Fans of the popular Hunger Games franchise have much to celebrate as the upcoming prequel film, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, has officially cast its leading roles. Australian actor Joseph Zada will portray a young Haymitch Abernathy, while Whitney Peak has been selected to play his girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird. This exciting announcement was confirmed by Lionsgate on April 23, 2025, and has sparked a wave of anticipation among fans eager to see the next chapter in this beloved series.
Sunrise on the Reaping is based on the latest novel by Suzanne Collins, which was published on March 18, 2025. The film is set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026, marking it as the sixth installment in the franchise. This film takes place 40 years after the events of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and 24 years before the iconic Katniss Everdeen's journey begins.
The narrative kicks off on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, where Haymitch, a character originally portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the previous films, faces a pivotal moment in his life. Zada, who is currently starring in the Stan Australia Original Series Invisible Boys, will take on the challenge of embodying this fan-favorite character at a younger age.
Peak, known for her role in the reboot of Gossip Girl and her appearance in Hocus Pocus 2, expressed her excitement about joining the Hunger Games universe. She will portray Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch's love interest during the tumultuous events of the 50th Hunger Games. Both actors are expected to bring depth and emotional truth to their characters, a sentiment echoed by Erin Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. "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," Westerman stated.
The casting of Zada and Peak was the result of an extensive search, with casting director Deb Zane noting the exhaustive process involved in finding the right actors for these iconic roles. Westerman emphasized that their auditions stood out not only due to their talent but also because of the emotional authenticity they brought to the characters. "Haymitch has always been a fan favorite, and his origin story is one of the most anticipated in the franchise. His relationship with Lenore Dove is deeply woven into the emotional history of Panem," she added.
Sunrise on the Reaping has already made waves in the literary world, selling 1.5 million copies in its first week across multiple countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This impressive figure surpasses the first-week sales of both The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and the final book of the original trilogy, Mockingjay.
Director Francis Lawrence, who has helmed every installment of the franchise since Catching Fire, will return to guide this new chapter. The screenplay will be adapted by Billy Ray, who also wrote the original The Hunger Games film. The production team includes Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson from Color Force, with Cameron MacConomy serving as executive producer.
As the film gears up for its release, Zada is also set to appear in the highly anticipated Amazon series We Were Liars, which premieres in June 2025, and he has completed production on Netflix’s adaptation of East of Eden, where he stars alongside Florence Pugh and Mike Faist. Peak, on the other hand, will be seen in Sony Pictures’ upcoming shark thriller Shiver and in Amazon MGM's 4 Kids Walk into a Bank.
The Hunger Games franchise has been a significant cultural phenomenon, grossing over $5 billion at the global box office and transforming lesser-known actors into household names. The anticipation surrounding Sunrise on the Reaping is palpable, with fans eager to see how Haymitch's backstory will unfold and how it connects to the larger narrative of Panem.
As the release date approaches, more details about the film will be revealed, including potential trailers and promotional materials. For now, fans can look forward to witnessing the evolution of Haymitch Abernathy and the world of the Hunger Games as it continues to expand.
