Movies News Talk
Casting performers older than their roles is a contentious habit that is expected to continue in the much awaited Hunger Games prequel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. A young Haymitch Abernathy, who will be 16 years old, will appear in the prequel, which is set during the second Quarter Quell. In the first two Hunger Games Movies, Woody Harrelson gave a legendary performance as the older Haymitch; however, the character has to be played by a younger actor in the prequel.
Fans have speculated and debated over Haymitch's casting in Sunrise on the Reaping. According to rumors, Mike Faist—best renowned for his performance in West Side Story—is a candidate for the position. Faist, who is 32 years old, has caused controversy, though, because he would be portraying a character that is half his age. This choice of cast members might carry on a pattern started in earlier Hunger Games Movies.
Actors that are older than their roles have frequently been cast in The Hunger Games franchise. Four years older than her character, Jennifer Lawrence, who plays Katniss Everdeen, was twenty years old when she started filming. In a similar vein, Liam Hemsworth, who played Gale Hawthorne in the first film, was three years older than Gale when the movie first came out at age 21.
The precursor The Ballad of Snakes and Songbirds, which centers on Coriolanus Snow's early years, followed this pattern. Tom Blyth, who played young Coriolanus, was ten years older than his portrayal, while Rachel Zegler, who played Lucy Gray Baird, was six years older. Faist would be the most severe illustration of this trend in the franchise if he were cast as Haymitch, but it wouldn't come as a complete surprise.
Even with the backlash against the casting speculations for Faist, Sunrise on the Reaping is probably going to cast an actor who is older than Haymitch. It is difficult to cast young actors and actresses to play the key roles in such a big franchise because of their busy schedules and other obligations, which can interfere with production. Lionsgate might stick with using older stars in The Hunger Games movies because it worked so well with them.
It would be risky to cast younger unknowns for the prequel, especially given the need of getting the adaptation out soon. Selecting an actor with greater expertise can result in a more seamless production and possibly a more powerful performance, effectively portraying the multifaceted emotions and anguish that Haymitch goes through throughout the 50th Hunger Games.
While hiring an older actor has considerable benefits, casting a teenage actor might seem like a more believable choice for young Haymitch. An adult actor can commit to the film for a longer period of time, which helps expedite production and enable a quicker release. This is important since Sunrise on the Reaping will be released by Lionsgate within a year after the publication of Suzanne Collins' book.
An older, more seasoned actor can also imbue the part with a depth of feeling. They are able to portray Haymitch's trauma and suffering both during and after the 50th Hunger Games in an effective manner. This might result in a more powerful and unforgettable performance, solidifying Haymitch's reputation as a multifaceted and approachable figure.
An important turning point in the history of the Hunger Games franchise was Haymitch's casting in Sunrise on the Reaping. It is a reflection of the growing tendency of using older actors in movies, which is especially noticeable in blockbuster series. Whether or not this trend improves the entire experience depends on the perspective of the individual.
Nonetheless, it is evident that the Hunger Games franchise aims to maintain its popularity by authentically adapting the books and providing interesting and compelling narratives for a large audience. Regardless of age, the young Haymitch's casting will definitely influence the franchise's future and its capacity to draw in ardent fans.