The Hunger Games universe is roaring back to life, and this time, the prequel is taking us deeper into the dark history of Panem with Sunrise on the Reaping, with the cast revealed as well.
The prequel film’s cast just dropped, and it’s loaded with talent that’s both familiar and fresh. Fans everywhere are buzzing about Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, Jesse Plemons, and more stepping into roles that expand the story far beyond what the original trilogy showed us. This isn’t just a retread, it’s a full-on dive into the brutal world of the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell, where a young Haymitch Abernathy fights for survival.
Joseph Zada is taking on the challenging role of 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, the character fans loved (and feared) as the sarcastic, hard-drinking mentor in the original films, played by Woody Harrelson. Now, we get to see his story from the start, as a tribute thrown into the arena on his own birthday. Zada, an Australian rising star, is already making waves with projects like Netflix’s East of Eden opposite Florence Pugh and Prime Video’s We Were Liars. This breakout role as young Haymitch could be the launchpad that cements him in Hollywood.
The film doesn’t stop there. Lili Taylor, known for memorable roles in cult classics like Mystic Pizza and I Shot Andy Warhol, joins as Mags Flanagan, a legendary victor who becomes one of Haymitch’s closest allies. Taylor’s gritty, nuanced acting style is perfect for the complex character, and fans can also look forward to seeing her in Netflix’s Fear Street: Part Two – 1978, adding even more buzz to her involvement.
Maya Hawke steps in as Wiress, the quirky, tech-savvy tribute originally seen in Catching Fire as Amanda Plummer’s character. Hawke, who rose to fame with Stranger Things and more recently the Netflix hit Do Revenge, brings a fresh edge and emotional depth to Wiress, perfectly blending intelligence and vulnerability. Her stage experience, including an off-Broadway debut in Eurydice, shows she’s no one-trick pony.
Whitney Peak will play Lenore Dove Baird, a mysterious musical wanderer from the Covey and Haymitch’s longtime love interest. Peak’s resume includes Gossip Girl and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and she even appeared in Sabrina Carpenter’s viral music video “Nonsense.” This casting adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, expanding on the world-building that The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes novel teased.
McKenna Grace takes on the role of Maysilee Donner, a tribute from District 12 and one of Haymitch’s unexpected allies in the arena. Notably, she’s the original owner of Katniss Everdeen’s iconic Mockingjay pin, something that was written out of the original film trilogy but plays a key role here. Grace’s impressive credits include I, Tonya, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and an Emmy-nominated performance in The Handmaid’s Tale. Her presence guarantees powerful emotional beats in the story.
Jesse Plemons is cast as Plutarch Heavensbee, the future Head Gamemaker seen in the original trilogy (famously portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman). Here, we meet him as a Capitol-born cameraman climbing the ranks while secretly opposing the oppressive President Snow. Plemons is known for his intense roles in Breaking Bad, The Power of the Dog, and Game Night. His recent return to Black Mirror in the sequel to “U.S.S. Callister” proves he’s still at the top of his game.
Kelvin Harrison Jr. takes on Beetee Latier, the tech genius from Catching Fire. Previously played by Jeffrey Wright, the younger Beetee promises a new layer of depth to the character. Harrison has shown tremendous range in Luce, Elvis, and The Trial of the Chicago 7. Plus, he voiced young Scar in Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, proving his skill with prequel roles and complex characters.
Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is slated for release on November 20, 2026, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films in recent years. The combination of top-tier casting and a story that fills in the blanks about how Panem spiraled into chaos means this prequel has the potential to outshine even the original trilogy. Whether you’re drawn to the nostalgia or just curious about how Haymitch became the figure we met in District 12, this film promises to be a thrilling journey into the origins of rebellion.
Suzanne Collins’s novel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, dropped in March 2025, giving readers a glimpse into the origins of the Capitol’s brutal games and the socio-political tension that fueled Katniss’s eventual uprising. The movie adaptation is expected to faithfully capture this dark, gritty tone, while layering in new perspectives and characters fans have only just begun to explore.
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