Los Angeles - Taylor Kitsch, Garrett Hedlund and Armie Hammer are reportedly battling it out for the role of Finnick Odair in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
Finnick is a new character featured in the Suzanne Collins book trilogy on which the movies are based and his role is a vital one in the second novel.
The Twilight Saga star Robert Pattinson was previously linked to the role, but Robert says he was assured by his agent that he would never get the part.
'Pivotal role'
According to E! News, film bosses are undecided about whether to go with one of these three actors or launch an unknown with the pivotal role. A decision is expected to be made this week.
However, Lionsgate refused to comment, with a representative saying: "As with the first film, we won't be confirming, denying or commenting on any casting rumours for this title. We will announce news wide when there is official casting news to announce."
Filming is scheduled to begin later this year with Francis Lawrence taking over the directing reigns from Gary Ross, who chose not to return to the franchise.
Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth all starred in The Hunger Games, which was released earlier this year and are on board to reprise their roles of Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark and Gale Hawthorne respectively.
Finnick is a new character featured in the Suzanne Collins book trilogy on which the movies are based and his role is a vital one in the second novel.
The Twilight Saga star Robert Pattinson was previously linked to the role, but Robert says he was assured by his agent that he would never get the part.
'Pivotal role'
According to E! News, film bosses are undecided about whether to go with one of these three actors or launch an unknown with the pivotal role. A decision is expected to be made this week.
However, Lionsgate refused to comment, with a representative saying: "As with the first film, we won't be confirming, denying or commenting on any casting rumours for this title. We will announce news wide when there is official casting news to announce."
Filming is scheduled to begin later this year with Francis Lawrence taking over the directing reigns from Gary Ross, who chose not to return to the franchise.
Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth all starred in The Hunger Games, which was released earlier this year and are on board to reprise their roles of Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark and Gale Hawthorne respectively.