The sexiest role in the "Hunger Games" universe has finally been cast: Finnick Odair.
After months of speculation over which Hollywood hunk would play the "charismatic and clever," incredibly athletic and attractive victor from District 4, Lionsgate just confirmed rumors that "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" star Sam Claflin has been cast in the hit flick's sequel, "Catching Fire."
The 26-year-old star was last seen as Prince William in this summer's "Snow White and the Huntsman" alongside Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron and Chris Hemsworth.
Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson and Donald Sutherland will all return for "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," which starts filming soon.
Other well-known stars have also joined the franchise for the second flick -- including a "Sex and the City" alum, an Oscar winner and a CW stud. Find out who in the gallery above!
What do you think of the casting? Sound off in the comments section below.
Read the full press release from Lionsgate below:
Lionsgate and the filmmakers of THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE are pleased to announce that Sam Claflin has been cast in the role of Finnick in the much anticipated film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' worldwide smash hit novel Catching Fire.
Charasmatic and clever, Finnick was a District 4 Hunger Games victor when he was fourteen.
After breaking out in his role as the romantic lead in last year's PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES, Claflin starred in the box office smash SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN playing Prince William alongside Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron and Chris Hemsworth.
He recently finished filming THE QUIET ONES opposite Jarred Harris, and MARY & MARTHA, in which he co-stars with Hilary Swank.
THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark.
Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts.
Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.
THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE will be directed by Francis Lawrence, and produced by Nina Jacobson's Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy that has sold more than 50 million books in print and digital in the U.S. alone.
Lionsgate will release THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE on November 22, 2013.
Ongoing casting news and information for the film can be found at: www.CatchingFireCasting.com
