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Lynn Cohen Set to Play Mags in 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire'

by Ben Pearson
August 2, 2012

Actress Lynn Cohen isn't exactly a household name, but she's been steadily working in the industry since the early 1980s. I know her from supporting roles in films like Munich, Across the Universe, Invincible, and Eagle Eye, but she might be better known for her portrayal of Magda on "Sex in the City" and its two film adaptations. Strangely, she's about to take on a character with a very similar name as Lionsgate has just announced that Cohen has been cast as Mags in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, taking over the part that Melissa Leo almost took and joining Amanda Plummer as the most recent addition to the cast.

It's necessary to semi-spoil upcoming events of the new movie if I'm going to talk about this character, but I'll try to keep it as brief and vague as possible as not to ruin too much for those who haven't read the books. Despite being 80 years old, Mags is a kindred spirit to Katniss in the 75th Annual Hunger Games (aka third the Quarter Quell) because, like Katniss in the first film, Mags volunteers as tribute in order to save someone she cares about. She becomes an unlikely ally in the next battle in the arena, teaming with Katniss, Peeta, and Finnick Odair (who she used to mentor) as they work together to survive. It'll be a bit weird to see an 80-year-old hanging out with a bunch of young kids in a battle to the death, but Cohen's presence should add an air of gravitas to the film along with bigger names like Philip Seymour Hoffman.

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 third Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever. The sequel directed by Francis Lawrence is slated to hit theaters on November 22, 2013.

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