John C. Reilly in Talks for 'The Hunger Games' Movie

The daffy and talentedJohn C. Reillyis in talks to play Haymitch Abernathy in Lionsgate’s adaptation of the young adult novel The Hunger Games.

In the first book by Suzanne Collins, Haymitch is the only member of District 12 to ever win the Hunger Games, a televised last-man-standing bloodsport that pits teenagers against one another in a force field-enclosed arena. Twenty four years later, Haymitch is the drunken, slovenly mentor for District 12“tributes” Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark.

If Reilly signs for the dystopian thriller, asVulturepredicts, the Oscar nominee will join the cast alongsideElizabeth Banks, who was added to the rapidly assembling productionlast weekas Effie Trinket, and the film’s main stars,Jennifer Lawrence(Katniss) andJosh Hutcherson(Peeta).

Reilly was also considering a role in Disney’sOz the Great and Powerfulalongside James Franco, but discussions have stalled. A deal with Lionsgate means an opportunity to appear in the inevitable second and third stories adapted from Collins’ trilogy, Catching Fire and Mockingjay, which include an expanded role for a more fatherly Haymitch Abernathy.

While Reilly is more known for his wacky antics in mainstream comedies likeStep Brothers,Walk Hard, andCedar Rapids, a deeper dive into his body of work shows much more versatility than just clownish caricatures, particularly when you study his performances in Paul Thomas Anderson filmsMagnoliaandHard Eight. Another great casting choice.

Lionsgate and director Gary Ross have also castPaula Malcomsonas Katniss’ mother and newcomerWillow Shieldsto play 12-year-old Primrose, Katniss’ younger sister.

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