For months, rumours have been swirling about who would take the lead in the film adaptation of The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping. Now, we finally have our answer.
The movie, a prequel to The Hunger Games original series, focusing on mentor and Games winner Haymitch Abernathy, has officially cast Joseph Zada in the role—and he has Australian ties. In fact, Zada, 20, hails from Sydney! If we weren’t already invested in District 12, we are now.
Of course, fans already had a visual of what Haymitch would look like on screen, with Woody Harrelson originating the role in The Hunger Games films. Since then, the internet had been keenly hunting another blonde-haired, blue-eyed actor to take the reins. While everyone from Outer Banks stars Rudy Pankow and Drew Starkey to Challengers star Mike Faist tipped for the role, Australia’s own Joseph Zada came out on top.
Zada isn’t the only actor announced for the film, with model and actress Whitney Peak taking the role of Haymitch’s sweetheart, Lenore Dove Baird.
The latest instalment of hugely popular dystopian series, The Hunger Games, only hit stands in March 2025, it was launched simultaneously with the news of its film adaptation.
“Suzanne Collins is a master storyteller and our creative north star,” said Adam Fogelson, the chair of Sunrise On The Reaping‘s production company, Lionsgate. “We couldn’t be more fortunate than to be guided and trusted by a collaborator whose talent and imagination are so consistently brilliant.”
What Is The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping About?
Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping is a prequel to the original Hunger Games series by author Suzanne Collins. It tells the story of one of fan-favourite character from the trilogy, Haymitch, who served as a mentor to fellow District 12 Hunger Games competitors, Katniss and Peeta.
Fans of the series will be familiar with Haymitch’s origins, given some details of his backstory have previously been revealed. Namely, that he’s one of only four District 12 victors in the history of the Hunger Games. When we meet him in the original series, he’s battling his own trauma as a fallout from his experience.
Sunrise On The Reaping dives into Haymitch’s own Hunger Games journey, including his relationship with the love of his life, Lenore.
The synopsis reads: “As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honour of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes. Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.”
When Is Sunrise On The Reaping Set?
Sunrise On The Reaping takes place 24 years before Katniss and Peeta compete in the Hunger Games.
Sunrise On The Reaping Cast
There’s no denying part of Haymitch’s fanbase is thanks to the brilliant portrayal by Woody Harrelson in the original films. With such big shoes to fill, we only hope—ok, we know!—Joseph Zada is up to the task.
If you’re wondering what Zada will bring, Hunger Games producer Nina Jacobson shared a tidbit from the studio’s quest to cast the young Haymitch. “I think that what we’re looking for in that role is, you don’t want somebody who’s impersonating Woody, but you want somebody who very credibly feels like they could be a young version of this character, before the trauma and grief and rage that the fallout of the Games create,” she said.
So far, Zada and Whitney Peak as Lenore are the only two actors tied to the project. You may recognise Peak from the film Molly’s Game, or the Sabrina or Gossip Girl reboots.
Who Is The Young Haymitch, Joseph Zada?
Joseph Zada is a 20-year-old actor from Sydney, Australia. Prior to landing the role of Haymitch, Zada had starred in Stan original series, The Invisible Boys. He also appeared in the Australian series Total Control, opposite Deborah Mailman and Rachel Griffiths. However, Zada is a star on the rise, with an imminent leading role in the series adaptationWe Were Liars, and an upcoming remake of East Of Eden, starring Florence Pugh.
Sunrise On The Reaping Movie Release Date
The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping movie is set to be released on November 20, 2026.
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Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping
$16 at Amazon
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