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Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak join 'The Hunger Games' prequel as lead cast

ANI April 24, 2025 192 views

Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak join 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' as young Haymitch Abernathy and Lenore Dove Baird. The film, based on Suzanne Collins' novel, is set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen's story. Zada is also starring in Prime Video's 'We Were Liars,' while Peak leads Sony's shark thriller 'Shiver.' The prequel hits theaters on November 20, 2026.

"Zada and Peak bring fresh energy to the Hunger Games universe" – Variety"
Washington DC, April 24: The makers of 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' have finalised their lead actors for the film, reported Variety.

Key Points

1

Joseph Zada stars as young Haymitch Abernathy

2

Whitney Peak plays Lenore Dove Baird

3

Film set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen's story

4

Prequel follows 'Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes' timeline

The 'We Were Liars' star Joseph Zada will star as Haymitch Abernathy, while the actress Whitney Peak will play his girlfriend Lenore Dove Baird in the film.

Under the banner of Lionsgate, the film is based on the novel of the same name by 'Hunger Games' author Suzanne Collins.

As per the novel, the events in the movie take place 40 years after the events of the prequel 'The Ballads of Songbirds & Snakes' and 24 years before Katniss Everdeen's time in the arena, as reported by Variety.

According to the outlet, the new film in the Hunger Games franchise will be released on November 20, 2026.

As for the lead actor, Zada will next be seen in the Prime Video series 'We Were Liars,' which premieres this June.

He also just completed production for Netflix's 'East of Eden,' in which he stars alongside Florence Pugh, Mike Faist, Martha Plimpton, Tracy Letts and Chris Abbott, reported Variety.

Zada currently stars in the lead role of Charlie in the upcoming Stan Australia Original Series 'Invisible Boys,' based on the bestselling novel by Holden Sheppard.

As for Peak, she will next be seen as the lead in Sony Pictures' upcoming shark thriller 'Shiver' opposite Phoebe Dynevor, reported Variety.

She is best known for her starring role on Max's reboot of "Gossip Girl," playing Zoya Lott.

Reader Comments

S
Sarah L.
OMG I can't wait for this! Whitney Peak was amazing in Gossip Girl and Joseph Zada is such a rising star. The casting is perfect! 🎬✨
M
Marcus T.
Interesting choice for Haymitch. I always imagined someone more grizzled looking, but Zada is a great actor so I'll keep an open mind.
J
Jamie K.
November 2026 feels so far away 😭 But if it means they're taking time to make it right, I'm here for it. The Hunger Games universe deserves quality storytelling.
A
Alex P.
I'm cautiously optimistic. The Ballad of Songbirds was great but I hope they don't milk this franchise too much. Still, Peak is an inspired casting choice!
R
Rebecca S.
Just read the book last month and Lenore is such a complex character. Whitney Peak has the range to pull this off - can't wait to see her interpretation!
T
Tyler M.
Respectful criticism: I wish they'd cast someone older for Haymitch. He's supposed to be a victor with years of trauma and alcoholism by this point. Zada looks too young.

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Tags:
Hunger Games prequel Joseph Zada Whitney Peak Suzanne Collins Lionsgate Haymitch Abernathy
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