mia Wasikowska and model Zoe Aggeliki were in the mix for Johanna. In its report about Malone, EW also confirmed that Wasikowska was neither in the running nor able to fit "Catching Fire" into her schedule.

Malone, who recently appeared in the wildly popular "Hatfields & McCoys" miniseries, is 27 years old, making her the appropriate age to play Johanna, who Katniss at one point describes as being like a big sister, albeit one who hates her.

Johanna is a master of manipulation. She won her first tournament by pretending to be weak and non-threatening until there were fewer tributes left in the arena. Seizing the opportunity, she revealed herself as a proficient killer. When she first meets Katniss in the arena, she memorably strips naked in order to make Jennifer Lawrence's character uncomfortable.

No new additions to the cast have been officially announced for the Francis Lawrence-directed sequel to this year's massive blockbuster. Lionsgate is not currently commenting on casting.

"Catching Fire" will open in theaters on November 22, 2013.

Check out everything we've got on "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire."

For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.

Related Photos