The arena is reopening, and with it comes a bold new chapter in “The Hunger Games” saga. Lionsgate is officially returning to Panem with “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping”, a cinematic adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ most recent novel, which takes place 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s story began. The prequel centers on a younger Haymitch Abernathy — long before he became a sarcastic, reluctant mentor — as he’s forced into the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
Directed by franchise veteran Francis Lawrence and set for a theatrical release on November 20, 2026, Sunrise on the Reaping promises to deepen the mythology of Panem while introducing a fresh cast of emerging talent. From industry newcomers to breakout stars across television, streaming, and indie film, the ensemble reflects the same career-launching energy that propelled Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson a decade ago.
“The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” Cast
Joseph Zada as Young Haymitch Abernathy
Leading the film is Joseph Zada, a relative newcomer cast as a younger version of the gruff, cynical mentor famously portrayed by Woody Harrelson. Zada’s Haymitch is clever, defiant, and burdened by the reality of being thrust into a rigged system designed for spectacle and suffering. The Second Quarter Quell pits double the usual number of tributes against one another — and it’s here that Haymitch first demonstrates the resilience and cunning that will define his legacy.
Zada is quickly becoming a face to watch, with roles in Amazon’s upcoming “We Were Liars” series and Netflix’s “East of Eden” limited series, where he stars alongside Florence Pugh and Mike Faist.
Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird
Whitney Peak, known for her role in HBO Max’s “Gossip Girl” reboot, takes on the role of Lenore Dove Baird, a Covey girl from District 12 and Haymitch’s girlfriend. Lenore’s relationship with Haymitch brings added emotional weight to the story, grounding his journey in love, loss, and a shared defiance of the Capitol. A member of the once-nomadic Covey people, her presence adds nuance to the cultural fabric of District 12 and reintroduces musical and oral traditions from “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”.
Peak’s star continues to rise with her next major project, “Shiver”, a shark thriller from Sony where she stars opposite Phoebe Dynevor.
McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner
Few young actors are as prolific or versatile as Mckenna Grace, who joins the cast as Maysilee Donner, a fellow District 12 tribute and key ally to Haymitch in the Games. Known for her strong moral compass and disdain for the Capitol’s cruelty, Maysilee is also the original owner of the Mockingjay pin — a symbol that would later be passed on to Katniss and come to define a revolution.
Grace’s career already includes notable hits like “Gifted”, “I, Tonya”, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”, and the series “The Handmaid’s Tale”. In “Sunrise on the Reaping”, her portrayal of Maysilee promises to bring a blend of rebellion, tragedy, and emotional resonance to the screen.
Jesse Plemmons as Younger Plutarch Heavensbee
Oscar-nominated actor Jesse Plemons will portray a younger version of Plutarch Heavensbee, a future Head Gamemaker and eventual leader in the rebellion, previously played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. In this earlier chapter, Plutarch begins as a Capitol insider, first seen in District 12 capturing the reaping footage — already observing the spectacle with a quietly critical eye.
Plemons, known for “The Power of the Dog”, “Killers of the Flower Moon”, and “Friday Night Lights”, brings gravitas and subtlety to the role. His casting, noted by Lionsgate as both a tribute to Hoffman and a fresh take on the character, is already being praised as one of the film’s most inspired choices.
Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee
Kelvin Harrison Jr. steps into the role of Beetee, a genius inventor and previous victor of the 34th Hunger Games. In this prequel, Beetee is seen not as the war-weary ally of Katniss and Peeta, but as a father — one whose child, Ampert Latier, has been chosen as a tribute in the 50th Games. The role adds new dimensions to Beetee’s past and sets the stage for his eventual opposition to the Capitol’s brutal regime.
Harrison’s performance history includes standout roles in “Waves”, “Chevalier”, and “Mufasa: The Lion King”, where he voiced Taka.
Maya Hawke as Wiress
Rounding out the cast is Maya Hawke as Wiress, a former victor who now serves as a mentor in District 12. Known for her quirky brilliance and eerie mutterings, Wiress (originally played by Amanda Plummer in Catching Fire) is a complex figure — shaped by trauma and disillusionment, yet still perceptive and deeply human.
Hawke’s career continues to flourish across film, television, and voice work. Following her breakout in “Stranger Things”, she earned acclaim for her sharp comedic turn in “Do Revenge”, and recently voiced the character of Anxiety in Pixar’s “Inside Out 2”. She also appeared in Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro” and Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City”, further proving her versatility and artistic depth.
“The Hunger Games” Legacy Continues
“The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” not only revisits familiar ground — District 12, the Capitol, and the arena — but also introduces a new generation of actors poised to leave their own mark on the franchise. Much like Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth did over a decade ago, this cast represents the future of Panem.
With Suzanne Collins’ source material providing rich political and emotional territory, and a proven creative team returning behind the scenes, “Sunrise on the Reaping” is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2026. As casting continues and production ramps up, fans can expect a powerful blend of action, heartbreak, and rebellion — all anchored by a cast of breakout and award-winning performers ready to step into the arena.
