The cast of Lionsgate’s adaptation of The Hunger Games just keeps growing and growing. Only yesterday is was announced Stanley Tucci had signed up, and now it’s been revealed that after being rumoured for the flick for a while, Woody Harrelson will portray Haymitch Abernathy (although that’s a different role than he was originally rumoured for).
In the bestselling Suzanne Collins novel, Haymitch Abernathy is the victor of the 50th Hunger Games, which took place two decades before the current games in the novel. Now he’s an alcoholic who is the mentor to District 12 tributes (entrants) Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson).
Back in April it seemed John C. Reilly was going to play Abernathy role, but a deal could not be worked out. Harrelson was previously rumoured to be up for Seneca Crane, the head Game Maker of the 74th Hunger Games. However, last week Wes Bentley landed the Seneca Crane role.
Here’s the synopsis for the: ‘Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in The Hunger Games. Part twisted entertainment, part government intimidation tactic, the Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains.
Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.’
The Hunger Games should arrive in cinemas early 2012.