Young Haymitch Abernathy Has Been Cast For A New Hunger Games Prequel

A Hunger Games prequel has found its lead actor. According to reports, Lionsgate has finally cast the young Haymitch Abernathy for the upcoming The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

The Hunger Games is 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 Reaping is the latest and best-selling book from the Hunger Games series. It was released on March 18, 2025, and sold 1.2 million copies during its first week of release. It serves as a sequel to The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023). Sunrise on the Reaping follows the events of Ballad and occurs 40 years before the original Hunger Games trilogy. 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 before Katniss 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.

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By  Catherine Armecin Martin

Lionsgate cast Joseph Zada to play Haymitch in Sunrise on the Reaping. Zada's acting credits include We Were Liars, a drama, mystery, romance and thriller series on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix's limited series East of Eden starring Florence Pugh. Zada also starred in the drama Invisible 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 thriller Total Control and starred in the 2011 crime drama The Speedway Murders, per RadioTimes. 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 be Charlie Plummer. There were rumors early this month that the Lean on Pete star was in talks for the role. Unlike Zada, Plummer has more experience in acting because he began his career as a child. He starred in National Anthem (2023), Moonfall (2022), Words on Bathroom Walls (2020), Spontaneous (2020), Looking for Alaska (2019), The Clovehitch Killer (2018), and All 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 in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is 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 in Invisible Boys was outstanding. There's a spark in him and the production sees it, so they give him the opportunity.

Also, it's notable how The Hunger Games usually 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 in X-Men: First Class (2011). However, it was only when she starred as Katniss in The Hunger Games that 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 surviving The Hunger Games.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will hit theaters on November 20, 2026.

Source: Deadline