Lionsgate’s Hunger Games Prequel Casts Rising Stars for Haymitch and Lenore Roles
Lionsgate has announced the first two leads for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, tapping Joseph Zada to play young Haymitch Abernathy, a role famously portrayed by Woody Harrelson, and Whitney Peak as his girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird. These highly coveted roles sparked fierce competition among young actors, fueling excitement for the prequel, which hits theaters on November 20, 2026.
Adapted from Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novel, Sunrise on the Reaping dives into Panem’s dystopian world 24 years before the original Hunger Games. The story unfolds during the 50th Hunger Games, or Second Quarter Quell, and follows 16-year-old Haymitch, a clever and determined District 12 teen, as he faces a brutal arena with 48 tributes—twice the usual number. Lenore Dove Baird’s bond with Haymitch adds a heartfelt layer to this fan-favorite character’s origin story.
Erin Westerman, Co-President of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, praised the casting, saying, “Jo and Whitney bring heart, depth, and fire to these iconic roles. After auditioning hundreds of talented actors, their emotional authenticity stood out. Haymitch’s story is a fan favorite, and his connection with Lenore Dove shapes Panem’s history.” Producer Nina Jacobson of Color Force added, “Jo’s preparation won us over, and Whitney’s performance as Lenore Dove was breathtaking. Together, they’re pure magic.”
Directed by Francis Lawrence and scripted by Billy Ray, the film is produced by Jacobson and Brad Simpson, with Cameron MacConomy as executive producer. Lionsgate’s Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien oversee the project, building on a franchise that has earned over $3.3 billion worldwide. The casting process, led by Deb Zane and Dylan Jury, was rigorous, ensuring Zada and Peak embody the spirit of these complex characters.
Joseph Zada, currently starring in Stan Australia’s Invisible Boys, will appear in Prime Video’s We Were Liars this June and Netflix’s East of Eden with Florence Pugh. Whitney Peak, known for Max’s Gossip Girl reboot and Hocus Pocus 2, will lead Sony’s Shiver and star in Amazon MGM’s 4 Kids Walk into a Bank. Their rising stardom aligns with the franchise’s tradition of launching young talent.
