Maya Hawke Joins Hunger Games Prequel As Wiress

Maya Hawke has been cast as Wiress in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, joining a star-studded ensemble in Lionsgate’s prequel.

Maya Hawke is stepping into the dystopian world of Panem. The Stranger Things breakout has officially joined the cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, Lionsgate’s highly anticipated prequel to the blockbuster Hunger Games franchise.

Maya Hawke will play Wiress, a former Hunger Games victor turned mentor for District 12. The character is expected to bring a unique energy to the story, which unfolds 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s rise — on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

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The prequel follows a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, portrayed by Joseph Zada, as he is selected to compete in a twisted version of the Games, which this time will see 48 tributes — double the usual number — thrown into the deadly arena. Whitney Peak joins Zada as Lenore Dove Baird, with a packed cast that includes Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is based on Suzanne Collins’ latest novel, published on March 18, and returns audiences to the ruthless political landscape of Panem. Directing once again is Francis Lawrence, who helmed several previous entries in the franchise. The screenplay comes from Billy Ray, with Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson producing under the Color Force banner. Cameron MacConomy serves as executive producer.

Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien are overseeing the production for Lionsgate, while Robert Melnik handled negotiations for the deals. With a reported budget north of $150 million, the film is being positioned as a centerpiece project at the Cannes Film Festival market and is slated for a November 20, 2026 release.

Maya Hawke’s casting marks another major milestone in her flourishing career. Known for her role as Robin on Netflix’s Stranger Things — which is expected to return this year for its final season — Maya Hawke recently lent her voice to Anxiety in Pixar’s Inside Out 2, and appeared in acclaimed projects such as Maestro, Wildcat, and Asteroid City. She will next portray Lucia Joyce, daughter of literary icon James Joyce, in an upcoming biopic directed by Aisling Walsh.