The Starvation Video games: Dawn on the Reaping, directed by franchise veteran Francis Lawrence, is ready to hit theaters subsequent 12 months.
Although it’s the latest movie within the sequence, the story takes us again in time, a long time earlier than Katniss Everdeen, performed by Jennifer Lawrence, volunteered as tribute. This prequel facilities on a younger Haymitch Abernathy, the character portrayed by Woody Harrelson within the unique movies, and the brutal fiftieth Starvation Video games, also called the Second Quarter Quell.
“Haymitch has all the time been a fan favourite, and his origin story is without doubt one of the most anticipated within the franchise,”co-president of Lionsgate Movement Image Group Erin Westerman mentioned in a press launch. “We are able to’t look forward to followers to expertise the story that formed one of the compelling characters within the sequence.”
Led by Joseph Zada as younger Haymitch, the prequel introduces a contemporary forged of rising stars and acquainted faces entering into the world of Panem. Right here’s a have a look at who’s starring on this long-awaited return to the world.
Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy
Zada, a 20-year-old Australian actor, takes on the position of younger Haymitch Abernathy, the only male tribute from District 12 within the fiftieth Starvation Video games. Zada has beforehand appeared in Australian productions reminiscent of Invisible Boys and Whole Management. He’s additionally set to seem within the upcoming sequence We Had been Liars and East of Eden, starring alongside Florence Pugh.
Casting a youthful model of such a well-established character was no small process. In a March 2025 interview with Selection, producer Nina Jacobson acknowledged the problem of discovering somebody who may embody the essence of Haymitch with out mimicking Harrelson’s unique portrayal.
“No one could be Woody Harrelson however Woody Harrelson,” she mentioned. “You don’t need any person who’s impersonating Woody, however you need any person who very credibly appears like they might be a younger model of this character, earlier than the trauma and grief and rage that the fallout of the Video games create.”
Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird
Whitney Peak, 22, portrays Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend and a member of the Covey, a musical group from District 12. Peak is understood for her roles within the Gossip Lady reboot and Hocus Pocus 2.
Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner
Mckenna Grace performs Maysilee Donner, one other tribute from District 12 and a brief ally of Haymitch through the Video games. At simply 18, Grace is already a seasoned movie and tv actor, with standout roles in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, The Handmaid’s Story, and Younger Sheldon.
