'The Hunger Games' Movie Finds its Seneca Crane

Wes Bentley, best known as“that creepy guy with the camera inAmerican Beauty,” has landed a key role in Lionsgate’s coming-together cast forThe Hunger Games.

Bentley, who also played a villain in the originalGhost Rider, has signed for the role of Seneca Crane, a“dark genius” and the master-of-ceremonies for the film’s titular televised bloodsport that pits teenagers against one another in a deathmatch arena.

Competing in the Games are“tributes” from each of the twelve districts, including main protagonists Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). (For the expanding list of unknowns playing the other tributes, click over to the film’s officialFacebook page.)

Lionsgate is hyping each and every one of these cast members as the production nears its start date, hoping the silver screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ young adult series will celebrate the same success as the Twilight saga. But rumors of offers going out toJohn C. Reillyand Woody Harrelson were debunked, while whispers of Stanley Tucci and Lenny Kravitz still linger. Will one play President Snow, the oppressive leader of the Capitol?

Elizabeth Bankswas officially announced as District 12 escort Effie Trinket, along with Liam Hemsworth (brother of Thor) as Katniss’ buddy, Gale Hawthorne.

Bentley is a surprise choice for Seneca, but his far-off stare consistently treads that thin line between an intense look and one especially creepy gaze. He squints them and it’s just broody eye contact. He widens them slightly and suddenly he wants to devour you.  I can almost see him leering out over his gaming empire wishing for bloodshed.

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