The Hunger Games: Haymitch Actor Found for Prequel Film "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping"
The roles of Lenore Dove Baird and Maysilee Donner have also been cast
Next year, "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" movie will be released. Now, they have finally found actors for three of the key roles – including the main character. The first official cast members are Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird and Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner.
The new "Hunger Games" movie will be a prequel that is once again based on a novel by Suzanne Collins. This time, the story centers on Katniss' later mentor Haymitch Abernathy. He is chosen for the 50th Hunger Games, in which twice as many tributes have to compete against each other due to it being the year of the second Quarter Quell.
Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy
With Joseph Zada, a newcomer has now been cast as the young Haymitch. The actor has so far only appeared in smaller productions. Soon, the actor will also be seen alongside Florence Pugh and "Challengers" star Mike Faist in the Netflix series "East of Eden". In the four original movies, Haymitch was played by Hollywood star Woody Harrelson. The character is among the fan favorites of "The Hunger Games" film series.
Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird
With Whitney Peak, an actress with a little more acting experience has been cast as Lenore Dove Baird. Peak appeared in a leading role in the "Gossip Girl" reboot as well as in the Netflix series "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina", for example. Her character Lenore Dove is Haymitch's girlfriend. The two are separated when Haymitch has to participate in the Hunger Games.
Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner
Mckenna Grace is best known for her role in "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" and "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire". She plays Maysilee Donner in the new "Hunger Games" film: like Haymitch, she is also a tribute from District 12. The role was highly coveted, as it most resembles that of Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss.
According to those responsible at the studio Lionsgate, the actors were selected from hundreds of applicants. Further casting news for the new "Hunger Games" movie can be expected in the coming weeks. After all, filming of the prequel is scheduled to start in July 2025 already. The film will once again be directed by Francis Lawrence, who has directed every movie in the franchise since "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire". The movie will open in cinemas on November 20, 2026.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Plot
Author Suzanne Collins returns to the dark and dystopian world of Panem with the novel "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping". Set 24 years before the events of the original trilogy, the novel focuses on the 50th Hunger Games, a so-called Quarter Quell.
The story centers on a young Haymitch, who lives with his mother and brother Sid in the impoverished District 12. On his birthday, the tributes are chosen for the annual Hunger Games. As fans of the series from "Catching Fire" know, special games are held every 25 years: this time, twice as many tributes have to compete against each other in the arena. But as always, there will only be one winner.
Initially, Haymitch is not one of the tributes – however, one of the chosen ones tries to escape, which ends in death. Through an unfortunate chain of events, Haymitch is picked to replace the killed boy. In doing so, he has to leave his family and his girlfriend and great love Lenore Dove behind. Together with the three other tributes from District 12, Wyatt, Maysilee and Louella, he must now face the cruel and deadly games.
Characters and Themes
The story provides a deep insight into the character Haymitch Abernathy. The book sheds light on the past and the experiences that shaped the fan favorite. Fans of the series can also look forward to the return of some familiar characters in "Sunrise on the Reaping", including the future game master Plutarch Heavensbee, Effie Trinket and, of course, Panem's president Coriolanus Snow.
Suzanne Collins remains faithful to her style: this novel is not a simple adventure story either, but once again deals with political and socio-critical themes such as power, oppression and propaganda. "Sunrise on the Reaping" is the second prequel in "The Hunger Games" series. Previously, the novel "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" was published, which was adapted into a film in 2023.
