Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak to star in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping’
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping has confirmed emerging actors Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak for the lead roles in the forthcoming movie.
In the film, Zada will star as District 12 tribute Haymitch Abernathy while Peak will portray his girlfriend Lenore Dove Baird. The upcoming feature is based on Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games book of the same name, set 40 years after the prequel The Ballads of Songbirds & Snakes, but 24 years before the initial The Hunger Games series.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman shared of the casting: “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.”
Westerman continued: “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.”
The co-president concluded: “We can’t wait for fans to experience the story that shaped one of the most compelling characters in the series.”
Meanwhile, producer Nina Jacobson of Color Force added, “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. 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.”
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will be released on November 20th, 2026, and Francis Lawrence will return to the director’s chair.
Zada has previously appeared in the television series Invisible Boys and Total Control. The Australian actor will also feature in the upcoming Prime Video drama We Were Liars. Meanwhile, Peak starred in the HBO Max revival of Gossip Girl and Hocus Pocus 2. She will also star alongside Phoebe Dynevor in Tommy Wirkola’s Shiver.
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