Nash

With the news last week that Johanna may be cast soon, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire has certainly bumped up from rumors to reality as casting is starting to really get underway. Some big names have been in talks, though nothing has been confirmed by Lionsgate as of yet. Now, it seems the competition in the next titular event is ready to get even stronger as a wrestler/actor has revealed that we may see his face on the big screen come late next year.

Talking with USA Today at the premiere of Magic Mike, Kevin Nash revealed that he is currently in talks to star in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Nash did not reveal whom, but stated “I just pray it’s recurring, that he doesn’t get killed.” If successful, Nash could possibly join a cast of newcomers that includes Philip Seymour Hoffman, whom was offered the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, and either Mia Wasikowska or Zoe Aggeliki, who are both in contention for fan-favorite character Johanna.

NextMovie speculates that given Nash’s age and muscle, he could be in talks for the role of Brutus, a District 2 past winner who actually volunteers for the Third Quarter Quell twisted Hunger Games. This time, the Games involve past victors of any age all set to fight it out in the hopes of surviving once more. Though an alliance forms between different members inside the arena, Brutus is always seen as an antagonist in the series and unfortunately doesn’t venture beyond the second novel. If Nash’s comments are any indication, is seems speculation could in fact be true.

Francis Lawrence will be taking over directorial duties onCatching Fire, which is aiming for a fall production start, and will be based off of a script from Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire) and Michael Arndt (Toy Story 3). Training for the actors is schedule to begin within the coming months, making casting updates certain to happen soon. It’s said that Lawrence is looking at both relative unknowns and big names for each of the forthcoming characters, and it’s said that while Aggeliki could be the frontrunner she’s not yet guaranteed the role just yet.

Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Donald Sutherland, Stanley Tucci, and Lenny Kravitz, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is set for a release on November 22nd, 2013.