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John C. Reilly Offered Role in 'Hunger Games', Malcomson Joins, Too

by Alex Billington
April 22, 2011
Source: Vulture, THR

Ohhh boy, are you ready for more casting on The Hunger Games? This isn't going to stop until Lionsgate fills up that chart on Facebook on all 12 of the "tributes." First up, THR reports solid casting news stating that actress Paula Malcomson, seen on "Deadwood", "Sons of Anarchy" and "Caprica" on TV, will play Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Prim's (Willow Shields) mother in the film. Big role for her. In addition to that news, Vulture is reporting that none other than John C. Reilly was offered the role of Haymitch Abernathy, an alcoholic mind you, in The Hunger Games, adapted from Suzanne Collins' novels. Read on!

It doesn't sound like Reilly's casting is confirmed yet, as he was also apparently in the running for a role in Sam Raimi's Oz but is now considering taking this instead, as the offer is out to him. Haymitch Abernathy is the only living person from Panem's District 12 to ever win the Hunger Games, and now serves as a mentor to district tributes Katniss and Peeta. Sounds like a fun character, but does John C. Reilly really fit in this universe? I'm don't know, I haven't read the books, but it seems like director Gary Ross is going all over casting it. Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Amandla Stenberg, Leven Rambin, Jack Quaid are already cast. This will continue as Lionsgate is aiming to make a March 23rd, 2012 release date.

Filed under Casting, Movie News, Opinions

From around the web:

Fc_4_tv

not really happy with this casting choice, i mean, he has the image maybe, but i havent seen him in anything which is dramatic and this character is an alcoholic who pretty much hates everyone and needs to be gritty....guess we'll see
- laro
  
  He's a certifiably great dramatic actor.
- HG
  
  you realize JCR did drama before coemdy right and has an oscar nomination
  - Fc_4_tv
    
    ok sorry did not know this, i will give him a chance, but i still dont see haymitch in him
Max s.

I could see it it sounds like a good idea but I think Robert Downey jr would be perfect for this role
- lllllllllll
  
  Well, Downey is VERY A-list. It would either cost way too much or he would turn it down (most likely the latter).
Lilly & Sarah

Sweet! I really think they are cast well. But for Clove I really really really really want Ariana Baio. She's really good for Clove. And Robbie Amell for Cato!
Rv

I've read the books and I could see this. Now understand this is coming from someone whonis not a fan of most of his work. But take in to account Chicago and gangs of new York.
Alicevondoom

he is PERFECT is Bruce Cambell didn't get the part I'd want JCR
- Ariellebrents
  
  I never thought about Bruce Campbell. . .love him
Teacherkid

I think he would be an EXCELLENT Haymitch! I disagree with Max S. saying RDJr. would be good, he's too attractive, frankly. I always thought of Haymitch looking a bit more like a bum (Sorry JCR...) Fc_4_tv there are obviously a lot of JCR's movies that you haven't seen if you claim to have not seen him in a lot of dramatic roles.
- fem!anon
  
  Haymitch was described as being good-looking :T RDJ is pretty much a fan favorite... though I could see Jeffrey Dean Morgan or Gerard Butler... not JCR.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_7L74MLUKYF52L7YQI3FOWRBNNQ MarcA

Reading Mockingjay right now and now I'm forced to picture JCR everytime Haymitch is part of the scene.
Michael

i can see johnny depp or robet downy jr. as this role not JCR. Even though i like JCR, i dont think he fits.