"The Hunger Games" casting news has been non-stop for the past few weeks, but Lionsgate dropped a big one Tuesday night, announcing Woody Harrelson is joining the production as Haymitch Abernathy.
Haymitch is a former victor of the Games, a battle to the death involving two children from each of the 12 districts of Panem. He is assigned to mentor Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, "Winter's Bone") and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson, "Bridge to Terabithia") when they are chosen to represent District 12.
In Suzanne Collins' best-selling novels, Haymitch is described as a "paunchy, middle-aged man" and spends most of his waking hours drunk.
"Haymitch is such an unforgettable character: funny cranky outrageous, sarcastic, impatient, biting but ultimately kind. I'm so grateful we have Woody Harrelson to play him. I cant wait for us to get to work," director Gary Ross said.
Harrelson, who has had a long and successful career, was most recently seen in "Zombieland" and "2012."
I have to admit, Harrelson never crossed my mind when thinking of possible actors for Haymitch, but in hindsight, it seems a great decision. Although Jeffrey Dean Morgan ("Watchmen," "The Losers") had been at the top of my personal list, I can't say I'm disappointed with this outcome.
Harrelson joins Liam Hemsworth ("The Last Song"), Elizabeth Banks ("The Next Three Days"), Paula Malcomson ("Sons of Anarchy"), Wes Bentley ("American Beauty"), Stanley Tucci ("The Lovely Bones") and newcomer Willow Shields ("Beyond the Blackboard").
The film will be directed by Ross ("Seabiscuit," "Pleasantville") based on a screenplay from Bill Ray ("State of Play"). It is set for a March 23, 2012, release and is expected to be rated PG-13.
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| Woody Harrelson |
In Suzanne Collins' best-selling novels, Haymitch is described as a "paunchy, middle-aged man" and spends most of his waking hours drunk.
"Haymitch is such an unforgettable character: funny cranky outrageous, sarcastic, impatient, biting but ultimately kind. I'm so grateful we have Woody Harrelson to play him. I cant wait for us to get to work," director Gary Ross said.
Harrelson, who has had a long and successful career, was most recently seen in "Zombieland" and "2012."
I have to admit, Harrelson never crossed my mind when thinking of possible actors for Haymitch, but in hindsight, it seems a great decision. Although Jeffrey Dean Morgan ("Watchmen," "The Losers") had been at the top of my personal list, I can't say I'm disappointed with this outcome.
Harrelson joins Liam Hemsworth ("The Last Song"), Elizabeth Banks ("The Next Three Days"), Paula Malcomson ("Sons of Anarchy"), Wes Bentley ("American Beauty"), Stanley Tucci ("The Lovely Bones") and newcomer Willow Shields ("Beyond the Blackboard").
The film will be directed by Ross ("Seabiscuit," "Pleasantville") based on a screenplay from Bill Ray ("State of Play"). It is set for a March 23, 2012, release and is expected to be rated PG-13.
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