Sam Claflin cast as Finnick Odair in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"

(CBS News) Sam Claflin has been chosen to play Finnick Odair in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire."

It had been speculated for several weeks that the "Snow White and the Huntsman" actor was the front-runner for the role, and Lionsgate made the casting official on Wednesday.

Pictures: "The Hunger Games" premiere

The British-born actor, 26, joins fellow new cast members including Jena Malone, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amanda Plummer for the "Hunger Games" sequel.

Finnick, who hails from Panem's District 4, became a Hunger Games victor when he was 14. He's known for his charm, good looks, strong swimming skills and prowess with a trident.

Claflin has also appeared in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" and recently finished filming "The Quiet Ones" alongside Hilary Swank and "Mad Men" star Jared Harris.

"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," directed by Francis Lawrence, will arrive in theaters on Nov. 22, 2013.