'Hunger Games' Casting Rumor of the Day: John C. Reilly as Haymitch Abernathy?

Posted April 25, 2011, 9:40 am   •   by Mike Hess   •   0 comments

With every new day, there seems to be either another Hunger Games casting confirmation or at least another name tossed into the had for one of the remaining roles of the much-anticipated film adaptation. Over the past few weeks, it's been a casting frenzy for the movie, and now, one of the most lovable oafs in Hollywood is rumored to be in contention for a huge role.

John C. Reilly is the odds-on favorite to land the role of Haymitch Abernathy, the drunken Hunger Games winner, according to Vulture. In the books, Abernathy is a major celebrity thanks to his past Games glory, but his guilt of having to send children to their death has turned him into an alcoholic. It's not until he meets Katniss (who will be played by Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (a role Josh Hutcherson was cast as) that he finds a reason to turn his life around.

In addition to those big names, there have been a slew of minor roles filled in the past week or two. Liam Hemsworth nabbed a significant role in the film, while Elizabeth Banks and others are still in talks to fill the remaining roles.

Many see Hunger as being the next Twilight -- a teen-focused book series that will emerge as a beast at the box office.