Woody Harrelson Snags The Role Of Haymitch In The Hunger Games

Well we’re just about done here. The never ending casting news for The Hunger Games should be over soon as one of the last major roles to be filled, the role of Haymitch, was finally cast today. Who is the lucky actor you ask? THR tells us it’s none other than Woody Harrelson, who was reported last week to be in talks for a role in the film.

In fact, we also reported that Stanley Tucci and Lenny Kravitz were also in talks, and so far, both Tucci and Harrelson have signed on. Does this mean we could see Kravitz joining the film as well? Harrelson will take the role that John C. Reilly was originally in talks for. Haymitch is the Dumbledore of The Hunger Games and one of the central characters. He is described as “Katniss and Peeta’s drunken friend and mentor for the Games. He won the 50th Hunger Games and is the only living victor from District 12.”

Sounds like an interesting role for Harrelson. For me personally, I don’t love the guy but I don’t hate him either. He’s one of those actors who doesn’t really do much for me. I would have liked to have seen someone else in the role but that being said, I’m ok with Harrelson.

Harrelson joins a cast that includes names like Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks and Wes Bentley. The film will directed by Gary Ross from a script by Billy Ray, and has a release date of March 23, 2012.