Suzanne Collins gave her readers a huge gift in returning to the world of The Hunger Games series, the first three books of which she wrote in 2008, 2009 and 2010, for the prequel story of one Haymitch Abernathy. Haymitc...
By Nexvoro Tech Wire
PUBLISHED THU, SEP 17, 2026 8:00 PM UTC • 6 MIN READ
Primary Journalistic Dispatch & Direct Reporting
Suzanne Collins gave her readers a huge gift in returning to the world of The Hunger Games series, the first three books of which she wrote in 2008, 2009 and 2010, for the prequel story of one Haymitch Abernathy.
Haymitch, portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the quartet of films based on Collins' original book trilogy, was Katniss Everdeen's (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark's (Josh Hutcherson) mentor for their two Hunger Games - the 74 th and 75 th .
For everything we know about the film adaptation of Hunger Game: Sunrise on the Reaping , read on:
In-Depth Developments & Factual Context
When does the The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping film come out?
Is there a trailer for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping ?
A fuller trailer showing new actors and actresses portraying younger versions of familiar characters arrived in April 2026, and still another one that hints at some of the more gruesome scenes from the novel arrived mid-September ahead of release this year.
Industry Impact & Strategic Analysis
Lionsgate released a teaser trailer Nov. 20, 2025 a year before the film will arrive in theaters. The clip features Close as Drusilla, Zada as Haymitch, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove, McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket Ralph Fiennes as President Snow and more.
RELATED: 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping': Surprise Teaser Trailer Shows Glenn Close, Ralph Fiennes, Joseph Zada, Elle Fanning, McKenna Grace, Whitney Peak & More
What sounds like Woody Harrelson's voiceover plays at the end of the clip, which follows the pattern of Donald Sutherland lending his voice to The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes , in which Tom Blyth portrayed a younger version of Sutherland's original President Snow.
Forward Outlook & Market Perspective
Who will play Haymitch Abernathy in The Sunrise on the Reaping movie?
Joseph Zada has been cast in the main role of Haymitch for the film. Zada appeared in another highly anticipated book adaptation, the television series We Were Liars , Season 1 of which made a big splash on Prime Video in June. In that show, he plays Johnny Sinclair, and author E. Lockhart revealed that he will reprise the role in the recently renewed second season , which is based on Lockhart's prequel novel, Family of Liars .
Deadline exclusively reported Zada's casting alongside the actress who will play Haymitch's love interest, Lenore Dove Baird.
Who else is in the cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping film?
Whitney Peak will portray Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch's girl and a descendant of the Covey, the nomadic group of performers whom Collins expanded upon in her first prequel story, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes .
Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), was a member of the Covey.
Reporting synthesized and verified under Nexvoro.tech editorial guidelines. Full primary records referenced via Deadline Hollywood.
Reporting synthesized under Nexvoro.tech Editorial Standards • Referenced via Deadline Hollywood
Verified Dispatch
