Lionsgate is keeping mum about the casting of Haymitch in The Hunger Games movie, easily the most anticipated casting choice left go — but rumors online say Woody Harrelson may now be in the running.

Previously, John C. Reilly was named a frontrunner for the part of Haymitch, but now it looks like he’s no longer in the running. (Most likely, this is due to Reilly choosing a different project). Earlier reports said that Harrelson, along with Stanley Tucci and Lenny Kravitz, were all likely to be offered roles in The Hunger Games.

Initially, Harrelson was being linked to the role of Seneca Crane — but now, E! Online reports that Harrelson may now be in talks to play Haymitch.

Of course, much could still change in the negotiations process — but Harrelson could easily embrace the qualities of Haymitch, based on his past body of work.

via Woody Harrelson rumored to be in talks to play Haymitch in ’The Hunger Games’ – National The Hunger Games | Examiner.com.

There’s no official word just yet, but the Hollywood gossip mill (i.e. Vulture) is abuzz with “Hunger Games” rumors—namely, that the role of former Games champion and raging alcoholic Haymitch Abernathy has been offered up to none other than John C. Reilly. And while he’s no Robert Downey Jr., after chewing on this information all weekend, we’re thinking that nobody could be more perfect for the role. Why the positivity? Here are three good reasons that the odds are (ever) in John’s favor:

1. He’ll bring the funny. And that’s important, because before Haymitch turns out to be a major player in the Panem uprising, he’s… um, kind of a tool. John’s comic expertise and unparalleled bumbling abilities make him an excellent dystopian oaf.

2. …BUT, he’s a serious actor. Like, Academy Award-nominated serious (for his role in “Chicago,” by the way, where he also played a comic sad-sack. Dude’s got talent!). Haymitch’s surprising and unexpected complexity is one of the things that makes him a great character, and John’s ability to combine Will Ferrell-esque buffoonery with a hidden well of Endless Sadness will come in handy for the big reveal.

3. He looks the part. Oh yes, he does. Sure, Haymitch is meant to have been a one-time hottie—but years of hitting the bottle take their toll, y’all. So by the time the 74th Hunger Games roll around, Haymitch’s bad habits will have turned him from a lithe, lean killing machine into a doughy old drunk with a face like mashed potatoes.

via John C. Reilly As ‘Hunger Games’ Haymitch: 3 Reasons Odds Are Ever In His Favor.

Veteran actor John C. Reilly is reportedly in talks with Lionsgate to play the role of Haymitch in The Hunger Games movie.

According to NY Mag, Reilly is expected to be offered the role in the near future.

After Katniss, Peeta and Gale, Haymitch is arguably one of the most hotly-anticipated casting decisions for fans of the series. Actors Hugh Laurie and Robert Downey, Jr. have long been lauded as fan favorites — though Laurie’s camp previously told fans he was likely too busy to be involved with Hunger Games, and Downey is busy working on Sherlock Holmes 2.

Fans shouldn’t find much to complain about with Reilly, however. The actor has both comedic and dramatic roles under his belt, both skills necessary to tackle the crass, usually drunk, tough-skinned but well-meaning mentor to Katniss and Peeta. It doesn’t hurt that Reilly also has an Oscar nomination under his belt.

Besides his comedic roles in films such as Step Brothers and Walk Hard, Reilly’s dramatic credits include roles in films such as Magnolia, Cyrus, The Aviator, Chicago, and Gangs of New York. He was nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar and a best supporting actor Golden Globe Award in 2002 for his role in Chicago.

via John C. Reilly reportedly in talks to play Haymitch in ’The Hunger Games’ movie – National The Hunger Games | Examiner.com.

We’ve already got Jennifer Lawrence cast as Katniss Everdeen, and we’re waiting for the announcement on who gets the role of Peeta Mellark, so let’s brainstorm who should play Haymitch Abernathy, the only living Hunger Games winner of District 12.

All of you seem totally into debating who should land the unintentionally funny, and potentially scene-stealing role in today’s Bitch-Back, so we’ve narrowed it down to four top candidates.

Haymitch is Katniss and Peeta’s mentor. Since he’s the only winner in District 12′s history, it’s his duty to train the tributes.

He is a paunchy, middle-aged man with a serious drinking problem. He’s harsh, sarcastic and difficult to deal with, which is why the character that plays him needs to do this in a lovable way.

Although Haymitch doesn’t say it, you know he cares for Katniss and Peeta.

Our top choice is Robert Downey Jr. He would totally put on a little weight for the role, and we think he’s the best actor to balance this seemingly callous personality in a funny way.

We definitely think a big name should play this character. Even though it’s a supporting role, think of the killer names that had small but important parts in the Harry Potter franchise?

Next, we think Gerard Butler could fit the mold. He’s doesn’t have the 300 body to lose anymore, but he too would get the quirky nature of Haymitch.

Brad Pitt—though we doubt he would do it—is another good option.

And finally, fan favorite Hugh Laurie. Somehow we are not down with this. He would be totally fab to capture the harsh personality, but we think Haymitch needs to seem personable in the end. Not sure if the House star is the guy to bring out the dynamic personality of this character.

Click link below to cast you vote:

via Let’s Cast The Hunger Games! Who Should Play Haymitch? – E! Online.