‘Hunger Games’ Prequel ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ Casts Its Young Leads

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping has found its young leads. The second prequel novel to the original “Hunger Games” trilogy is set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s (Jennifer Lawrence) time in the arena. The plot highlights the power of propaganda and political manipulation, and centers on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games in which Haymitch competed. Sunrise on the Reaping will be released in theaters on November 20, 2026.

Now, it has been revealed that Joseph Zada (Invisible Boys) will portray the beloved District 12 tribute, Haymitch Abernathy, (originally played by Woody Harrelson in the first four films), with Whitney Peak (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) playing Haymitch’s girlfriend and a member of the Covey, Lenore Dove Baird. Producer Nina Jacobson said that Joseph “prepared like crazy” and “Whitney took our breath away as Lenore Dove.” And putting them both together created a magical moment that quickly made it clear the search for the leads was over. The Lionsgate movie is based on Suzanne Collins’ novel of the same name, which was released on March 18, 2025, by Scholastic.

The Hunger Games has been one of the most profitable film franchises of all time, giving several now-successful actors their first big picture. So many legendary characters were born from its novels and film adaptations, with Abernathy being one of them. Now fans get to see the origin of the alcohol-loving man who won the 50th Hunger Games and was forced to mentor all of District 12’s tributes.

The “Unique Challenge” Of Casting a Young Haymitch

Francis Lawrence, who has directed every installment of the franchise since Catching Fire, will continue to direct, this time from a screenplay adaptation by Billy Ray. Color Force’s (The Hunger Games, Diary of a Wimpy Kid) Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson will produce and Cameron MacConomy (Red Sparrow, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 & 2) will executive produce. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman has no doubt that Zada and Peak will carry the torch of the film franchise being a launching pad for talented actors.

‘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. After auditioning hundreds of gifted performers around the world, these two stood out — not just for their talent, but for the emotional truth they brought to these iconic roles. Haymitch has always been a fan favorite, and his origin is one of the most anticipated in the franchise. His relationship with Lenore Dove is deeply woven into the emotional history of Panem. We can’t wait for fans to experience the story that shaped one of the most compelling characters in the series.”

Casting a young Haymitch doesn’t erase the legacy of Woody Harrelson’s version, of course. Instead, it promises to add depth and lore to an already impressive character. However, Harrelson’s impact on the role made it a bit of a “unique” challenge to find someone that fits. Producer Nina Jacobson opened up to Variety about the role’s casting earlier this year.

“Nobody can be Woody Harrelson but Woody Harrelson. But you have to find that mischief that he has in him inherently and try to understand, if you turn back time from the man you meet at the beginning of “The Hunger Games,” who he was before all of that, and why he became that.”

Source: Variety

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

Release Date

November 20, 2026

Director

Francis Lawrence

Producers

Brad Simpson