Alan Ritchson Joins The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Looks like former Blue Mountain State star Alan Ritchson will be traveling to Panem for his next movie role. Hitfix is reporting Ritchson has officially been cast in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, playing former District 1 champion tribute Gloss.

For those who haven’t read the book, Catching Fire introduces us to an event called The Quarter Quell. Marking the Capitol’s victorious takeover, every 25 years former Hunger Game winners compete in even more treacherous events, while again honoring their districts. Gloss will fight alongside his sister Cashmere, representing a district known for breeding physically tough competitors like Glimmer and Marvel.

Ritchson certainly has an imposing physique thanks to his time as an Abercrombie and Fitch model, but don’t count out his acting chops. The budding young star has displayed a great command in range, going from Aquaman on CW’s Smallville to hilarious jock Thad Castle.

Admittedly, I’m not a huge fan of Smallville but I was majorly impressed when Ritchson effortlessly transitioned to comedy and stole every scene in Blue Mountain State. There isn’t a single doubt in my mind Ritchson will jump right back into the dramatic light for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and be able to create a world-class tribute out of Gloss.

Joining original cast members and new additions Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jena Malone, Lynn Cohen, Alan Ritchson adds another enticing name onto an already impressive list. Sam Claflin and Tony Shaloub are also rumored to be nearing confirmed contracts, creating quite the ensemble cast for Francis Lawrence’s blockbuster sequel.

With all these huge casting announcements hyping up The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, do you think Lawrence can live up to Gary Ross’ original smash hit?