Hunger Games Prequel Announces Leads, Cast

Lionsgate has officially announced the first two leads for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Joseph Zada will play Haymitch Abernathy, the District 12 tribute who survives the 50th Hunger Games, while Whitney Peak takes on the role of his girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird.

Zada steps into the shoes originally filled by Woody Harrelson. This new prequel focuses on a younger version of the fan-favorite character during the deadly Second Quarter Quell. The story is set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen enters the arena, starting with the reaping that changes Haymitch’s life.

Update: The official Hunger Games social media account has been announcing the cast which also includes Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner:

Maysilee Donner.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026. pic.twitter.com/1i5uuwyDBz

— The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) April 24, 2025

Haymitch Abernathy.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026. pic.twitter.com/0HgUhRcPF7

— The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) April 23, 2025

Lenore Dove Baird.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026. pic.twitter.com/TC17ReiuBd

— The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) April 23, 2025

Franchise Veterans Back on Board

Director Francis Lawrence, who helmed the previous Hunger Games films, returns to direct. Billy Ray wrote the screenplay, with Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson producing through Color Force. Lionsgate executives Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien are overseeing.

Casting Process Was Extensive

Lionsgate says the casting process was competitive, with hundreds of actors auditioning worldwide. “Jo and Whitney carry that legacy forward with incredible heart, depth, and fire,” said Erin Westerman, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President. “Haymitch has always been a fan favorite, and his origin story is one of the most anticipated in the franchise.”

Jacobson added that Zada “prepared like crazy and stole our hearts,” and Peak “took our breath away as Lenore Dove.” She described their chemistry as “a magical casting moment.”

About the Story

Based on Suzanne Collins’ novel published earlier this year, Sunrise on the Reaping revisits the world of Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

The story centers on 16-year-old Haymitch, a clever and resourceful boy from District 12, who’s unexpectedly chosen for this edition of the games, which will feature a deadly twist: twice the number of tributes, with 48 children sent into the arena to battle for their lives.

Background on the Cast

Joseph Zada currently stars in Invisible Boys for Stan Australia and has upcoming roles in We Were Liars on Prime Video and East of Eden for Netflix.

Whitney Peak is known for Gossip Girl on Max and Hocus Pocus 2. She’ll next appear in Shiver and 4 Kids Walk into a Bank.

Release info

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will be released in theaters on November 20, 2026.

The prequel joins a franchise that has already grossed over $3.3 billion globally.

Deadline first reported on the casting.