The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping‘s young Haymitch Abernathy has now been revealed following a new set leak. Adapting the Suzanne Collins novel of the same name, the latest installment in the Hunger Games franchise is a prequel, chronicling Haymitch’s experience in the 50th iteration of the titular games.
Though Woody Harrelson played Haymitch in the original four films, the Sunrise on the Reaping cast features Joseph Zada taking over the role, with other newcomers including Elle Fanning, Ralph Fiennes, Jesse Plemons, Kieran Culkin, Glenn Close, Maya Hawke, and Iris Apatow, among others.
Now, a first look at Zada’s Haymitch look in Sunrise on the Reaping has been revealed in a new set image from @thedistrictdispatch. ... shows a poster of young Haymitch, seemingly post-games, with the caption “Our Victor” at the top, and “Your Hero” at the bottom. His hairstyle seems to be different from Harrelson’s version of the character.
...er hangs in front of a stained, industrial-looking wall, next to what could either be another covered poster or a hanging banner of some sort. The images show a crew member either putting some finishing touches on ...er or weathering it to suit the atmosphere of the film.
Click here to see the new Sunrise on the Reaping set image.
What This Means For Sunrise On The Reaping
The four initial Hunger Games movies were generally well-liked and successful, and Harrelson appears as Haymitch in all of them. He serves as a mentor to Katniss after previously winning the 50th games, but his position and history have left him dealing with a great deal of psychological trauma that he drowns in alcohol.
These posters suggest that audiences are in for a very different version of Haymitch in the Sunrise on the Reaping story, one that is more active and traditionally heroic (or at least portrayed that way in propaganda). This difference could make it easier for audiences to accept a Haymitch played by an entirely new actor.
Sunrise on the Reaping will mark Zada’s biggest movie to date, but he does have several notable titles on his resume, mostly in the TV space. He previously appeared in We Were Liars, Invisible Boys, and Total Control. In the world of movies, he appeared in The Speedway Murders (2023) and Bilched (2019).
Posters, so far, have been the main leaks from the Sunrise on the Reaping set. Last week, a set image revealed Fiennes’ new President Snow, who has been dubbed “Panem’s No. 1 Peacekeeper.” Posters, it seems, will be important pieces of set dressing in the new Hunger Games prequel.
Our Take On The Young Haymitch Sunrise On The Reaping Images
Harrelson was a strong choice as Haymitch, capturing the character’s inner turmoil while also making him empathetic and a strong ally for Katniss. Zada has big shoes to fill, then, but the Sunrise on the Reaping timeline means a fresh and different take on the character makes a lot of sense.
Purely in terms of art direction, the leaks so far suggest The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will feel familiar in terms of atmosphere and setting, which isn’t surprising given Francis Lawrence’s return to the director’s chair. With a release date still more than a year away, though, official reveals are likely still a ways off.
- Release Date
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November 20, 2026
- Director
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Francis Lawrence
- Writers
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Billy Ray
- Producers
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Brad Simpson
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Joseph Zada
Haymitch Abernathy
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Whitney Peak
Lenore Dove Baird
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Mckenna Grace
Maysilee Donner
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