Hunger Games Movie News: District 2 Tributes announced and Hamitch actor confirmed

Here is the article courtesy of Hypable.com:

It’s official! After rumors suggested so, The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Woody Harrelson will play Haymitch in The Hunger Games.
UPDATE: Read a comment about the announcement from Director Gary Ross.

Confirmation came today via The Hollywood Reporter:

Woody Harrelson has landed the coveted role of Katniss Everdeen’s mentor in the upcoming big-screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novel.
Haymitch, as described in the book, is a drunk who was victorious in the 50th Hunger Games, more than two decades before Katniss’ deadly adventures begin.

Haymitch is of course Katniss’ mentor in the books and is the only District 12 contestant to have won the Games.
Many had hoped Robert Downey Jr. would take the role even though no rumors suggested he might. Are you happy with this casting choice?
UPDATE: Director Gary Ross had this to say about the news:
Haymitch is such an unforgettable character: funny cranky outrageous, sarcastic, impatient, biting but ultimately kind. I’m so grateful we have Woody Harrelson to play him. I can’t wait for us to get to work.
UPDATE 2: LOST creator Damon Lindelof was very happy to hear Harrelson was cast:
Every once in awhile, the gods bestow upon us a perfect piece of casting. Woody Harrelson is officially Haymitch.