Lionsgate has announced the lead cast for its next Hunger Games prequel. Joseph Zada will play young Haymitch Abernathy, and Whitney Peak will take on the role of Lenore Dove Baird. The film, titled Sunrise on the Reaping, is set to release in theaters on November 20, 2026.
The film explores the story of the Second Quarter Quell, a deadly version of the Hunger Games that fans have long wanted to see on screen.
Joseph Zada to Play Young Haymitch
Joseph Zada is stepping into the role of Haymitch, who was played by Woody Harrelson in the original films. Zada is a rising star. He will appear in the upcoming Amazon series We Were Liars with Mamie Gummer.
He is also starring in Zoe Kazan’s East of Eden, alongside Mike Faist. Faist was a popular fan choice for Haymitch, but Zada ultimately landed the part.
Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird
Whitney Peak has been cast as Lenore, Haymitch’s lost love. Lenore is known in the story for her beauty, kindness, and tragic fate.
Peak is already known for her role in the Gossip Girl reboot and appeared in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. She is also a Chanel ambassador, which adds to her growing public image.
What Is Sunrise on the Reaping?
The film will focus on the Second Quarter Quell, which forced 48 tributes to fight instead of the usual 24. The Games were made even more brutal by this twist.
Fans first learned about this part of Hunger Games history in Catching Fire. Katniss watched part of it during her training. However, the full story was only recently revealed in Suzanne Collins’ new book, also titled Sunrise on the Reaping.
A Look at Haymitch’s Past
This movie will explore Haymitch’s backstory in detail. It will show how he fought to survive and what he lost along the way.
It’s more than just action. The story is emotional and dark. Viewers will see the pain that shaped Haymitch into the man we meet in the original trilogy.
Suzanne Collins Writes the Screenplay
Author Suzanne Collins is writing the script for the film. That means fans can expect a faithful adaptation of her book.
“This is a story about power, pain, and how memory shapes us,” Collins said in a press statement. “With Sunrise on the Reaping, I wanted to explore how a system creates its own monsters.”
Her involvement also means the film will keep the deep themes that made the books so powerful.
Why Fans Are Excited
The Hunger Games series is one of the most successful franchises in movie history. It has made more than $3 billion worldwide.
Haymitch was always a favorite among fans. This film gives people a chance to learn more about him and understand his pain. It also follows the trend of prequels that explore character origins, like The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes did for President Snow.
When Will It Be Released?
Sunrise on the Reaping is set to premiere on November 20, 2026. Filming will begin later this year. Lionsgate has not yet announced the full cast or the director, but more updates are expected soon.
Fans can get ready by re-reading the book or watching the original films on streaming platforms.
