Meet The Cast Of Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping

The Hunger Games prequel Sunrise on the Reaping reveals their full cast from Joseph Zada as young Haymitch to Ralph Fiennes as President Snow.

A return to the world of Panem is officially underway. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is the next chapter in the beloved dystopian saga—this time diving into the origins of fan favorite Haymitch Abernathy. With the full cast now announced, Lionsgate is setting the stage for what promises to be another emotionally intense, star-studded journey through the Capitol’s cruel games.

The film, based on Suzanne Collins’ newest novel of the same name, is set 24 years before the original Hunger Games series and centers on the events of the 50th Hunger Games, otherwise known as the Second Quarter Quell. Sunrise on the Reaping hits theaters November 20, 2026, with Francis Lawrence returning to direct for producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, and a screenplay penned by Billy Ray.

Joseph Zada leads the cast as a young Haymitch Abernathy, a role made iconic by Woody Harrelson. Zada, a rising star, will also appear in Amazon’s We Were Liars and Netflix’s East of Eden. Opposite him is Whitney Peak, known for Gossip Girl, as Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend and a Covey girl from District 12. Lionsgate’s Erin Westerman praised the duo, calling them standouts from hundreds of auditions, saying they bring “incredible heart, depth and fire” to the film.

Mckenna Grace steps into the role of Maysilee Donner, a fellow District 12 tribute and original owner of the mockingjay pin later worn by Katniss. Grace’s film resume includes Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Frozen Empire, and upcoming roles in Scream 7 and Five Nights at Freddy’s 2.

The cast also includes Jesse Plemons as a younger Plutarch Heavensbee, previously played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Plemons’ version of the character is seen at the reaping in District 12. Both Westerman and Jacobson spoke highly of Plemons, calling him a dream choice and a fitting tribute to Hoffman’s legacy.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. joins as Beetee, a former Hunger Games victor and father to a tribute in the 50th Games. Harrison is known for his role in Mufasa: The Lion King and will also play Jean-Michel Basquiat in Samo Lives.

Maya Hawke takes on Wiress, another former victor turned mentor. Hawke, best known for Stranger Things, will also star in a Lucia Joyce biopic. Meanwhile, Lili Taylor plays Mags, a seasoned mentor and former champion who guided both Haymitch and Finnick in different games.

Rounding out the tributes is Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow, part of the notorious Booker Boys family from District 12. Wang recently starred in American Born Chinese and headlines the upcoming Karate Kid: Legends, releasing May 30.

Finally, Ralph Fiennes joins the franchise as the elder version of President Coriolanus Snow, once portrayed by Donald Sutherland. Jacobson called Fiennes’ casting “a thrill,” noting his ability to bring gravitas to the notorious tyrant.

With its blend of fresh faces and seasoned actors, Sunrise on the Reaping is poised to expand The Hunger Games legacy, offering fans a gripping prequel filled with new depth, high stakes, and unforgettable performances.