Game of Thrones actress Gwendoline Christie joins 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay' movie

The production of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, parts one and two, has been bumpy recently, most notably because of the untimely death of Philip Seymour Hoffman. But another cast shakeup has led to a Game of Thrones actress entering the film franchise.

Deadline reports that Gwendoline Christie, who plays Brienne of Tarth on HBO's hit Game of Thrones, will replace American Horror Story actress Lily Rabe for the role of Commander Lyme in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay. Rabe had to drop out of the film because of a scheduling conflict with her previous commitment to Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeare in the Park.

In the Mockingjay book, Commander Lyme is a leader of the rebellious District 13. She comes from District 2 and won a previously unseen edition of the Hunger Games. Christie's work on Game of Thrones should no doubt serve her well in this movie, as her character on the show is a sword-wielding fighter who takes no prisoners. But she also has a softer side that allows her to show her acting chops.

In related news, reports have indicated that Lionsgate would digitally recreate Hoffman for the one emotionally charged scene in Mockingjay Part 2 that he had yet to film prior to his death. It's unclear exactly how this recreation will turn out, but we'll all find out once the film releases in more than a year's time.

What do you think of this news? Are you glad to see Christie in another role? How do you think she will fit into Mockingjay? Let us know in the comments below.