The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping Cast Finds Young Haymitch & More

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The movie adaptation of “The Hunger Games: Sunrise at the Reaping,” has confirmed its choice for the actor playing the younger version of Haymitch Abernathy, as well as the actress taking on the role of his romantic interest.

Who has joined The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping cast?

According to a recent statement from Lionsgate and The Hunger Games X’s official account, Joseph Zada has been cast as the younger version of Haymitch Abernathy. Joseph Zada is recognized for his appearances in the TV shows Invisible Boys, We Were Liars, and Total Control.

24 years prior to the events of the original series, we find ourselves at the Sunrise on the Reaping, where Haymitch Abernathy, later portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the films, emerges victorious in the 50th Hunger Games. This makes him the first and only winner from District 12 until Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark enter the scene.

As a devoted admirer, I’m thrilled to share that, similar to Zada stepping into Abernathy’s shoes, Lionsgate has cast Whitney Peak for the role of Lenore Dove Baird – Haymitch’s beloved girlfriend. Notably, Peak graced our screens in the reboot of Gossip Girl on Max and starred in Disney’s Hocus Pocus 2, while also featuring in Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.

In U.S. cinemas on November 20, 2026, “The Hunger Games: Sunrise at the Reaping” is set to premiere, distributed by Lionsgate.

The upcoming prequel film for “The Hunger Games” is under the direction of Francis Lawrence, who previously managed several installments in the series. Producing this movie are Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, while Cameron MacConomy holds the position of executive producer.

Billy Ray is currently drafting the script for “Sunrise at the Reaping”. Previously, he was involved in writing the screenplay for the first Hunger Games film that premiered in 2012 and received an Academy Award nomination for his work on the 2013 movie Captain Phillips.

Apart from his other roles, he has also been involved in writing movie scripts for films like Volcano (1997), Shattered Glass (which he also directed in 2003), Suspect Zero (2004), State of Play (2009), Overlord (2018), Gemini Man, Terminator: Dark Fate (both in 2019), and many more.

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2025-04-24 01:41