Suzanne Collins’ latest Hunger Games novel, Sunrise on the Reaping, just came out (and became a bestseller) last month, but the film adaptation is already well on the way—and now it has its two stars. Deadline reports that Joseph Zada will play Haymitch Abernathy, the tribute from District 12, and Whitney Peak will play Lenore Dove Baird, who is described only as Haymitch’s girlfriend.
Sunrise on the Reaping takes place during the Second Quarter Quell, 24 years before The Hunger Games. During the Quarter Quells, each District has to send twice as many tributes to the Games: two boys and two girls instead of the usual pair. After the initial Reaping goes awry, Haymitch is selected for the Games, along with Wyatt Callow, Louella McCoy, and Maysilee Donner.
In a statement quoted by Deadline, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President Erin Westerman said. “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.”
Zada only has a few credits so far, but costars in Prime’s upcoming adaptation of E.L. Lockhart’s We Were Liars and the star-studded East of Eden adaptation coming to Netflix. Peak has appeared in episodes of iZombie and Legends of Tomorrow, had a recurring role on Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and starred in Hocus Pocus 2 (pictured above) and the Gossip Girl reboot.
Sunrise on the Reaping will be directed by Francis Lawrence, who also directed Catching Fire and both Mockingjay films. The adaptation is written by Billy Ray, who also wrote the adaptation of the first book in the series. It will be in theaters November 20, 2026.