Woody Harrelson is one of Hollywood’s most respected actors. With two Oscar nominations under his belt and a loyal following to his credit, every move he makes in the world of screen acting is one worth noting.
That goes double for the most recent news concerning an upcoming role for the former Cheers star. Harrelson’s snagged the role of Haymitch Abernathy in Gary Ross’s highly anticipated adaptation of The Hunger Games. According to The Hollywood Reporter’s Heat Vision blog, he will play the mentor to female protagonist Katniss Everdeen (Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence), as well as Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson).
Haymitch is a former Hunger Games champion known for being a public drunk, yet Katniss and Peeta eventually discover a method to his madness.
Harrelson had an up year in 2009 with 2012, The Messenger and Zombieland. Coming up he has the summer romantic comedy Friends with Benefits starring Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake and potential Oscar smash Rampart scheduled to hit theaters before the end of the year.
The Hunger Games releases on March 23, 2012 courtesy Lionsgate.