Sunrise on the Reaping, the second prequel to the dystopian franchise Hunger Games, has finalized the main cast for its upcoming film adaptation. The film, based on Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novel, is set 24 years before Katniss volunteered to join the Games and will chronicle the time Haymitch Abernathy – the character originated by Woody Harrelson – became a Tribute for District 12.
Stepping into Harrelson’s shoes is newcomer Joseph Zada as young Haymitch, a poor teenager determined to destroy the Games from the inside under the watchful eyes of President Snow. He will get a secret assist from Plutarch Heavensbee, a cameraman for the Games with plans to stage a rebellion in the Arena. The character – played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman in the original trilogy – will be portrayed by The Power of the Dog actor Jesse Plemons.
Rounding up the cast is the best and the brightest young actors, including Gossip Girl star Whitney Peak as Haymitch’s first love Lenore Dove and Ghostbusters: Afterlife and The Handmaid’s Tale actress McKenna Grace as fellow Tribute Maysilee Donner.
Director Francis Lawrence – who helmed every Hunger Games installments from Catching Fire onward – will be directing from a screenplay by Billy Ray, co-writer of the original 2012 film.
Set to begin filming in July, the film is projected for a November 20, 2026 launch.