The highly anticipated prequel to The Hunger Games, titled Sunrise on the Reaping, has taken another exciting step forward with the casting of Joseph Zada as a young Haymitch Abernathy. Zada will portray the iconic character, originally brought to life by Woody Harrelson in the Hunger Games film series. This announcement adds another layer of excitement to the growing fan anticipation for the movie, which is set to release on November 20, 2026.

Joseph Zada, known for his roles in We Were Liars (Amazon Prime Video) and East of Eden (Netflix), will take on the role of the beloved Haymitch, the sardonic mentor from Panem’s District 12. Fans of the franchise will be eager to explore Haymitch’s backstory, especially as this film delves into his origin during the 50th Hunger Games, a pivotal event in the Hunger Games universe.

In addition to Zada’s casting, the film has also confirmed the casting of Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s love interest. Peak, who is known for her roles in Hocus Pocus 2, Gossip Girl (reboot), and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, will bring depth to the emotional connection between Haymitch and Lenore. Peak’s status as a global ambassador for Chanel only adds to her rising star power.

Erin Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, expressed her enthusiasm for the casting, noting the exceptional talent and emotional authenticity Zada and Peak bring to these iconic characters. “Haymitch has always been a fan favorite, and his origin story is one of the most anticipated in the franchise,” Westerman said in a press release. “His relationship with Lenore Dove is deeply woven into the emotional history of Panem.”

The upcoming Sunrise on the Reaping movie is based on The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Suzanne Collins’ latest novel, which debuted to immediate success by selling over 1.5 million copies within its first week of release. Set during the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, the film will explore a younger version of Haymitch as he participates in the brutal competition at just 16 years old, years before his mentor role for Katniss Everdeen.

The last Hunger Games prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023), earned over $348 million globally, proving the continued popularity of Collins’ dystopian world. Fans are eagerly awaiting Sunrise on the Reaping to discover the untold stories of Panem’s most intriguing characters.