Cheers (yes, I went there) to Woody Harrelson who just landed the plum role of Haymitch Abernathy in the big screen adaptation of "The Hunger Games"!
The casting came as a bit of a surprise to fans who had all but accepted rumored contender John C. Reilly as the perpetually drunk District 12 mentor. We're pretty excited about the casting ourselves, but as the news continues to settle in, we checked in with some of our fansite friends, including Down With the Capitol and "Hunger Games" Examiner to get their expert opinions on the big announcement.
"Woody Harrelson as Haymitch is pretty much a total win," said "Hunger Games" Examiner Sara Gundell. "He was never anyone I pictured in the part originally. I mean, fantasy casting was always Hugh Laurie or Robert Downey Jr. It was not a name I ever expected to come out, but now that it has, I'm totally and completely in love with this idea. I think he's perfect for the part."
As suitable as Woody seems for the role, Down With the Capitol's Theresa Morgan told us that some fans are holding out false hope that their favorite will snatch the role away. "There are a lot of people that still really want Robert Downey Jr.," she said. "They're still dreaming that. It's not gonna happen."
Perhaps those naysayers will be swayed once they take a look at some of Woody's past projects—a broad resume (which includes "Zombieland," "No Country for Old Men" and "White Men Can't Jump") that Sara says makes him a well-rounded candidate for the job. "I really think he'll walk the perfect balance between humor—because Haymitch certainly has his lighter moments—and drama. I think he'll really turn it out as Haymitch."
Despite some upset (and vocal) fans, a good number are hopping on the Harrelson bandwagon. As of this writing, our own poll shows 75 percent of readers are in favor of Woody in the role. If you haven't yet, vote in our poll, and let us know what you think about Woody as Haymitch in the comments below.
Is Woody the right fit for Haymitch?
** Hollywood Crush Twitter