Reilly In Talks for 'Hunger Games's Haymitch
And Allie Earp cast as Katniss's mother
Another day and another round of casting for Lionsgate's The Hunger Games, but today instead of unknown younger actors set to fill the roles of District tributes we get word of a couple of familiar faces filling some of the adult roles in the feature. And one of them is a big one.
First for the confirmed casting news as Lionsgate sent out a press release today announcing Paula Malcomson has been cast in the role of Katniss and Primrose Everdeen's mother (whom I believe is never referred to by a first name) in the film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' best-selling novel. Malcomson is best known to me as Allie Earp from Tombstone, but you may know her better as Trixie from "Deadwood" or as Maureen from "Sons of Anarchy" or perhaps as Amanda Graystone from SyFy's "Caprica". Either way, I assume you're drawing a connection.
Malcomson will play mother to Jennifer Lawrence and Willow Shields whom were previously cast as Katniss and her younger sister Prim. The film will follow Katniss as she volunteers to replace her younger sister in the "Hunger Games", a yearly ritual in Panem, the dystopian world the film takes place in, in which a teenage boy and girl are forced by "The Capitol" to fight to the death on live TV as a reminder of the power The Capitol holds over them.
Previously cast Amandla Stenberg will play the role of Rue, Dayo Okeniyi is her District 11 partner Thresh, and Leven Rambin and Jack Quaid will star as District 1's Glimmer and Marvel as they round out the cast of fellow tributes drafted to join District 12 tributes Katniss and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) in the arena.
The second new name mentioned in connection to the film today comes via Vulture's Claude Brodesser-Akner saying John C. Reilly has been offered the role of Haymitch Abernathy. Haymitch is the only living person from District 12 to have won the Hunger Games and he will serve as the mentor to Katniss and Peeta. Beyond that, he's best known as something of a drunken, irascible hermit.
This, of course, isn't confirmation Reilly has the role, but the casting on this film has stuck pretty close to the rumors so I wouldn't be surprised to see a press release any later than Monday unless Lionsgate is planning on drawing out the tribute casting for a little longer and saving the Haymitch announcement for the end.
Haymitch is a big name in the story and a role that will draw plenty of attention from fans. If you've read the books how do you feel about Reilly for the role?
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Rielly is an interesting choice, but I imagined someone older like Rutger Hauer for the role.
I thought John Hawkes would be a good choice for Haymitch as well.
Anyone else like John Malkovitch as Haymitch?
While I haven't read the books, I think Riely has a certain carisma about him that makes him ideal for this type of role.
I was discussing this film with a friend of mine who HAS read the books, and they reccomended Hugh Laurie for this role. I admire Laurie, and I'd like to see him in something like this
I could see Laurie as Haymitch. I like that idea.
I don't have any problem with Reily getting the role but I have to say if it's between him and Hugh Laurie I'd also go with Laurie. I've read the books and I think both of them would be okay to play Haymitch, I just think Laurie would do a better job since he's already known for playing someone very annoying yet also a bit likable at the same time.
After reading the book I picture Brendan Gleeson or Ray Winstone as Haymitch. I think they would be much more appropriate than Reilly. I'd be worried Reilly would take the character and make it into a slap-stick role. Also, Haymitch is only the second person from District 12 to win the Hunger Games. When I look at Reilly, I don't see someone who was able to out survive 23 other people in a fight-to-the-death arena.I don't endorse Reilly as Haymitch.
You should watch the opening scene of Gangs of New York.