It’s been a while since audiences took a trip to Panem, but that’s all about to change. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping has cast its two lead characters.
Joseph Zada will portray Haymitch Abernathy. The relatively unknown actor will step into the shoes of the character Woody Harrelson played in the original film adaptations of Suzanne Collins’ books. The new entry in the series is all about Haymitch and the journey he went through in order to win the twenty-fifth edition of the Hunger Games. The achievement has been mentioned in previous movies, but it’s never been depicted on the big screen before.
Whitney Peak has joined The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping as Lenore Dove. The young woman will be introduced as Haymitch’s girlfriend from District 12. The healthy relationship between the two will be affected by the fact that Haymitch is selected to participate in the dangerous competition. Whitney Peak was previously seen in Hocus Pocus 2 and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. The actress will go from appearing in spooky projects to the complicated world of Panem. Lenore Dove will be integral to Haymitch’s story in the upcoming adaptation.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping novel was published earlier this year. A deal between Suzanne Collins and Lionsgate had already been reached in order to bring Haymitch’s story to the big screen. The franchise is coming back in full force after remaining dormant for a few years.
The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes allowed the world of Panem to return to cinemas after almost a decade since the conclusion of Katniss’ (Jennifer Lawrence) story. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is currently scheduled to premiere on November 20, 2026. Francis Lawrence returns to direct the prequel, after handling most of the movies that have been based on Collins’ popular books.