Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage is the latest star to be cast in the forthcoming The Hunger Games prequel - The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
The 53-year old, who portrayed Tyrion Lannister in the hit HBO television series, was announced by Lionsgate's Motion Picture Group director Nathan Kahane on Monday.
Dinklage, who has four Emmy Awards to his name, will play Academy dean Casca Highbottom at an elite school in the Capitol, joining a cast that includes Euphoria star Hunter Schafer.
Like author Suzanne Collins' 2020 novel of the same name, the movie focuses on the 10th annual Hunger Games - set some 64 years before the original book and motion picture that catapulted Katniss Everdeen (played by Jennifer Lawrence ) and Peeta Mellark ( Josh Hutcherson ) into household names.
The story follows villain Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth) in his much younger years, before he becomes President of Panem.
As the tenth games approach, Snow mentors District 12's Baird (Rachel Zegler, of West Side Story fame).
Announcing Dinklage's appointment, Kahane said: "With production underway, we couldn't be more excited about the way this cast has come together and thrilled to be welcoming Peter Dinklage to Panem.
"Peter is not just a fan favourite actor who brings a commanding presence to every part he plays. He is one of the best actors alive."
He continued: "He will bring a formidable, charismatic authority to the important role of the dean of The Academy."
Director Francis Lawrence (no relation to Jennifer) revealed: "Dean Highbottom is one of the most powerful people in Snow's life.
"As the austere and vindictive face of the games, he sets the rules that will determine every aspect of Coriolanus’s fate. I'm thrilled that Peter will be bringing him to life."
Dinklage most recently appeared in the musical Cyrano, for which he received both Critics Choice Award and Satellite Award nominations.
Earlier this year he took aim at Disney, brandishing the company as 'f*****g backwards' over their production of a live-action remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
In a discussion about 'wokeness', the actor, who has a form of dwarfism, said that he was "taken aback" when he heard about the reboot.
He said: "I was a little taken aback when they were very proud to cast a Latina actress as Snow White.
"You’re still telling the story of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs. Take a step back and look at what you’re doing there. It makes no sense to me.
"You’re progressive in one way, and you’re still making that f*****g backwards story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together – what the f**k are you doing man?
"Have I done nothing to advance the cause from my soapbox? I guess I’m not loud enough.
"They were so proud of that, and all love and respect to the actress and the people who thought they were doing the right thing, but I'm just like, 'What are you doing?'"
He then explained that he would have been "all in" if Disney had decided to put a "cool, progressive spin" on the classic fairytale.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes hits cinemas in November 2023.
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