The Hunger Games franchise has revealed Joseph Zada as the young Haymitch Abernathy in the upcoming film The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.
The official Hunger Games X account announced Zada’s casting.
The film will arrive in cinemas in November 2026.
It will adapt Suzanne Collins’ latest novel, Sunrise on the Reaping. Collins released the book on March 18, 2025.
The novel serves as the second prequel to the popular dystopian franchise.
It explores the 50th Hunger Games and Haymitch Abernathy’s journey through the deadly competition.
Francis Lawrence will return as director for the fifth Hunger Games film.
He previously directed The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes in 2023.
Lionsgate will also produce the upcoming movie.
Young Haymitch
Joseph Zada gained attention for his role in the Australian series Invisible Boys.
He will now take on one of the franchise’s most recognisable characters.
Haymitch plays a major role in the first three Hunger Games novels.
He later becomes a mentor to Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence in the original film series.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President Erin Westerman discussed the importance of Haymitch’s story.
“Haymitch has always been a fan favourite, and his origin story is one of the most anticipated in the franchise. His relationship with Lenore Dove is deeply woven into Panem’s emotional history.
“We can’t wait for fans to experience the story that shaped one of the most compelling characters in the series,” Westerman told Deadline, as cited by EuroNews.
Whitney Peak will play Lenore Dove in the film.
The Ugandan-Canadian actress appeared in HBO’s Gossip Girl revival.
Westerman also praised Zada and Peak as young talents.
She believes the film could help launch both actors into bigger roles.
“The Hunger Games franchise has long been a launching pad for remarkable young actors, and Jo (Zada) and Whitney (Peak) carry that legacy forward with incredible heart, depth, and fire,” she said, according to Deadline.
Other cast revealed
The Hunger Games franchise has also announced several other major cast members.
Mckenna Grace will play Maysille Donner.
Grace is known for playing Phoebe Spengler in the 2021 film Ghostbusters: Afterlife.
Jesse Plemons will also appear in the upcoming movie.
He will play the young Plutarch Heavensbee.
Heavensbee becomes an important character in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
He serves as the Head Gamemaker for the 75th Hunger Games in the 2013 film.
Philip Seymour Hoffman played the adult version of Heavensbee in the original franchise.
Hoffman died in 2014.
The Mockingjay films later paid tribute to his character following his death.
Fans can follow the official Hunger Games social media accounts for further casting updates.
The growing cast has already created excitement around the new adaptation.
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