Joseph Zada stars as young Haymitch Abernathy in new ‘Hunger Games’ movie
Joseph Zada. Image: Hugh Stewart via Untitled Entertainment and Creative Artists Agency
Joseph Zada will play the young Haymitch Abernathy in the film adaptation of “Sunrise on the Reaping,” a prequel to the “Hunger Games” novels, which is slated for a November 2026 release.
Zada’s casting was announced by the “Hunger Games” social media platforms on Thursday, April 24, while showing a page of “Sunrise on the Reaping’s” first chapter.
“Haymitch Abernathy. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026,” the post read.
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Meanwhile, Whitney Peak was confirmed to portray Haymitch’s love interest, Lenore Dove Baird, on the same day. A page of the character’s first appearance in the novel was included in the post as well.
“Lenore Dove Baird. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026,” the post read.
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Details on the actors set to portray Maysilee Donner, Louella McCoy, Wyatt Callow, Willamae Abernathy, Sid Abernathy, Burdock Everdeen, and Coriolanus Snow are yet to be announced.
“Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins is the second prequel to “The Hunger Games” trilogy. It tells the story of the young Haymitch Abernathy and how he managed to win the 50th Hunger Games, or the second Quarter Quell. The novel was released in March 2025.
Woody Harrelson starred as the older Haymitch Abernathy in the original film trilogy. During the novel’s events, he was District 12’s second and only living victor of the Hunger Games, and had already been drunk and withdrawn.
Prior to being cast as the young Haymitch, Zada starred in the series “We Were Liars,” “Invisible Boys,” and “Total Control,” and the films “Bilched.”
