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Jena Malone is Top Choice to Play Johanna Mason in 'Catching Fire'

by Ethan Anderton
June 25, 2012
Source: EW

Another day, another complete 180 on casting news for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, the sequel to the March blockbuster adaptation of Suzanne Collins' best-selling young adult book series starring Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson. While Mia Wasikowska and model turned actress Zoe Aggeliki were said to be in the running for the role of Johanna Mason, a new tribute in the 75th Hunger Games, we were sure other actresses were in the running. Our suspicions have been confirmed as EW reports that Jena Malone (Sucker Punch, Saved) is now the top choice for the pivotal role. That actually sounds perfect.

Malone has the right age, look, and experience in both drama and action with roles ranging from Sucker Punch to a recent turn in the History Channel miniseries "Hatfields & McCoys." In a way that doesn't spoil any of the story, the book describes Mason as having "a wicked ability to murder," wielding an axe as her weapon of choice and a ruthless sense of survival. Mason poses a variety of problems for Katniss (Lawrence) and Peeta (Hutcherson) as they both return to the Hunger Games arena for the Third Quarter Quell, which brings previous victors of past games into the arena to fight again. It's not clear if Malone is getting an offer, already in talks, or merely at the top of a wishlist, but she's a talent I hadn't even thought about for the role and just makes sense. And for an actress who hasn't had a huge role, this could do wonders for her career.

Filed under Casting, Movie News

From around the web:

Ehsan Davodi

Real Magician is director , He can turn his actors to something Incredible. I totally have faith in Fransis and his decisions. Personally prefer Mia. Craftship is more important than looking for me (both important matters)
Akirakorn

I think it's a great choice, but I wonder if she'll be up for all the nudity. Okay okay, they'll most likely drop that part of her character for a more accessible MPAA rating. Not to be a chavanist or anything, but I thought Mia and (nearly any model) would have been too petite (physically) for the role. If memory servers Johanna was described as having a well-rounded figure, and considering she would have no problems getting fed after winner her original games, having her prancing around with her collarbones and ribcage protruding would be off putting. Of course Katniss' was constantly described as thin and girlish figure (to say), so I was surprised when they went with Ms. Lawrence.
Kathleen Runas

I love Malone, really great actress, since her "child-star" heyday ended, she hasn't got the exposure and she deserve. She's got the sass to be Johanna Mason (who by the way in my opinion is the best new character in Catching Fire-yeah, I know, it's hard not to love Finnick but admit it, you can't ignore Johanna)... She definitely got my vote.!
The "meh" guy

...meh...
Lamar

I approve. (This choice has just been "fan approved"). : )
- Herp
  
  Derp.
Alex

not very interesting choice,, johanna should be dark/mysterious i pictured Johanna to be like a young Michelle Rodriguez-esque character! come on casting dig deeper!
Derp

How about what's her face that mma fighter chick? From Haywire?Gina Carano.Or is she not relatable for the supposed audience for this flick,as presumed by studio dudes? I haven't seen any of her acting so I don't have a clue really nor did I read the books,just seems like an interesting choice...
- Sugar_Spice
  
  I agree with you, I think she'd be awesome
Rick

Give a fucking spoiler warning! come on!