House of the Dragon Star Reacts to Hunger Games Fantasy Casting

Fans of The Hunger Games franchise are already tossing around names of who should play a young Haymitch Abernathy in Sunrise on the Reaping, and House of the Dragon star Tom Glynn-Carney seems to be the favorite thus far. Despite the online campaign to cast the 29-year-old actor in the part, however, he says he had no idea that was even a thing, and calls it “flattering.” Announced back in June, Sunrise of the Reaping is the new novel by author Suzanne Collins set in The Hunger Games universe that will also be adapted for the big screen in 2026.

Speaking with Vestal about life and his career, Glynn-Carney – who plays Aegon II in House of the Dragon – was asked how he felt about fans campaigning for him to play Haymitch Abernathy in Sunrise on the Reaping. Glynn-Carney seemed surprised by the news, calling it “flattering.” Despite his apparent shock, though, he says it’s a role he’d eagerly take on if given the chance.

Taking place 24 years before the events detailed in the first novel, Sunrise on the Reaping will begin on the morning of the 50th Hunger Games, which are the games that Haymitch Abernathy took part in long before he’d go on to mentor Katniss and Peeta. Originally portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the initial trilogy, with Sunrise set much earlier on in the saga, a fresh face will be stepping into the role of Abernathy this time around. However, with the novel yet to be written, official casting news for the upcoming movie has thus far been non-existent.

Tom Glynn-Carney Wants to Be Pushed Out of His Comfort Zone

With just a handful of credits to his name, including the 2017 Christopher Nolan film Dunkirk, the 2019 biopic Tolkien, and the 2021 historical drama series, Domina, Tom Glynn-Carney got his start in 2013 on the British medical drama, Casualty. Though he’s still young in his career, the English actor already knows what he’s looking for when it comes to choosing the roles he plays, which could come into play if he’s ever officially approached about portraying Haymitch Abernathy in Sunrise on the Reaping. For him, he says he looks for roles that will push him out of his comfort zone.

“Honestly, I’m drawn to anything that makes me feel uncomfortable and pushes me out of my comfort zone. I seek out roles where the character feels distant and challenging. I like to test myself and see if I can bring such characters to life. If a role feels like something I might struggle with, that’s exactly what I want to tackle. I often joke that these challenging roles might be my downfall someday.”

Related

Hunger Games Star Addresses Return & Pitches Sequel Idea

Hunger Games trilogy star Jena Malone wants a sequel that explores more of Panem.

That strategy has served him well thus far, as each role Glynn-Carney has appeared in is quite different from the last. With his star on the rise thanks to House of the Dragon, don’t be surprised if dreams become a reality, and longtime fans of The Hunger Games franchise get everything they’re hoping for and more in Sunrise on the Reaping.

House of the Dragon

Taking place about 172 years before the events of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon tells the tale of the rise of the Targaryens, the only family of dragonlords to survive the Doom of Valyria. The popular HBO spinoff show first starred Milly Alcock and Emily Carey as Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower before they were replaced by Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke, who play the older versions of the characters. Also starring in the series is Matt Smith (Prince Daemon Targaryen) and Paddy Considine as Rhaenyra’s father, King Viserys Targaryen.

Release Date

August 21, 2021