Summary
AHunger Gamesprequel has found its lead actor. According to reports, Lionsgate has finally cast the young Haymitch Abernathy for the upcomingThe Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.
The Hunger Gamesis set to return to the big screen again with another prequel movie —Sunrise on the Reaping. It was based on the book of the same name by Suzanne Collins.Sunrise on the Reapingis the latest and best-selling book from theHunger Gamesseries. It was released on July 16, 2025, and sold 1.2 million copies during its first week of release. It serves as a sequel toThe Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes(2023).Sunrise on the Reapingfollows the events ofBalladand occurs 40 years before the originalHunger Gamestrilogy. It will focus on the young Haymitch. The older Haymitch in the trilogy was portrayed by Woody Harrelson. He was the only tribute from District 12 who survived beforeKatniss Everdeen(Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). He mentored Katniss, Peeta and the other tributes from their district. For months, many were wondering who would portray the young Haymitch, and Lionsgate finally found the actor for the role.
Lionsgate cast Joseph Zada to play Haymitch inSunrise on the Reaping.Zada’s acting credits includeWe Were Liars,a drama, mystery, romance and thriller series on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix’s limited seriesEast of Edenstarring Florence Pugh. Zada also starred in the dramaInvisible Boys.He played Charlie, a hardcore rocker. However, unbeknownst to many, he was a closeted gay teenager having an affair with a married man. He also had a recurring role in the political thrillerTotal Controland starred in the 2011 crime dramaThe Speedway Murders, perRadioTimes. The production also cast Whitney Peak as Haymitch’s girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird. The announcement of Zada’s casting receives mostly positive feedback on social media. Many were happy that a not-so-popular actor was chosen for the role. According to them, it was a bold move and many were delighted because they had always wanted someone unknown to take on significant roles.
However, some were unsure of the decision and were torn between whether the move was good or bad. Some were disappointed because they thought it would beCharlie Plummer. There were rumors early this month that theLean on Petestar was in talks for the role. Unlike Zada, Plummer has more experience in acting because he began his career as a child. He starred inNational Anthem(2023),Moonfall(2022),Words on Bathroom Walls(2020),Spontaneous(2020),Looking for Alaska(2019),The Clovehitch Killer(2018), andAll the Money in the World(2017), to name a few.
For many, Zada is an unlikely choice because he is not that popular. However, the same reason excites many. Playing Haymitch inThe Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reapingis a huge opportunity for the young actor. Some are even expecting him to make it big after the film. Zada went through the audition process and deserves the chance. Also, his performance inInvisible Boyswas outstanding. There’s a spark in him and the production sees it, so they give him the opportunity.
Also, it’s notable howTheHunger Gamesusually cast unknown actors to play major roles in the franchise. Lawrence was not very popular before she joined the franchise. She played Ree in Winter’s Bone (2010), which earned her an Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations. She also appeared as Mystique inX-Men: First Class(2011). However, it was only when she starred as Katniss inThe Hunger Gamesthat she became a household name. The role catapulted her to stardom. Hopefully, the same will happen for Zada since he will play Haymitch when he is District 12’s tribute. It will showcase a lot of drama, action and revelations as to why he later becomes a bitter and alcoholic mentor. Most importantly, fans will get to see Haymitch’s charm, intelligence, skills and strategy in survivingThe Hunger Games.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reapingwill hit theaters on June 16, 2025.
