StanThe Hunger Games prequel movie Sunrise on the Reaping has found its leading stars – and they’re not known names. Joseph Zada takes on the role of Haymitch, but who is the young star?
Set during the year of the second Quarter Quell – aka the 50th Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins’ new novel Sunrise on the Reaping explores how Haymitch Abernathy eventually wins his year. If you remember, we’ve already met Haymitch in the previous books and movies as Katniss’ mentor.
Here’s what we already knew about him. He won the games at 16 years old, making him only the second victor from District 12, with Lucy Gray Baird from The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes being the first. In later years, he became part of the elite conspiracy that evolved into the eventual rebellion.
We’ve still got a fair few holes in our Hunger Games knowledge, and that’s where Sunrise on the Reaping comes in. The book was already confirmed to get a movie adaptation before it was released, with Joseph Zada now cast in the leading role. But who is the young actor?
Who is Joseph Zada? Where you know new Hunger Games star from
Normally, franchises like to head their casts up with some famous faces, but Sunrise on the Reaping has cast two relatively unknown actors in its main roles. Joseph Zada will play the young Haymitch Abernathy, and he’s so far only got a handful of credits to his name.
StanCurrently, Zada is starring in the lead role of Charlie Roth in Stan Australia’s original series Invisible Boys, based on the bestselling novel by Holden Sheppard. The series only began in January, so this is all still relatively fresh.
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Before that, Zada has also been seen in Total Control as Daniel, The Speedway Murders as Dan, and Bilched as Toby. Other than that, Zada is a completely fresh face.
That doesn’t mean he doesn’t have other projects lined up, though. Alongside Sunrise on the Reaping, fans can expect to see him in the TV mini-series East of Eden, and in the eight-part series We Were Liars. The latter will be hitting screens later this year, with East of Eden and Sunrise on the Reaping both set for 2026 releases.
So far, Zada hasn’t made a public statement on being cast as Haymitch in the upcoming movie, but has acknowledged his new co-star, Whitney Peak, in a short tribute on his Instagram Stories.
Sunrise on the Reaping’s unknown casting was intentional
Alongside Zada, Whitney Peak will play the role of Leonore Dove, Haymitch’s girlfriend at the time of his reaping. As another relatively unknown name, the movie’s creators have hinted that giving young actors a platform was always part of the plan.
Lionsgate“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,” Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President Erin Westerman said in a statement.
“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. We can’t wait for fans to experience the story that shaped one of the most compelling characters in the series.”
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.”
Aside from Zaha and Peak, we don’t yet know who else will be joining the Sunrise on the Reaping cast. It’s also unknown if Woody Harrelson will reprise his role of older Haymitch for a potential flashback appearance.
Sunrise on the Reaping will hit cinemas on November 20, 2026. For more, find out where to stream the Hunger Games movies, who won the first Hunger Games, and why you’re wrong about the worst Hunger Games movies.