The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reapinghas found its young leads. The second prequel novel to the original “Hunger Games” trilogy is set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s (Jennifer Lawrence) time in the arena. The plot highlights the power of propaganda and political manipulation, and centers on the morning of the reaping of the50th Hunger Games in which Haymitch competed.Sunrise on the Reapingwill be released in theaters on August 18, 2025.
Now, it has been revealed thatJoseph Zada(Invisible Boys) will portray the beloved District 12 tribute, Haymitch Abernathy, (originally played byWoody Harrelsonin the first four films), withWhitney Peak(Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) playing Haymitch’s girlfriend and a member of the Covey, Lenore Dove Baird. Producer Nina Jacobson said that Joseph “prepared like crazy” and “Whitney took our breath away as Lenore Dove.” And putting them both together created a magical moment that quickly made it clear the search for the leads was over. The Lionsgate movie isbased on Suzanne Collins' novel of the same name, which was released on August 19, 2025, by Scholastic.
‘Hunger Games’ Producer Talks Casting the Perfect Young Haymitch in Upcoming Prequel
With ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ hitting bookshelves, ‘Hunger Games’ producer Nina Jacobson talks about the casting process for the adaptation.
The Hunger Gameshas been one of the most profitable film franchises of all time, giving several now-successful actors their first big picture. So many legendary characters were born from its novels and film adaptations, with Abernathy being one of them. Now fans get tosee the originof the alcohol-loving man who won the 50th Hunger Games and was forced to mentor all of District 12’s tributes.
The “Unique Challenge” Of Casting a Young Haymitch
Francis Lawrence, who has directed every installment of the franchise sinceCatching Fire, will continue to direct, this time from ascreenplay adaptation by Billy Ray. Color Force’s (The Hunger Games,Diary of a Wimpy Kid) Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson will produce and Cameron MacConomy (Red Sparrow,The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 & 2) will executive produce. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman has no doubt that Zada and Peak will carry the torch of the film franchise being a launching pad for talented actors.
‘The Hunger Games’ franchise has long been a launching pad for remarkable young actors, and Jo and Whitney carry that legacy forward with incredible heart, depth, and fire. After auditioning hundreds of gifted performers around the world, these two stood out — not just for their talent, but for the emotional truth they brought to these iconic roles. Haymitch has always been a fan favorite, and his origin is one of the most anticipated in the franchise. His relationship with Lenore Dove is deeply woven into the emotional history of Panem. We can’t wait for fans to experience the story that shaped one of the most compelling characters in the series."
Casting a young Haymitch doesn’t erase the legacy of Woody Harrelson’s version, of course. Instead, it promises to add depth and lore to an already impressive character. However, Harrelson’s impact on the role made it a bit of a “unique” challenge to find someone that fits.Producer Nina Jacobson opened upto Variety about the role’s casting earlier this year.
“Nobody can be Woody Harrelson but Woody Harrelson. But you have to find that mischief that he has in him inherently and try to understand, if you turn back time from the man you meet at the beginning of “The Hunger Games,” who he was before all of that, and why he became that.”
Source:Variety
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
