John C. Reilly is in talks to play Haymitch Abernathy in Gary Ross' upcoming adaptation of The Hunger Games .
The film, adapted from Suzanne Collins' novel, has been grabbing tons of attention lately, largely because Jennifer Lawrence bagged the lead as her first post-Oscar nomination role.
The fact it's being mooted as a 'new Twilight ' isn't hurting its column inches either.
Should Reilly sign on, he'd be playing a mentor to Lawrence's character, Katniss Everdeen.
Haymitch Abernathy is the only living person to have survived brutal TV spectacle The Hunger Games, so he's there to give her some pointers. The only problem is, he's now a washed-up alcoholic.
Reilly always manages to shine, whether he's appearing in broad comedies ( Step Brothers ) or edgier dramatic material ( Boogie Nights , Magnolia ), so he sounds like a good fit.
He'll be joining Lawrence, Elizabeth Banks, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth if he signs on.
Vulture point out that Reilly was also in talks to join Sam Raimi's Oz: The Great and Powerful , before opting for The Hunger Games , which has got to be a good sign, right?
Reilly will next be seen in comedy Cedar Rapids , and Cannes-contender We Need to Talk About Kevin , directed by Lynne Ramsey.
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