LIONSGATE ANNOUNCES JOSEPH ZADA AS YOUNG HAYMITCH ABERNATHY, WHITNEY PEAK AS LENORE DOVE, AND MCKENNA GRACE AS MAYSILEE DONNER IN UPCOMING PREQUEL HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LOS ANGELES, CA (April 24, 2025) — Lionsgate and Color Force have officially announced the casting of breakout talents Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, and McKenna Grace in the highly anticipated Hunger Games prequel film, Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The film, set during the infamous 50th Hunger Games—the Second Quarter Quell—will explore a pivotal moment in Panem's history through the eyes of a new generation of tributes.
Joseph Zada will portray a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, the sharp-witted, emotionally complex tribute from District 12 who later becomes a fan-favorite mentor in the original series. Zada, known for his acclaimed role in The Glass City, brings depth and raw emotion to Haymitch’s origin story, chronicling his path from reluctant tribute to unexpected victor.
Starring opposite him is rising star Whitney Peak (Gossip Girl, Hocus Pocus 2), cast as Lenore Dove, a charismatic tribute from District 4 whose intellect, strength, and Capitol appeal make her one of the arena’s most captivating and tragic figures. Lenore’s alliance with Haymitch will form a cornerstone of the film’s narrative, adding layers of heart, tension, and moral complexity.
Joining them in a pivotal role is McKenna Grace (The Haunting of Hill House, Captain Marvel), cast as Maysilee Donner, a courageous tribute from District 12. Grace will bring a unique depth to Maysilee, who, as a close ally to Haymitch in the arena, plays a key role in his emotional and physical journey. Maysilee’s story is one of both heroism and tragedy, and Grace’s ability to portray vulnerability and strength promises to captivate audiences, adding another layer of heart to the brutal world of the Games.
Directed by Francis Lawrence, with a screenplay by Michael Lesslie (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), Sunrise on the Reaping dives deep into the political and psychological stakes of the Games, spotlighting the brutal legacy of the Quarter Quell and the personal stories that shaped Panem’s rebellion. Fans of the franchise can expect intense action, emotional storytelling, and a deeper exploration of the origins of some of the series’ most beloved characters.
Production for Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is slated to begin in summer 2025, with a global theatrical release planned for late 2026. The movie promises to be a must-see for Hunger Games fans old and new, further expanding the rich world of Panem.
We’re incredibly excited for Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping because it marks a thrilling new chapter in the beloved Hunger Games franchise. With the casting of Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy and Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove, we're about to witness the origin stories of two pivotal characters who helped shape the world of Panem. The Second Quarter Quell is one of the most iconic and tragic events in the Hunger Games universe, and we can’t wait to see how these talented actors bring it to life. Zada’s emotional depth and Peak’s fierce charisma promise to deliver performances that will resonate with both long-time fans and newcomers to the series. As the story delves into the brutality of the Games, the alliances that form within the arena, and the personal sacrifices that define survival, Sunrise on the Reaping will undoubtedly become a new favorite for fans of the franchise and action-packed storytelling alike.