HOME / ENTERTAINMENT / TV

'Man from Toronto' on Netflix: Woody Harrelson turned down 'Hunger Games' TWICE

The first 'Hunger Games' film's writer and director Gary Ross had to sweat it out to convince the actor to come aboard the movie

Netflix is our chill zone for all things comedy, drama and entertainment. True to its vibe, it's back to give us another explosion of a story called 'Man from Toronto'. The movie is an upcoming American action comedy directed by Patrick Hughes.

It stars Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson, along with Kaley Cuoco, Jasmine Mathews, Lela Loren, Pierson Fodé, Jencarlos Canela, and Ellen Barkin in supporting roles. The synopsis reads, "A screw-up is forced to team up with an assassin after the two are confused for one another while staying at an Airbnb."

READ MORE

Woody Harrelson joins wave of celebrities spreading coronavirus conspiracy theories tied to 5G towers

‘Bubble’: 5 things you need to know about Netflix's anime film

Who is Woody Harrelson?

The American actor was born in Texas in 1961. He was raised in a Presbyterian household alongside his two brothers, Jordan and Brett. Harrelson attended Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana, where he joined the Sigma Chi fraternity and received a BFA in Theatre and English in 1983. Harrelson is widely known for his work on the NBC sitcom 'Cheers.' 

He followed his performance in 'Wildcats' with the 1990 romantic comedy 'Cool Blue', alongside Hank Azaria. However, the Miloš Forman film 'The People vs Larry Flynt' was Woody's big break. He then starred in the 1997 war film 'Welcome to Sarajevo' and in 1997 had a featured role as Sergeant Schumann in 'Wag the Dog'.

Harrelson has been nominated for a Satellite Award, an Independent Spirit Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2009. Subsequently, he played Haymitch Abernathy in 2012's 'The Hunger Games'.

Why did Woody Harrelson turn down 'Hunger Games'?

Harrelson is probably one of the most iconic actors of our generation. He has over 100 acting credits, with multiple Oscar nominations to show for it. Harrelson played the role of Haymitch Abernathy in 'Hunger Games' - an aging and alcoholic former 'Hunger Games' winner who mentors Katniss in the film.

However, the first film's writer and director Gary Ross had to sweat it out to convince the actor to come aboard the movie. Harrelson refused the movie not once but twice. Considering how well-cast 'Hunger Games' ended up being, it's hard to imagine anyone else playing Haymitch so spectacularly as Harrelson. But in an interview with the Independent, the actor initially didn't see himself having much to offer the role. He stated, "I turned it down and they re-offered it and I turned it down again. Then Gary Ross called me and convinced me to do it on the phone. I'd thought the writing was good but it didn't feel that much to do for me."

Before Harrelson, actor John C Reilly was in talks to play the cynical but charismatic former champion. That didn't work out and that is when Woody was approached.

Trailer

Catch the film on June 24, 2022 exclusively on Netflix.