Haymitch Abernathy is the latest Hunger Games character getting his own spin-off, and we finally know who’ll play him in the prequel. Joseph Zada will lead The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping alongside Whitney Peak, set to be released on November 20, 2026.
Sunrise on the Reaping will star Joseph Zada as the younger version of District 12 tribute Haymitch Abernathy, Woody Harrelson’s character from the original Hunger Games films. He’s a relative newcomer who’ll soon appear in the TV adaptations of We Were Liars and East of Eden. He’ll be joined by Whitney Peak (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Gossip Girl) as his love interest Lenore Dove Baird.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman announced the duo’s casting and added that they can’t wait for fans to experience the story that shaped one of the most compelling characters in the series.
“After auditioning hundreds of gifted performers from 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 story is one of the most anticipated in the franchise,” said Westerman in a statement.
The rest of the film’s ensemble is yet to be announced, but there has been a lot of speculation surrounding the casting. The list of actors rumored to have joined the series includes Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Ralph Fiennes as Coriolanus Snow, and Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, but their casting hasn’t been officially confirmed.
