“Tanner looks like a 90s Teen Beat heartthrob”: As Cobra Kai Comes to an End, Tanner Buchanan Wants a Space in Jennifer Lawrence’s $3.2 Billion Franchise

Nearly a month since the announcement of Sunrise on the Reaping, the Haymitch Hunger Games prequel, fan casting enthusiasm shows no signs of slowing down. From Tom Glynn-Carney of House of the Dragon to a Cobra Kai standout, fans are proposing a range of actors to portray Woody Harrelson’s iconic character.

Tanner Buchanan in Cobra Kai | Netlfix

Among them, Tanner Buchanan’s potential as the younger District 12 mentor has garnered enthusiasm. His response to the fan support adds an extra layer of excitement to the speculation, as he is completely down for it.

Tanner Buchanan is Very Much Eager to Portray Haymitch Abernathy in the Upcoming Hunger Games Prequel!

At the premiere of Cobra Kai’s sixth season, Tanner Buchanan, known for his role as Johnny’s son Robby, found himself fielding questions about the highly anticipated Hunger Games project.

When asked about the enthusiastic fan casting buzz and the possibility of taking on the beloved character of Haymitch Abernathy, Buchanan’s excitement was through the roof, he said,

I would love to! If I had the opportunity to play that character that would be, I mean, he’s kind of the best character within the entire franchise. So I mean, to be able to play a younger version I would be so happy. But I’m gonna cross my fingers, that would be dope.

Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy in The Hunger Games [Credit: Lionsgate Films]

Watch the full clip here-

#CobraKai star Tanner Buchanan says he would love to play Young Haymitch in the upcoming #HungerGames prequel movie pic.twitter.com/f1eL54QSZD

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) July 20, 2024

The upcoming film in the Jennifer Lawrence franchise will delve into Haymitch’s early days during his teen years. Despite the actor being 25, his extensive experience portraying a high schooler on Cobra Kai over the years proves he can convincingly portray a younger Haymitch. And fans think the same way!

Fans Rally Behind Cobra Kai Actor for Sunrise on the Reaping!

Haymitch Abernathy from Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games trilogy, is a former victor of the Hunger Games. Haymitch represents District 12, the same district as the protagonists Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark hail from.

As the only living victor from District 12, Haymitch serves as a mentor to Katniss and Peeta when they are selected as tributes for the 74th Hunger Games.

Scholastic’s announcement as reported by Entertainment Tonight revealed that the fifth book in the Hunger Games series, Sunrise on the Reaping, is set to be published next year, paving the way for its cinematic adaptation based on the Woody Harrelson character.

Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games | Color Force

Here is what fans think about Cobra Kai’s Tanner Buchanan taking up the younger version of the role,

Tanner looks like a 90s Teen Beat heartthrob.

— Original Orange Bird (@ogorangebird) July 20, 2024

Definitely yes, if Haymitch should battle with hands and legs

— Erick Kilmonger (@OmegaSupreme228) July 20, 2024

I would love that

— Zachary_Price2002 (@ZPrice2002) July 21, 2024

Yes please pic.twitter.com/bzKfhZMZOy

— Fantastic Beasts ▕⃝⃤ (@_Potter_Head7_) July 21, 2024

Good idea. Why not? Give that man a chance

— Tray Daniel (@TrayDaniel4) July 21, 2024

While the project is still in its very early stages, with the book slated for publication in 2025, fans can anticipate the movie hitting screens by 2026. Although nothing is confirmed yet, supporters are rallying behind the Cobra Kai actor for the role.

Cobra Kai is streaming on Netflix.