With many casting updates going out this week so far, Lionsgate has been on a roll to bring those facing off against main heroes Katniss and Peeta to the big screen as the list of Tributes for the upcoming sequel The Hunger Games: Catching Fire has been filling up fast. With District 2 now set, the group of antagonists in the arena known as the Career Pack has been slowly building with a number of intimidating individuals to hopefully bring some strong villain roles to the second installment. Now, District 1 kicks off their casting of familiar faces as one actor from superhero drama Smallville and jock comedy Blue Mountain State has joined the massive ensemble.
Lionsgate has officially announced that Alan Ritchson, best known for his roles of Aquaman and Thad Castle, has officially been cast as District 1′s male tribute in The Quarter Quell known as Gloss. There is an interesting story behind Gloss as he and his sister Cashmere are nominated as the tributes for their districts, possibly giving the character an emotional foundation and relationship to build upon as the source material is adapted to the big screen. Also interestingly enough, it is hinted that Gloss is also a great swimmer in the novel and given Ritchson’s superhero past he seems perfect for the ability.
More on Richston via press release:
Alan Ritchson is the middle son of a retired US Air Force Chief Master Sergeant and a high school teacher. He began his career as a model, working for Abercrombie and Fitch and was also the model for the title character in BEOWULF, with Angelina Jolie.
Ritchson most recently starred in the CBS comedy pilot SUPER FUN NIGHT with Rebel Wilson, and BLUE MOUNTAIN STATE, which aired on Spike TV for three seasons. Previously, Ritchson recurred as “Aquaman” on CW’s SMALLVILLE and appeared in Season 3 of 90210 as a love interest to the character “Teddy Montgomery.”
In addition to acting, Alan continues to pursue music. He released an album in 2005 called “This Is Next Time.” He currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.
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.
Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Donald Sutherland, Meta Golding, Jena Malone, Lynn Cohen, Bruno Gunn, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Amanda Plummer, Willow Shields, Stanley Tucci, Toby Jones and more, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is set for release on November 22nd, 2013.
