The Hunger Games are back…
The announcement of Suzanne Collins’ book, Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping in June 2024 was swiftly followed by confirmation a movie adaptation would follow.
Naturally, fans quickly got to work dream-casting their picks for the roles, in particular that of young Haymitch Abernathy. But now, we can confirm that the coveted character has officially been cast, as well as two other lead roles in the film.
Scroll on to check out who snagged the leading spot, as well as a breakdown of fans’ top picks for the major movie role.
Who Will Play Haymitch In Sunrise on the Reaping?
Woody Harrelson starred as Haymitch Abernathy in the original Hunger Games films, so the newcomer playing his younger self has some big shoes to fill. It’s not yet clear whether the Sunrise on the Reaping film will take place across two timelines — like the President Snow prequel A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which featured both older and younger versions of the title character.
While names like Drew Starkey and Leo Woodall were floated by fans, the role of Haymitch has gone to a relatively unknown Australian actor.
On April 23, 2025, Lionsgate *officially* announced that Joseph Zada has landed the coveted role .
Having recently starred in the mystery thriller, We Were Liars, the young star will take on the lead in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Although many fans hoped Haymitch would be slightly aged in the film to give their top picks a shot at the role, Joseph Zada will be 20 years old during filming, keeping Haymitch relatively accurate to the novel, with tributes only able to enter the games between 12 – 18 year of age.
Joseph took to social media in a joint post with The Hunger Games Instagram account to share the news. They posted a reveal video captioned: “Haymitch Abernathy. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026.”
Who Else Has Been Cast?
In addition to Joseph as Haymitch, a host of other cast members have been announced for the Sunrise on the Reaping adaptation.
After weeks of fan rumours, it was confirmed that fashion darling, Elle Fanning had been cast as a young Effie Trinket, alongside Ralph Fiennes (aka the literal Lord Voldemort) as President Snow and Kieran Culkin as host, Caesar Flickerman.
Young Hollywood royalty McKenna Grace — who you might recognise from Gifted, I, Tonya and the recent Ghostbusters films, among others — has nabbed the role of Maysilee Donner, one of the tributes from District 12.
It’s also been announced that Whitney Peak, who led the Gossip Girl reboot, will play Haymitch’s girlfriend Lenore Dove Baird.
Other names involved in the series include Maya Hawke as Wiress, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee, Lili Taylor as Mags, Ben Wang as Wyatt, MollyMcCann as Louella, and Iona Bell as Lou Lou.
What Is Sunrise on the Reaping About?
The newest Hunger Games tale, Sunrise on the Reaping is set during the fiftieth annual Hunger Games. In honour of the Quarter Quell, there will be twice as many tributes.
Haymitch Abernathy is taken from District 12 along with three others — and as the games begin, he realises he has been set up to fail, according to the book’s blurb.
We know from the OG Hunger Games that Haymitch wins the games. Until Katniss and Peeta, who he mentors, he was the second-ever and only living winner from the district.
When Can We Watch Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping ?
It has been confirmed that November 20, 2026, is the release date of Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, *if* all goes to plan.
With a tight schedule already in place, we’re elated to see Joseph successfully secure the role of young Haymitch — because the sooner he gets in front of the camera, the sooner we can get a glimpse of the Games!
Check back here for updates.
