Cast members announced for 'Hunger Games' prequel. Who will play Haymitch and Lenore Dove?

Indianapolis Star

24-04-2025

Two new faces are going into the Hunger Games arena; and one will watch her beloved from afar.
Lionsgate is bringing Indiana University alumna Suzanne Collins ' latest novel, "Sunrise on the Reaping," to the big screen next year. This week, three key cast members were announced — including the lead character, a younger version of one of Katniss' mentors.
Here's what the studio has announced so far.
Who is playing Haymitch Abernathy in 'Sunrise on the Reaping'?
Variety reported this week that Joseph Zada would star as Haymitch, one of the male Hunger Games tributes from District 12, in the new film. Zada is credited in two upcoming streaming series: "We Were Liars" on Prime Video and "East of Eden" on Netflix.
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In the original trilogy of "Hunger Games" films starring Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson played Haymitch.
Who is playing Lenore Dove Baird in 'Sunrise on the Reaping'?
In the book, Lenore Dove Baird is a member of a group of traveling musicians from District 12 who were introduced in "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes." Actress Whitney Peak will play her in the film, according to Variety.
A character with the same last name, Lucy Gray Baird, was played by Rachel Zegler in the latest film, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes." She was the first District 12 tribute to win the Hunger Games.
Peak starred in the recent reboot of "Gossip Girl" and in "Hocus Pocus 2."
Who is playing Maysilee Donner in the new 'Hunger Games' movie?
McKenna Grace will play Maysilee Donner, another District 12 tribute, Variety reported.
The actress has a long list of credits across her youth, including "Fuller House," "The Handmaid's Tale," "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" and "Young Sheldon." She will be in the upcoming adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel, "Regretting You."
Where does 'Sunrise on the Reaping' fall in the 'Hunger Games' series?
The prequel falls chronologically between Collins' last release, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," and the first "Hunger Games" book. Here's the order:
"The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" (2020): Takes place during the 10th Hunger Games competition and centers around a young Corialanus Snow.
"Sunrise on the Reaping" (2025): Takes place during the 25th Hunger Games, the first Quarter Quell, when twice as many tributes were required. Haymitch Abernathy is the main character.
" The Hunger Games" (2008): Takes place during the 74th Hunger Games, when Katniss Everdeen volunteered as tribute to replace her sister.
"Catching Fire" (2009): Takes place during the 75th Hunger Games, another Quarter Quell. This time, participants are drawn only from previous Hunger Games winners.
"Mockingjay" (2010): Takes place during the revolution that follows the Quarter Quell.
When is 'Sunrise on the Reaping,' the new Hunger Games movie, in theaters?
Lionsgate lists the film's release date as Nov. 20, 2026.