Robert Pattinson as heartthrob and fan favorite Finnick Odair in "Hunger Games" sequel "Catching Fire"? Probably not even a little, but that's the rumor making the rounds on Wednesday.
UPDATE: Pattinson himself has debunked this rumor. Read his thoughts here; the original article continues below.
The report comes courtesy of the blog Think McFly Think, which claims that Lionsgate -- the studio behind "The Hunger Games" -- is "chasing" Pattinson for the key "Catching Fire" role.
While it might seem totally ridiculous that Pattinson -- finally free from his obligations to the uber-popular "Twilight" franchise and tackling films like David Cronenberg's "Cosmopolis" -- would join Team Hunger Games, he does have one connection to the world of Panem: "Catching Fire" will be directed by Francis Lawrence, who worked with the star on "Water For Elephants." (Lawrence replaced Gary Ross as shepherd of the franchise earlier this year.)
"As with the first film, we won't be confirming, denying or commenting any casting rumors for this title," Lionsgate told HuffPost Entertainment in a statement. "We will announce news wide when there is official casting news to announce."
Finnick, who first appears in "Catching Fire," plays a key role in Suzanne Collins' best-selling "Hunger Games" trilogy. From District 4, he was the winner of the 65th annual Hunger Games and forms a friendly relationship with Katniss Everdeen following her victory at the 74th iteration of the Games.
Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth, "Catching Fire" will arrive in theaters on Nov. 22, 2013. The film will begin shooting this summer.
[via Think McFly Think]
