Dawn at the Reaping in the Hunger Games Locates Its Mentor, Haymitch
Looks like Haymitch Abernathy's journey in the Hunger Games prequel is gaining steam! East of Eden's Joseph Zada lands the role of our famous mentor's younger self, a character previously brought to life by the excellent Woody Harrelson. Fans will remember that the original Haymitch was the last victor from District 12 before Katniss Everdeen stepped onto the battlefield.
The official Hunger Games account wasn't shy about sharing the news on Instagram:
[Hunger Games Instagram Post]
Things are heating up as well for Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch's flame. Hocus Pocus 2 actress Whitney Peak has snagged the role of this intriguing character who will be Haymitch's co-lead in the 50th Hunger Games, where double the number of young tributes fight for their lives.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President Erin Westerman had this to say about the duo in a statement to Deadline:
Francis Lawrence, who directed all Hunger Games films except the 2012 original, is back behind the camera for this prequel, with Billy Ray's script based on the latest prequel installment by author Suzanne Collins, Sunrise on the Reaping. The movie is set to hit theaters November 20, 2026.
If you're craving even more updates, don't miss our breakdowns on Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, the future of the DC Universe on both film and TV, and all the juicy scoop on the new season of Doctor Who.
[1] The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping takes place 24 years before the events of the first Hunger Games film and follows Haymitch as he competes in the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell.
[2] Lenore Dove Baird is Haymitch's girlfriend in this prequel.
- The role of a young Haymitch Abernathy, previously portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the Hunger Games franchise, will be played by Joseph Zada, as announced by the Hunger Games official Instagram.
- In the upcoming Hunger Games prequel, Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch's girlfriend, will be played by Whitney Peak, best known for her role in Hocus Pocus 2.
- Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President Erin Westerman praised the casting of Jo and Whitney for their heart, depth, and intensity, stating they have a proud legacy to uphold within The Hunger Games franchise.
- Francis Lawrence, who directed all Hunger Games films except the 2012 original, will once again be behind the camera for this prequel, with a script based on the latest prequel installment by Suzanne Collins, Sunrise on the Reaping.
- The Hunger Games prequel, titled The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, is set to release in theaters on November 20, 2026, and takes place 24 years before the events of the first Hunger Games film.
- If you're interested in updates beyond The Hunger Games, check out our coverage on Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who, across films, TV series, and the future of entertainment.
