Whitney Peak Reacts to ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel Casting, Says Rachel Zegler Reached Out and “Gave Me Some Love”

by

Whitney Peak has shared insights regarding her freshly revealed lead part in “The Hunger Games: Dawn at the Reaping“.

The novel titled “Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins was published this spring and takes us back to the world of Panem, specifically 24 years before the incidents depicted in “The Hunger Games”. The story begins on the day of the 50th Hunger Games reaping, where a younger Haymitch (previously played by Woody Harrelson) competes. In this upcoming project, Joseph Zada takes on the role of Haymitch while Peak will portray Haymitch’s girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird. The movie is scheduled to premiere in November 2026.

At the Chanel Tribeca Festival Women’s Lunch in New York City on Friday, Peak shared with The Hollywood Reporter that the past six weeks or so following her casting announcement have been a heartwarming experience. Things moved swiftly, but they are primarily driven by many remarkable women, and she feels incredibly fortunate to be involved. She has been making an effort not to get too caught up in it, not to overthink it until actual filming begins, as production hasn’t started yet.

Following Rachel Zegler‘s role in the 2023 prequel of The Hunger Games, titled The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Peak shared that “Rachel extended a kind gesture towards me, and I can confirm it was quite significant. It was truly amazing. The warmth in the responses was heartwarming. Admit it, I was scared out of my wits! But honestly, the encouragement was beautiful.

The actress openly shared her feelings when she received the audition, stating, “I found myself thinking, ‘I’m not sure if I have a shot at this or if I’m even the right fit.’ I constantly doubted myself and had already decided I wouldn’t be able to succeed before I even tried. However, landing the role, being welcomed into this community, and receiving this opportunity has been incredibly influential in my personal growth, self-esteem, self-respect, and my relationship with myself. It feels like a validation that yes, we do deserve to be here, we can keep pushing forward, and there is room for us everywhere.

Previously, this peak made an appearance in the revival of “Gossip Girl” and the sequel to “Hocus Pocus,” and it’s set to appear next in Sony’s suspenseful shark movie titled “Shiver,” alongside Phoebe Dynevor.

Read More

2025-06-07 01:24