A new generation is entering the arena. With Sunrise on the Reaping set to hit theaters in 2026, the Hunger Games franchise is getting a fresh dose of talent—from seasoned Hollywood legends to rising stars. Here’s your first look at the cast behind Panem’s newest prequel.
A new beginning in a familiar world
The Capitol is stirring once more. Set decades before Katniss Everdeen first volunteered as tribute, Sunrise on the Reaping takes fans back to the heart of Panem during its 50th Hunger Games—the brutal Second Quarter Quell. Based on Suzanne Collins’ upcoming 2025 novel, the story follows a young Haymitch Abernathy as he’s forced into the Games that will define his life, his trauma, and his future role as a mentor.
The film is slated for release on November 20, 2026, with franchise veteran Francis Lawrence returning to direct and Billy Ray adapting the screenplay. While past films have leaned on A-list stars, this prequel makes a bold move, spotlighting a dynamic cast of emerging actors. It’s a casting shift that’s already earned praise for giving new talent a chance to shine in one of Hollywood’s biggest dystopian universes.
The new Haymitch: meet Joseph Zada
At the center of Sunrise on the Reaping is Joseph Zada, who takes on the monumental role of Haymitch Abernathy, the sole District 12 victor of the 50th Games. Previously portrayed by Woody Harrelson, Haymitch is remembered for his sharp wit, rough edges, and hard-earned wisdom. But in this film, audiences will meet him at just 16—unpolished, vulnerable, and fighting to survive.
Zada, a rising star, is quickly gaining momentum in the industry. He’s set to appear in Amazon Prime’s We Were Liars, the Australian series Invisible Boys, and Netflix’s upcoming East of Eden alongside Florence Pugh and Mike Faist. For many fans, Sunrise on the Reaping will be their first introduction to Zada—but if early buzz is any indication, it won’t be the last.
Whitney Peak and McKenna Grace bring depth to District 12
Joining Haymitch in the Games are two key District 12 characters. Whitney Peak will play Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend and a grounding force in his life before the Reaping. Originally from Uganda and raised in Vancouver, Peak is best known for her role in Max’s Gossip Girl reboot and Hocus Pocus 2. Now based in New York, she brings both grit and grace to the role of Lenore.
Starring opposite Zada in the arena is McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, the other District 12 tribute and a pivotal figure in Haymitch’s Games. Grace has become a familiar face thanks to Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Gifted, and an Emmy-nominated performance in The Handmaid’s Tale. With multiple film projects slated for 2025, including Regretting You and Scream 7, Grace continues to build an impressive résumé—and Maysilee may be one of her most emotionally charged roles to date.
A Capitol ensemble: fashion, politics, and power
No Hunger Games story is complete without the glittering yet grotesque world of the Capitol. In Sunrise on the Reaping, a mix of veteran actors and bold new casting choices bring Panem’s elite to life.
Billy Porter steps into the stylish shoes of Magno Stift, the eccentric designer tasked with dressing the District 12 tributes—and the estranged husband of their Capitol escort. His flamboyant energy and deep emotional range are expected to bring nuance to a role that explores both creativity and conflict.Opposite him is Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle, the no-nonsense Capitol escort for District 12. Known for commanding performances in films like Dangerous Liaisons and Fatal Attraction, Close is a natural choice to portray Drusilla’s cold composure and unwavering allegiance to the Games.
And in the ultimate return to Capitol theatrics, Kieran Culkin has officially been cast as Caesar Flickerman, the show-stopping host of the Hunger Games broadcasts. Taking over the role from Stanley Tucci, Culkin—best known for Succession—offers a quirkier, perhaps darker interpretation of the character. His casting has already thrilled fans, who rallied for him online before the announcement.
Effie Trinket gets a fresh face
In one of the most anticipated casting decisions, Elle Fanning has been confirmed as the new Effie Trinket. Known for her elaborate outfits and iconic “May the odds be ever in your favor” line, Effie is a character fans have long loved—and loved to analyze.
Fanning’s portrayal is expected to blend the character’s surface-level flamboyance with deeper emotional undercurrents. With past performances in The Great and Maleficent, Fanning brings both whimsy and substance to a role that will trace Effie’s earlier years in the Capitol system.
Big names, big roles
Rounding out the ensemble are several major names taking on critical roles from the Hunger Games mythology. Jesse Plemons joins as a young Plutarch Heavensbee, the future Head Gamemaker and key figure in the rebellion. Plemons, who previously starred alongside Philip Seymour Hoffman (the original Plutarch) in The Master, brings both gravitas and uncanny resemblance to the character.
Maya Hawke takes on the role of Wiress, the eccentric tribute and tech genius who originally debuted in Catching Fire. Hawke’s version will explore Wiress’s past, giving audiences a deeper look at how trauma and brilliance coalesce in Panem’s Games. Finally, Ralph Fiennes enters the series as President Coriolanus Snow, becoming the third actor to portray the infamous dictator. With his chilling performances in Schindler’s List and the Harry Potter franchise, Fiennes brings refined menace to a character who continues to cast a long shadow over the Hunger Games world.
Also joining the cast is Lili Taylor as Mags, the beloved victor of the 11th Hunger Games, who was first seen in Catching Fire. In this prequel, we’ll see a younger, more vital Mags—still wise, but not yet broken by the Capitol’s cruelty.
A new era for the Hunger Games
With a cast that balances rising stars and seasoned veterans, Sunrise on the Reaping promises to expand the Hunger Games universe in bold, emotionally resonant ways. It’s a return to Panem that feels both nostalgic and entirely new—focused not just on spectacle, but on the stories, relationships, and histories that shaped the world before Katniss. As November 2026 draws closer, anticipation continues to build. One thing’s for sure: the Games are far from over.
