The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – Key Casting and Release Information
Lead Roles Announced
Lionsgate has revealed that Joseph Zada will take on the role of Haymitch Abernathy, a District 12 tribute, while Whitney Peak will portray his girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird, in the upcoming film, “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping”.
Film Overview and Release Date
This film, based on the celebrated novel by Suzanne Collins, is set to take place 40 years after the events outlined in “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” and 24 years prior to Katniss Everdeen’s journey in “The Hunger Games”. Scheduled for release on November 20, 2026, it will be directed by Francis Lawrence, who has previously directed all installments of the franchise since “Catching Fire”. The screenplay is adapted by Billy Ray.
Story Context
The narrative of “Sunrise on the Reaping” unfolds during the lead-up to the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell. The storyline examines the day of the Reaping, diving deep into pivotal events leading to the games.
Upcoming Projects for the Leads
Joseph Zada
Joseph Zada is poised to be featured in the Prime Video adaptation of “We Were Liars”, debuting this June. He also completed filming for Netflix’s “East of Eden”, where he stars alongside notable actors such as Florence Pugh and Mike Faist. Additionally, Zada leads in the Stan Australia Original Series “Invisible Boys”, adapted from the bestselling novel by Holden Sheppard.
Whitney Peak
Whitney Peak is set to take on the lead in the Sony Pictures shark thriller “Shiver”, paired with Phoebe Dynevor. Furthermore, she will co-star with Liam Neeson and Teresa Palmer in “4 Kids Walk into a Bank”, under Amazon MGM’s Orion label. Peak gained recognition for her role in the Max reboot of “Gossip Girl” and appeared in “Hocus Pocus 2”, sharing the screen with stars such as Bette Midler.
Casting Insights From Lionsgate
“The Hunger Games” franchise has a legacy of launching the careers of talented young actors. Erin Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, stated, “Jo and Whitney carry that legacy forward with incredible heart, depth, and fire.” She emphasized that the duo stood out among hundreds of auditioning performers due to their talent and emotional connect to their characters.
The Importance of Haymitch’s Origin Story
As a fan favorite, Haymitch’s origin is one of the most eagerly anticipated arcs within the franchise. Producer Nina Jacobson commented on the challenge of casting a young Haymitch, acknowledging the uniqueness of Woody Harrelson’s portrayal in earlier films. “Nobody can be Woody Harrelson but Woody Harrelson,” she noted, pointing to the necessity of finding an actor who embodies the character’s spirit and complexity.
Market Performance and Reception
“Sunrise on the Reaping” has already made waves in the literary market, selling 1.5 million copies during its first week across multiple countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, and more. Notably, U.S. sales reached 1.2 million, surpassing first-week figures for both its prequel and the final book of the original trilogy, “Mockingjay”.
Production Team and Representation
The film is produced by Color Force’s Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, with Cameron MacConomy serving as executive producer. For Lionsgate, Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien are overseeing the project. Casting representatives for Zada include CAA and Untitled Entertainment, among others, while Peak is represented by CAA, Canopy Media Partners, and various management groups.