On July 17th, there was buzz circulating around the Internet about Melissa Leo being cast as Mags in THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE. Rumours about casting the 51 year-old Oscar winner caused a wave of anxiety throughout THE HUNGER GAMES fan base. In the story, Mags is supposed to be 80 years old. Surely a twenty-nine year difference is noticeable, so fans were speculating about the possible make up process to alter Leo’s age.
However, the confirmed casting for Mags has been revealed on THE HUNGER GAMES Facebook fan page. Lynn Cohen will be playing the former Hunger Games champion in the second film in the famous dystopian trilogy.
Mags is an important character in the second book because she was also Finnick Odair’s mentor. Finnick was District 4’s past champion and both of them play crucial parts during the Quarter Quell. Interestingly enough, Mags is silent throughout most of her journey but proves her importance during a plot-twisting scene.
Lynn Cohen is a celebrated actress who’s played many roles throughout her lifetime. She has starred in films such as EAGLE EYE, THE STATION AGENT and MUNICH. She has television experience, too, as she has guest-starred on LAW & ORDER and LAW & ORDER: SVU.
With Cohen cast, fans no longer have to worry about the age factor of the actress portraying Mags! THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE is scheduled for release on November 22nd, 2013.