The cinematic odds are once again in favour of Hunger Games fans, with author Suzanne Collins announcing that a new prequel film is officially on the way! Titled The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, the prequel will place the spotlight on one of the most beloved characters in the Hunger Games franchise, Haymitch Abernathy.
Originally portrayed by Woody Harrelson, Haymitch’s eccentric and rebellious nature quickly became a favourite among fans. Now, over a decade since his time as a mentor, the cast of the upcoming spin-off has *finally* been revealed.
Ready to revisit the reaping? Keep scrolling to learn everything we know about the upcoming Hunger Games prequel.
Who will play Haymitch in The Hunger Games prequel film?
News surrounding who will portray a young Haymitch in the upcoming Hunger Games prequel was kept a closely guarded secret for months following the announcement, but in exciting news, Lionsgate have finally revealed who will be leading the ensemble cast.
Stepping into the shoes of Woody Harrelson’s iconic character is We Were Liars star Joseph Zada, who will star alongside Gossip Girl’s Whitney Peak as Haymitch’s love interest, Lenore.
“The Hunger Games franchise has long been a launching pad for remarkable young actors, and Jo and Whitney carry that legacy forward with their incredible heart, depth, and fire,” Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President Erin Westerman shared shortly after the announcement.
“After auditioning hundreds of gifted performers from around the world, these two stood out – not just for their talent, but for the emotional truth they brought to these iconic roles,” she continued.
What is The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping about?
Set 24 years before the story of Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping follows the events of the Second Quarter Quell and the 50th Hunger Games from the perspective of District 12 tribute, Haymitch Abernathy.
Unlike the annual Hunger Games, the Second Quarter Quell features a cruel twist – each district must send four tributes instead of two. Alongside tributes Wyatt, Maysilee, and Lou Lou, 16-year-old Haymitch is thrown into the treacherous arena, with nearly everything in the game being highly poisonous.
The novel explores themes of survival and rebellion, providing backstories for many of the franchise’s original characters. Sunrise on the Reaping also takes fans deeper into Haymitch’s world and the games’ tragic aftermath, including the deaths of his loved ones, orchestrated by President Snow.
When does The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping take place?
The newest Hunger Games film takes place 24 years before the story of the original four films, which featured Haymitch as Katniss and Peeta’s Hunger Games mentor.
In relation to the most recent prequel film, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Sunrise on the Reaping takes place 40 years after Coriolanus Snow’s involvement in the 10th Hunger Games, leading many fans to believe that a middle-aged President Snow may make an appearance in the newest film.
When is The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping release date?
In good news for Hunger Games fans, the story of young Haymitch Abernathy has already hit bookshelves, with the Sunrise on the Reaping novel released worldwide on March 15, 2025.
If you’d rather wait to experience the story on the big screen, the newest Hunger Games prequel film will debut in cinemas on November 20, 2026.
Where to watch The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
While there still may be a while to wait until The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping hits our screens, you can catch up on all four original Hunger Games films and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes now on Prime Video.
Stream The Hunger Games on Prime Video from $9.99/month with a 30-day free trial. Subscribe here.
