John C. Reilly Has NOT Been Offered Role in The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games or The Hunger Mess? I guess that we could easily use that other title, because we just learned that previously rumored John C. Reilly will not be the part of the upcoming Gary Ross‘ adaptation of the novel written by Suzanne Collins.

At least that’s what Reilly’s rep had to say about the whole thing: “John does not have an offer. NY Mag never fact checked with anyone.”

Well, offer him the damn role!

Just in case you don’t know what role we’re talking about, all of the rumors referred to the role of Haymitch Abernathy, character described this way: “the only tribute from District 12 to ever win a Hunger Games competition. Since his victory, Haymitch has descended into alcoholism but ends up becoming a mentor to new District 12 tributes Katniss and Peeta.”

As for the rest of the cast, Jennifer Lawrence is set to star as the titular character, Katniss Everdeen; her little sister will be Willow Shields.

Liam Hemsworth will play Gale Hawthorne, Josh Hutcherson is going to be Peeta Mellark, Amanda Stenberg and Dayo Okeniyi are set to portray characters named Rue and Thresh. Elizabeth Banks is set to play Effie Trinket, a pink-haired showbiz type who becomes the handler of Katniss, and Paula Malcomson is Mrs. Everdeen.

The Hunger Games chronicles”…a dystopic Capitol which requires its twelve subjugated districts to pay tribute in the form of a teenage boy and girl, forced to participate in the annual “Hunger Games,” a fight-to-the-death live televised event. Katniss Everdeen’s little sister is chosen in the lottery to participate and Katniss volunteers to take her place. Although persevering through hardship is commonplace for Katniss, she must start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love in order to win the games and return home.”

We’ll keep an eye on this project, make sure to stay tuned!