The announcement of Suzanne Collins’ new book, Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping in June 2024 was swiftly followed by confirmation a movie adaptation was also on its way.
Naturally, fans quickly got to work dream casting their picks for the roles, in particular that of young Haymitch Abernathy.
Upon learning that the new instalment of the venerated series would focus on Haymitch’s backstory, we felt it was only right to zero in on the fan’s front runners for the role.
Scroll on to check out the internet’s circulating selection of potential leading men.
who will play haymitch?
Woody Harrelson starred as Haymitch Abernathy in the original Hunger Games films, so whoever plays his younger self will have 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.
Hunger Games fans have a few theories (or perhaps, more a wish list) as to who could be up for the role of a young Haymitch. Some of the most common names mentioned in relation to the role are:
- Rudy Pankow
- Charlie Plummer
- Tom Glynn-Carney
- Drew Starkey
- Leo Woodall
- Asa Germann
- Walker Scobell
01
Rudy Pankow
Nailing his role as mischievous 16-year-old on the Netflix smash hit series Outer Banks, the delightful Rudy Pankow has emerged a fan fave for the role of Haymitch (who is 16 in the novel.) Currently 26, the blonde, blue-eyed babe could definitely emanate the youthful charisma of Haymitch in his teen years. We would loveeee to see this one happen!
02
Charlie Plummer
25-year-old Charlie Plummer is another top contender amonsget the fandom. Despite the fact that his look alone would make a supeub fit for the role, we know he can act his socks off! Charlie gained traction following his portrayals in Ridley Scott’s All the Money in the World and Andrew Haigh’s Lean on Pete. With incredible performances in both, we believe he is more than worthy to take on the beloved role of young Haymitch.
03
Tom Glynn-Carney
Tom Glynn-Carney is definitely a front runner amongst fans to play young Haymitch. Although the The House of the Dragon actor is 30, not 16 like Haymitch is in the book, the star has previously perfected his roles as an older teenager in Euphoria and as a teen king in HOTD.
04
Drew Starkey
Another Outer Banks babe has made the list, and it’s not hard to see why fans think Drew Starkey would completely crush the role of young Haymitch. Like… c’mon, just look at him!
Epitomising charm, the star has displayed his range in previous films like Queer, and could definitely bring life to the inner turmoil Haymitch endures in the book. While he doesn’t look as much like Woody as the others… we’ll let it slide.
05
Leo Woodall
After seeing how well Leo could pull off a portraying a young party-oriented rascal in his role for The White Lotus, we don’t think it would be much of a challenge for the 28-year-old to slip back into a similar mindset for young Haymitch.
06
Asa Germann
Starring in The Boys and Gen V, Asa Germann is also a popular pick to take on this iteration of Haymitch. The actor has previously received praise for his dynamic performances, perfectly bouncing between a malicious and helpless character, two mindsets we often see The Hunger Games tributes experience!
07
Walker Scobell
And last but certainly not least, I think we can all agree that 16-year-old Walker Scobell would make an extent choice for Haymitch’s movie portrayal. If the producers are looking to stay true to his age in the book, then we reckon Walker could be a very likely candidate.
The only hurdle we see with this one is that the Percy Jackson and the Olympians star is booked and busy ATM, which may be tricky for the producers given the timeframe that’s already in place for Sunrise on the Reaping.
all about sunrise on the reaping...
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, let’s hope that they can successfully secure a well-suited Haymitch for the pivotal role — because the sooner that gets sorted, the sooner we can get a glimpse of the Games!
Check back here for updates.
