Joseph Zada Cast as Haymitch in Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

Tributes, get ready! There’s a new face representing District 12—and fans are buzzing. Australian newcomer Joseph Zada has officially been cast as Haymitch Abernathy in the highly anticipated film The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, a prequel to Suzanne Collins’ bestselling dystopian saga. While Zada may not yet be a household name, this casting is set to change everything.

From his acting background to the huge expectations riding on his shoulders, here’s everything you need to know about the rising star stepping into one of Panem’s most beloved roles.

Joseph Zada Joins the Hunger Games Legacy

In a casting announcement that’s already dominating headlines, Lionsgate confirmed Joseph Zada will portray a young Haymitch Abernathy in Sunrise on the Reaping. Fans of the franchise will recognize Haymitch as the gruff, reluctant mentor played by Woody Harrelson in the original films. But this prequel dives into Haymitch’s tragic past—specifically the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

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Zada’s casting was revealed alongside Whitney Peak, who takes on the role of Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s love interest. According to Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman, Zada and Peak were selected after a global search that included hundreds of hopefuls.

“These two stood out—not just for their talent but for the emotional truth they brought to these iconic roles,” Westerman said. That’s high praise from a studio known for launching major careers, including Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth.

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Who Is Joseph Zada?

Joseph Zada, age 20, hails from Sydney, Australia and is slowly but surely making his mark in the entertainment world. Although this is his first major international role, Zada already has a few impressive credits to his name.

He recently starred in Invisible Boys, a Stan original series that premiered in February 2025, and had supporting roles in Australian political drama Total Control as well as the indie film Bilched. Zada is also attached to two more major projects this year: the Prime Video series We Were Liars, based on the bestselling YA novel, and Netflix’s East of Eden limited series, where he shares the screen with Florence Pugh and Mike Faist.

With each role, Zada is proving he’s not just another good-looking actor—he’s a serious performer with a future as bright as Panem’s Capitol skyline.

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What Role Will Zada Play in Sunrise on the Reaping?

Zada is stepping into some pretty big—and emotionally complex—shoes. His character, Haymitch Abernathy, is just 16 during the events of the film, which is set 24 years before The Hunger Games. This prequel tells the story of the infamous Second Quarter Quell and reveals how Haymitch’s traumatic experience shaped him into the jaded mentor we eventually meet in Katniss Everdeen’s time.

Fans can expect to see a raw, emotional version of Haymitch—before the sarcasm, before the alcohol, and before the heartbreak hardened him. It’s a major challenge, and judging by early buzz from behind-the-scenes insiders, Zada’s performance is already turning heads.

Whitney Peak and the New Generation of Hunger Games Stars

Joining Zada in this next-generation Hunger Games cast is Whitney Peak, best known for her role as Zoya Lott in the Gossip Girl reboot. She’ll play Lenore Dove Baird, a brand-new character who serves as Haymitch’s love interest and emotional anchor during the Games.

There’s also strong speculation that Elle Fanning will join the cast as a young Effie Trinket, though Lionsgate has yet to confirm. One thing’s clear—Sunrise on the Reaping is shaping up to be a powerhouse ensemble filled with rising stars and future legends.

When Will Sunrise on the Reaping Hit Theaters?

The hype is very real. The Sunrise on the Reaping book sold over 1.5 million copies in its debut week across multiple countries, including the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Canada. That’s double the sales of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and triple that of Mockingjay.

The film adaptation is now officially slated for release on November 20, 2026—so fans still have time to re-read the book, revisit the original films, and get to know the fresh faces taking over Panem.