After the role of THE HUNGER GAMES heroine Katniss Everdeen was cast with Jennifer Lawrence, fans of the book immediately wondered who would be playing the men in her life.
The strapping young dudes are already taken care of — Liam Hemsworth as Gale, and Josh Hutcherson as her fellow “tribute” Peeta. And now Woody Harrelson will be playing Haymitch Abernathy, the inebriated winner of a previous tournament who is tasked with annually mentoring the new contestants selected from his district.
There was some earlier buzz about John C. Reilly taking the role, while Harrelson was once incorrectly linked to the part of Gamemaker Seneca Crane (which went to Wes Bentley).
Aside form Katniss’ stylist Cinna (a role that Lenny Kravitz has been rumored for), that pretty much takes care of the main characters in Suzanne Collins’ bestselling young adult book — Elizabeth Banks is playing pink-wigged escort Effie Trinket, and Stanley Tucci is flamboyant interviewer Caesar Flickerman.
While the two main “villain” combatants haven’t been announced, the remainder of the 24 tributes are filled out by attractive young actors who will swiftly meet grim fates in the Games.
Gary Ross (BIG, PLEASANTVILLE, SEABISBUIT) is adapting the book, set in a futuristic society where representatives of the twelve existing Districts are selected to participate in a brutal contest for the entertainment of the rich and powerful. The Lionsgate movie is due on March 23, 2012.