Hunger Games Prequel: Meet the Cast of ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’

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A new (earlier) era of The Hunger Games has arrived.

As a die-hard Hunger Games enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that Lionsgate is delving deeper into the captivating world of Panem, this time focusing on Haymitch Abernathy, the beloved mentor from the films portrayed brilliantly by Woody Harrelson. The upcoming narrative promises to reveal more about this enigmatic character’s past, shedding light on his journey before he became Katniss Everdeen’s guiding force in the Hunger Games.

In a new story titled “Sunrise at the Reaping,” penned by Suzanne Collins, we journey back to the world of Panem, exactly 24 years before the occurrences depicted in “The Hunger Games.” This tale unfolds on the day of the 50th Hunger Games—the Second Quarter Quell—with a young Haymitch participating in the competition.

The movie version of “Sunrise on the Reaping” is scheduled to hit theaters on November 20, 2026. Once again taking the helm for this adaptation will be Francis Lawrence, who has partnered with Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson’s Color Force production company. Billy Ray is penning the script for the film. In their past collaborations with Lionsgate, Lawrence, screenwriter Michael Arndt, and producer Jacobson were instrumental in creating four movie adaptations of Suzanne Collins’ “Hunger Games” books – “The Hunger Games”, “Catching Fire”, and “Mockingjay”.

The Hollywood Reporter has provided information on the characters that are set to appear in “The Hunger Games: Sunrise at the Reaping” and the actors who will be portraying them. The list of cast members is expected to grow as more casting announcements are made.

    Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy

    In the initial Hunger Games movie series, Woody Harrelson assumed the role of Katniss Everdeen’s mentor, Haymitch Abernathy. In contrast, for the forthcoming prequel, Zada is set to play a younger version of Abernathy.

    The story titled “Sunrise on the Reaping” takes us back to Panem, a quarter century prior to the occurrences in “The Hunger Games“. The narrative unfolds from the break of dawn on the day of the 50th Hunger Games reaping, more commonly recognized as the Second Quarter Quell. During this time, we find ourselves following Haymitch Abernathy’s competition.

    Fresh face Zada is set to appear in the Amazon series “We Were Liars” alongside Florence Pugh and Mike Faist, and will share the screen with them in Netflix’s “East of Eden” as well.

    Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird

    In the upcoming prequel film, Whitney Peak – recognized for her role in the revamped “Gossip Girl” series – will share the screen with Joseph Zada. They will portray Haymitch’s girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird, a resident of District 12 who hails from the Covey community.

    Erin Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, commented that “The Hunger Games franchise has historically been a platform for exceptional young actors. Peak and Joseph Zada embody this legacy beautifully with their heart, depth, and passion. Out of hundreds of immensely talented performers worldwide, they were the ones who truly shone – not only due to their talent, but also because of the sincere emotion they brought to these iconic roles.

    Peak will next be seen in Sony’s shark thriller Shiver opposite Phoebe Dynevor.

    Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner

    In the movie “Sunrise on the Reaping,” McKenna Grace will portray Maysilee Donner, a District 12 tribute who shares the stage with her. In the novel, Maysilee harbors resentment towards the Capitol due to its inhumane treatment of individuals and is fiercely committed to resisting them. During their time in the arena, Maysilee and Haymitch form a close bond and rely on each other. Notably, Maysilee was the initial owner of the mockingjay pin that Jennifer Lawrence’s character Katniss Everdeen receives at the beginning of “The Hunger Games.

    In her past work, Grace has appeared in movies such as “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” and “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (or Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire).” Her future projects encompass a range of exciting ventures, including the Paramount adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s hit novel “Regretting You,” Blumhouse’s “Kiss of Death,” the sequel to “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” “Scream 7,” and Lionsgate’s “Anniversary.

    Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee

    Jesse Plemons has signed up for the cast of the new Hunger Games prequel, portraying Plutarch Heavensbee, who is destined to become the future Head Gamemaker and rebellion leader. This character was previously brought to life by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Parts 1 and 2, with these films marking his final acting roles. In Sunrise on the Reaping, the narrative begins with a young Plutarch Heavensbee from District 12, witnessing the reaping of the Tributes in that district.

    Erin Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, expressed in a statement that Jesse is an exceptionally skilled actor, known for choosing his roles carefully. We’re thrilled he’s decided to lend his unique interpretation to one of the intriguing characters from Panem. Given his past collaboration with Philip Seymour Hoffman, this makes it even more exciting. Jesse will not only pay homage to the character fans are familiar with but also make it distinctively his own. We can’t wait for everyone to witness it.

    Jacobson stated, “Jesse has been one of my preferred actors ever since I first watched him on ‘Friday Night Lights.’ From the get-go, it was clear that only a seasoned actor could portray a young Plutarch. Jesse was our ideal choice from the start and we’re incredibly proud to welcome him into the Hunger Games family.

    Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee

    In the upcoming movie “Sunrise on the Reaping,” Kelvin Harrison Jr., who played Mufasa in “The Lion King,” will take on the role of Beetee. Beetee, you might remember, was the champion of the 34th Hunger Games and is the father of Ampert Latier, a tribute in the 50th Hunger Games. Additionally, Harrison Jr. previously voiced Taka in “The Lion King.” He’s also been cast as Jean-Michel Basquiat in “Samo Lives,” where he will also act as an executive producer. His representation includes WME, Anonymous Content, and Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein Lezcano Bobb & Dang.

    Maya Hawke as Wiress

    In an upcoming movie, Maya Hawke takes on the role of Wiress, a previous winner of The Hunger Games who now serves as a mentor in District 12.

    Next up, Hawke will appear in the last season of “Stranger Things,” and she’s also slated to take on the role of Lucia Joyce in an upcoming biopic. Represented by CAA, Untitled Entertainment, The Oriel Company, Jonathan Sanders & Co., and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller, Gellman, Meigs & Fox, she’s a busy woman in the Hollywood scene.

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2025-05-14 19:25