Back in May we had learned that Garrett Hedlund was one of several actors being considered for the role of Finnick in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

That rumor is true, and Lionsgate had went so far as to offer him the job.

Today Hedlund, who was at the Toronto International Film Festival to promote On the Road, explained to MTV why he said no.

“They did [approach me],” confirmed, “But I was working on [On the Road] at the time. We shot the whole film in 23 days and I was really immersed in it. I couldn’t get around [to reading the ‘Hunger Games’ novels]. Everybody around me is flipping out about the books, and I didn’t really have the time to sit down lately to read any book, not just Hunger Games, but I’ve got a couple [projects] on my plate that I’m looking forward to reading now.”

Instead of Hedlund we’ll be seeing Sam Claflin in the role. Lionsgate announced his casting on August 22. Additional confirmed newcomers are Jena Malone as Johanna, Amanda Plummer as Wiress, Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch, Lynn Cohen as Mags, Meta Golding as Enobaria, Bruno Gunn as Brutus, Alan Ritchson as Gloss, E. Roger Mitchell as Chaff, and Stephanie Leigh Schlung as Cashmere.

Catching Fire is in theaters November 22, 2013. Lionsgate announced yesterday that filming is officially underway. Learn how to win a trip to the Catching Fire set!