A short time ago it was reported that Sam Claflin had entered into talks to take on the role of Finnick Odair in the highly anticipated sequel to The Hunger Games, Catching Fire.

Claflin had been on a shortlist of actors wanted for the role that also included Taylor Kitsch and Garrett Hedlund.

Now comes word that the actor has officially signed on to play Finnick, a “charismatic” and “clever” resident of District 4 who won the Hunger Games when he was only 14 years of age.

In the sequel, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) once again leave District 12, this time to head off on their “Victor’s Tour” of the other districts. Katniss can feel the potential for a rebellion against the Capitol growing stronger, but President Snow (Donald Sutherland) is still running the show, and has plans for the 75th annual Hunger Games in the works that could possibly change the world of Panem forever.

Claflin is best known for his roles in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Snow White and the Huntsman, and The Pillars of the Earth. He joins other new cast members such as Philip Seymour Hoffman, who will play Plutarch Heavensbee, and Jena Malone, who will play Johanna Mason.

Catching Fire will be directed by Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend, Constantine), and is currently scheduled to hit theaters on November 22, 2013.

What do you think of Sam Claflin as Finnick?

[Source: Heat Vision]