Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping has found its Haymitch Abernathy and Lenore Dove Baird. Joseph Zada (We Were Liars) has been cast as District 12 Tribute Haymitch Abernathy, and Whitney Peak (Hocus Pocus 2) will star as Haymitch’s girlfriend, Lenore.
The upcoming film, based on Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novel, is targeting a November 20, 2026 theatrical release. Francis Lawrence is directing and Billy Ray adapted Collins’ novel.
“The Hunger Games franchise has long been a launching pad for remarkable young actors, and Jo and Whitney carry that legacy forward with incredible heart, depth, and fire,” stated Erin Westerman, co-president, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “After auditioning hundreds of gifted performers from around the world, these two stood out—not just for their talent, but for the emotional truth they brought to these iconic roles. Haymitch has always been a fan favorite, and his origin story is one of the most anticipated in the franchise. His relationship with Lenore Dove is deeply woven into the emotional history of Panem. We can’t wait for fans to experience the story that shaped one of the most compelling characters in the series.”
Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson are on board as producers, and Cameron MacConomy will executive produce.
“Deb Zane and Dylan Jury oversaw an exhaustive (and exhausting!) search to find a young actor with the skill and imagination to embody young Haymitch,” said Jacobson. “Jo prepared like crazy and stole our hearts. Then Whitney took our breath away as Lenore Dove. When we put the two of them together, it was one of those magical casting moments when you know your search has led you home.”
Collins’ The Hunger Games prequel was published on March 18, 2025 and sold 1.5 million during its first week in release. Per Lionsgate, “Sunrise on the Reaping revisits the world of Panem twenty-four years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.”
This post was last modified on February 4, 2026 1:31 pm