Philip Seymour Hoffman will play Plutarch Heavensbee, the gamemaker in the next installment of the 'Hunger Games' series. (Dominic Chan/WENN)

Philip Seymour Hoffman has joined the cast of “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” Lionsgate announced on Monday.

The Oscar winner takes on the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, the gamemaker of the next Hunger Games tournament, thus confirming reports that surfaced almost a month ago linking him to the role.

“Catching Fire is the middle book in Suzanne Collins’ trilogy of young adult novels. The film adaptation is slated for a November 2013 release.

Francis Lawrence is taking over directing duties from Gary Ross. Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth will return to star, having propelled the first movie to more than $675 million at the worldwide box office.

Heavensbee’s role grows even larger in ”Mockingjay,“ the third film in Suzanne Collins’ trilogy of young adult novels.

Hoffman just finished his run on Broadway in Mike Nichols’ adaptation of ”Death of a Salesman.“ He earned a Tony nomination for his portrayal of Willy Loman.

He will next be seen on the big screen in Paul Thomas Anderson’s ”The Master“ and indie drama ”A Late Quartet.“