Fans of the “Hunger Games” franchise were eager to find out who’d be cast as Haymitch Abernathy in the prequel film “Sunrise on the Reaping,” and they finally have their answer. Joseph Zada is set to star as the younger version of Haymitch, who was portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the original “Hunger Games” films. “Sunrise on the Reaping” takes place 24 years before the events of the first “Hunger Games” movie, when Haymitch is 16.
Haymitch’s girlfriend Lenore Dove Baird will be played by Whitney Peak. Mckenna Grace will portray Haymitch’s fellow District 12 Hunger games tribute, Maysilee Donner. The prequel film, which is based on Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel of the same name, documents Haymitch’s experience competing in the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the second Quarter Quell.
“Sunrise on the Reaping” comes after another “Hunger Games” prequel, President Snow’s origin story “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” was released in 2023. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about Zada before “Sunrise on the Reaping” hits theaters on November 20, 2026. 1.
How old is Joseph Zada? Zada is 20, making him only four years older than Haymitch in “Sunrise on the Reaping.” 2. What movies and TV shows has Joseph Zada been in?
You might recognize Zada as Charlie Roth from the Australian television series “Invisible Boys.” He also had a recurring role on the Australian political drama “Total Control” and appeared in the Australian films “Bilched” and “The Speedway Murders.” READ MORE: Is Woody Harrelson in the new ‘Hunger Games’ movie? Zada has two other big projects coming up in addition to “Sunrise on the Reaping.” He is set to play Johnny Sinclair in the 2025 television adaptation of the E. Lockhart novel “We Were Liars” and Cal Trask in the 2026 adaptation of the Josh Steinbeck novel “East of Eden.” 3. Where is Joseph Zada from?
Zada was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. 4. What has Joseph Zada said about playing Haymitch?
Zada hasn’t spoken publicly yet about his role in the “Hunger Games” prequel. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President Erin Westerman said in a statement that Zada and Peak “stood out” among “hundreds of gifted performers from around the world” who auditioned for Haymitch and Lenore. “[Zada and Peak] stood out — not just for their talent, but for the emotional truth they brought to these iconic roles,“ Westerman said.
”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.” 5.
Is Joseph Zada on Instagram? Yes, Zada’s Instagram handle is @josephzada. He mostly posts career updates.
In March, he reflected on his experience filming “Invisible Boys.” “To come into this project seconds after finishing highschool and to lead it with very little professional acting experience was daunting. But luckily I had the best cast and crew to guide me through and make living on the other side of Australia feel like home,” he captioned several behind the scenes photos from the shoot. Our journalism needs your support.
Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/.
