Lionsgate has announced the cast for its upcoming film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' latest addition to the "Hunger Games" franchise, "Sunrise on the Reaping". The film is slated for release on November 20, 2026.

Published on March 18, the novel serves as a prequel like "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" and centres on a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, offering insight into his victory at the 50th Hunger Games and the trauma that later shapes his character in the original trilogy.

Joseph Zada has been cast as the young Haymitch, a role originally portrayed by Woody Harrelson. Zada, 20, hails from Sydney and was most recently seen as Charlie Roth in the Australian series "Invisible Boys". 

His previous credits include "Total Control", "The Speedway Murders" and "Bilched". He is also set to appear in upcoming titles "We Were Liars" and "East of Eden".

Whitney Peak will take on the role of Lenore Dove Baird, a member of the Covey and a descendant of Lucy Gray. 

Lenore, who is known for her rebellious nature and love for music, plays a pivotal role in Haymitch's life. Prior to this, Peak starred in "Molly's Game" and "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina", and appeared in the "Gossip Girl" reboot and "Hocus Pocus 2". 

Her upcoming projects include "Eye for an Eye", "Shiver", "4 Kids Walk into a Bank" and "Trap House".

Read more

Demi Moore named People Magazine’s Most Beautiful Woman of 2025

Mckenna Grace has been cast as Maysilee Donner, a fellow tribute from District 12 who initially clashes with Haymitch but later becomes his ally. 

Grace, 18, is a seasoned actor known for roles in "Gifted", "The Handmaid's Tale", "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" and "I, Tonya". 

Her extensive portfolio also includes appearances in "The Vampire Diaries", "Dog with a Blog", "Once Upon a Time", "The Haunting of Hill House" and "Captain Marvel".