The cinematic odds are once again in favor of Hunger Games fans, as Lionsgate has officially cast Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy in the upcoming film adaptation of "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping." The announcement, made on April 23, 2025, has generated excitement among fans eager to see the backstory of one of the franchise's most beloved characters.
Joseph Zada, a 20-year-old actor from Sydney, Australia, will take on the role of Haymitch, a character previously portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the original series. Alongside Zada, Whitney Peak has been cast as Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch's girlfriend. "The Hunger Games franchise has long been a launching pad for remarkable young actors, and Jo and Whitney carry that legacy forward with incredible heart, depth, and fire," said Erin Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. "After auditioning hundreds of gifted performers from around the world, these two stood out—not just for their talent but for the emotional truth they brought to these iconic roles."
The events of "Sunrise on the Reaping" take place 24 years before Katniss Everdeen volunteered for her sister, during the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell. This prequel explores Haymitch's journey as a 16-year-old tribute from District 12, navigating the treacherous arena filled with danger and deception. The story also delves into his relationship with Lenore, a character from a nomadic group known as the Covey, and their shared struggle for survival.
Fans of the franchise are already familiar with Haymitch's character, who serves as a mentor to Katniss and Peeta in the original series. His backstory has been eagerly anticipated since the release of the latest novel, which hit shelves in March 2025 and sold 1.5 million copies in its first week across the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This impressive figure highlights the immense popularity of the franchise and the excitement surrounding the film adaptation.
Joseph Zada's previous work includes roles in Stan's "Invisible Boys," which debuted in February 2025, the Australian production "Total Control," and the 2019 film "Bilched." He is also set to appear in the Prime Video series "We Were Liars" later this year, alongside Emily Alyn Lind, and has recently completed production for Netflix's "East of Eden," where he stars alongside Florence Pugh.
Whitney Peak, who will portray Lenore, is best known for her role as Zoya Lott in the reboot of "Gossip Girl" and has also appeared in "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina." Peak's casting has been positively received, with fans expressing excitement about the chemistry between her and Zada.
The film adaptation of "Sunrise on the Reaping" is directed by Francis Lawrence, who helmed all the films in the Hunger Games universe except for the first. The screenplay is written by Billy Ray, ensuring that the film remains true to the spirit of the original series. Filming is set to begin in July 2025, with locations spanning across Germany.
As for the release date, "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" is slated to hit theaters on November 20, 2026. This date has fans eagerly counting down the days, as they anticipate the return to the dystopian world of Panem.
In addition to Zada and Peak, there are rumors of other notable cast members. Elle Fanning has reportedly been offered the role of young Effie Trinket, and Emma Thompson is in talks to play Drusilla Sickle, Haymitch's escort to the Capitol. Ralph Fiennes is also rumored to take on the role of President Snow, a character that has been pivotal throughout the series.
The casting of Zada and Peak has been met with positive reactions, with many fans expressing gratitude that the actors are not already established stars, allowing for a fresh take on these iconic roles. Social media has been abuzz with discussions about potential castings for other characters, including Kieran Culkin for Caesar Flickerman and Jesse Plemons for Plutarch Heavensbee.
As the anticipation builds, fans are left wondering how the film will portray the emotional depth and complexities of Haymitch's character, particularly his struggles with trauma and loss. The film promises to explore the darker themes of the Hunger Games universe, including the impact of the games on its participants.
With the original series having left a lasting impression on audiences, "Sunrise on the Reaping" aims to provide a deeper understanding of one of its most enigmatic characters. As Zada steps into the shoes of young Haymitch, fans are hopeful that he will capture the essence of the character while bringing his own unique interpretation to the role.
In the meantime, readers can dive into the novel to get a head start on the story, which has already captivated audiences with its rich narrative and compelling characters. As the release date approaches, the excitement surrounding "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" continues to grow, ensuring that this installment will be a significant addition to the beloved franchise.
