“The Hunger Games” finale “Mockingjay” will be apparently be split into two features, continuing in the Hollywood tradition of milking popular novel adaptations for as much money as humanly possible. Sure, it may provide ravenous fans with more “Hunger Games”-related content found in the book itself, but, more than likely, it’s just Lionsgate’s way of milking as much profit from the franchise as humanly possible. Hey, it worked for “Harry Potter” and “Twilight”, so why wouldn’t in work for “The Hunger Games”? You can’t blame them for trying.

According to MTV, the first installment of “Mockingjay” will arrive into cineplexes on November 14th, 2014. The second part will find its way into darkened theaters almost a year later; the film isn’t scheduled to arrive until November 20th, 2015. In other words, you’re going to have to wait quite a while to see the epic cinematic finale to this wildly popular series. Watery-eyed fanatics, take heart: Hollywood.com is reporting that “Catching Fire”, the sequel to “The Hunger Games”, will hit theaters on November 22nd, 2013. At least that one is a little closer.

Speaking of “Catching Fire”, it’s recently been reported that “Mission: Impossible III” villain Philip Seymour Hoffman will tackle the role of Plutarch Heavensbee in the forthcoming sequel. If you haven’t read the books, then chances are you’re unfamiliar with Hoffman’s character. That said, the less you know about the role he plays in the story, the better. For fear of spoiling anything for those who’ve yet to experience the tale for themselves, I’ll refrain from expounding further.

In other “Hunger Games” casting news, “Sucker Punch” alumni Jena Malone has been offered the role of Johanna Mason, though, at this moment in time, she has not been officially hired for the part. Malone is a fine actress — her turn in “The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys” are proof of her worth — and I think she’ll make a fine addition to the cast.

Unfamiliar with “The Hunger Games”? Take a look at the trailer for the flick below. For those of you who are waiting for the DVD/Blu-ray to find its way onto retail shelves, your wait is almost over; the flick will arrive on home video on August 18th, 2012.