Joseph Zada to star as young Haymitch in 'Sunrise on the Reaping' 'Hunger Games' prequel movie
The cast is starting to be announced for the highly anticipated movie adaptation of "Sunrise on the Reaping," a prequel following Haymitch Abernathy in the "Hunger Games" series.
Based on the novel "Sunrise on the Reaping" that was published by author Suzanne Collins on March 18, 2025, the book returns to Panem 24 years prior to the events of the original Hunger Games trilogy.
"Sunrise on the Reaping" follows the events of the 50th Hunger Games, otherwise known as the Second Quarter Quell, where twice the number of tributes went into the arena to fight to the death.
The story follows Haymitch Abernathy from District 12, who ended up winning the games and later went on to mentor Katniss and Peeta in the original trilogy.
Joseph Zada will star as Haymitch Abernathy, who was played by Woody Harrelson in the original series.
McKenna Grace will star as Maysilee Donner, one of Haymitch's district partners who also gets sent to the 50th Hunger Games. Grace is best known for her roles in "Gifted," "Ghostbusters: Afterlife," "Young Sheldon" and "The Handmaid's Tale."
Whitney Peak will star as Haymitch's love interest, Lenore Dove, a Covey descendant of Lucy Gray, the protagonist in the other "Hunger Games" prequel, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes." Peak is best known for her roles in the "Gossip Girl" reboot and "Hocus Pocus 2."
Francis Lawrence, the director of "Catching Fire," "Mockingjay Part 1," "Mockingjay Part 2" and "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," will return to the series to direct "Sunrise on the Reaping."
"Sunrise on the Reaping" is set to release in theaters in November 2026.