‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ Casts Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak as Leads

Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping has found its stars.

Joseph Zada will play Haymitch Abernathy, with Whitney Peak playing Haymitch’s girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird. The prequel story is focused on fan favorite Haymitch, who later acted as a mentor in the Hunger Games to heroine Katniss Everdeen. (Woody Harrelson played Haymitch in the original Hunger Games films.)

Francis Lawrence is back in the director’s chair for the film, while screenwriter Bill Ray is back to pen the story. The bestselling book of the same name (1.2 million copies sold in the U.S. during the first week of release) takes place in 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, when Haymitch competes.

The film is being produced by Color Force’s Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson with Cameron MacConomy serving as executive producer.

“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,” said co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Erin Westerman. “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.” 

Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is slated for a Nov. 20, 2026 release.

Zada is represented by CAA, Untitled Entertainment, RGM and Goodman Genow. Peak is repped by CAA, Canopy Media Partners, Play Management and Jackoway Austen.