Hunger Games Sunrise & Reaping Cast, For those who lived through the initial Hunger Games frenzy, the 50th annual games—known chillingly as the Second Quarter Quell—loomed large in the mythology of Panem. It was the deadliest contest, featuring twice the usual number of tributes, and it birthed the franchise’s most cynical and beloved character: Haymitch Abernathy. Now, thanks to Suzanne Collins’ latest novel, Sunrise on the Reaping, and the upcoming film adaptation, we are finally going back to that EPIC moment.
Lionsgate recently dropped the first teaser trailer for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, confirming a November 20, 2026, release date and—most importantly—unveiling the new generation of stars tasked with embodying these iconic and tragic figures. The collective talent assembled for the Hunger Games Sunrise & Reaping cast is absolutely phenomenal, mixing established young stars with celebrated veterans to deliver what promises to be the most brutal, yet visually stunning, installment yet.
This is more than just a casting breakdown; this is a celebration of the actors tasked with bringing Haymitch’s origin story, his trauma, and the height of the Capitol’s deadly arrogance to life.
Table of Contents
Haymitch’s Origin: The New Faces of District 12
The heart of Sunrise on the Reaping is the story of how 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy won the Second Quarter Quell, transforming from a defiant youth into the tormented, cynical mentor we knew in the original series. The primary focus of the Hunger Games Sunrise & Reaping cast is introducing the new class of District 12 talent.
Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy
Taking on the role Woody Harrelson immortalized is Australian actor Joseph Zada. This was arguably the toughest role to cast, as producers searched for an actor who could believably possess the intelligence, humor, and hidden darkness that later defines Haymitch, without resorting to an imitation of Harrelson. Zada, who is quickly rising to prominence, was praised by the casting team for preparing “like crazy and stol[ing] our hearts.” His performance will depict Haymitch before the scars fully formed, showing us the desperate drive that led him to defy the Capitol’s rules.
Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner
Fans of the book know Maysilee Donner is Haymitch’s fellow tribute from District 12. Initially presented as a popular, almost spoiled Capitol-adjacent girl, Maysilee becomes a key ally for Haymitch in the arena. Mckenna Grace, an Emmy-nominated young veteran known for her roles in Gifted and the Ghostbusters franchise, is perfectly cast to handle the emotional complexity and rapid maturity required for this pivotal character’s tragic arc.
Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird
Joining the Hunger Games Sunrise & Reaping cast as Haymitch’s love interest is Whitney Peak, known for the Gossip Girl reboot. Lenore Dove, a relative of Songbirds & Snakes protagonist Lucy Gray Baird, is part of the Covey group—the traveling music troupe confined to District 12. Her character grounds Haymitch in the human touch that the Capitol seeks to destroy, making her role critical to understanding his eventual trauma.
The Legacy Players: Iconic Roles, New Faces
The 50th Games happen during a period of rising pomp and propaganda in the Capitol. This prequel naturally requires recasting key characters seen in the original saga. The sheer talent brought in to play these younger/middle-aged versions confirms the star-studded nature of the Hunger Games Sunrise & Reaping cast:
| Character | New Actor | Original Actor (in 74th Games Era) | Significance in Sunrise |
| Plutarch Heavensbee | Jesse Plemons | Philip Seymour Hoffman | Head Gamemaker (or an apprentice) for the 50th Games. Plemons’ casting is widely celebrated for his resemblance and acting caliber. |
| Effie Trinket | Elle Fanning | Elizabeth Banks | The eccentric Capitol stylist assigned to the District 12 Tributes, a popular fan-cast come true. |
| Caesar Flickerman | Kieran Culkin | Stanley Tucci | The flamboyant, iconic host of the Games. Culkin brings a fresh, award-winning dynamic to the Capitol’s master of ceremonies. |
| President Snow | Ralph Fiennes | Donald Sutherland | The future tyrannical president, likely still a high-ranking official or mentor, tying back to his own prequel story. |
The seamless transition from the original actors to this new high-caliber group—especially the casting of Jesse Plemons, who worked alongside the late Philip Seymour Hoffman in The Master—is a powerful testament to the careful thought put into the Hunger Games Sunrise & Reaping cast.
The Mentors and Victors: Familiar Names, Deeper Lore
The Second Quarter Quell also introduces younger versions of two other fan-favorite victors who later become key allies to Katniss in Catching Fire. These additions fill out the rich lore and expand the depth of the Hunger Games Sunrise & Reaping cast:
- Maya Hawke as Wiress: Known for Stranger Things, Hawke steps into the role of the brilliant, eccentric victor from District 3. Her character, who uses her mechanical genius to survive the 49th Games, now serves as a mentor.
- Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier: The tech wizard, also from District 3. Harrison Jr. is tasked with showing us Beetee before the trauma of the Quarter Quell truly sets in.
- Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan: A revered victor from District 4 who served as a mentor to Haymitch. Taylor’s casting brings decades of acting experience to this silent, but highly respected, character.
Finally, the inclusion of veterans like Glenn Close (as the severe Capitol escort, Drusilla Sickle) and Billy Porter (as Magno Stift, the tributes’ stylist) rounds out the Hunger Games Sunrise & Reaping cast, ensuring every Capitol presence is as menacing and memorable as they were in the original films.
The sheer excitement from fans following the teaser trailer drop underscores the success of this casting strategy. By blending the profound history of the franchise with a talented, fresh ensemble, Sunrise on the Reaping is perfectly positioned to resonate with both nostalgic fans and a new generation. This story about the trauma of a generation and the origins of a hero has found the perfect set of actors to bring its devastating beauty to the big screen in 2026. The wait will be long, but the Hunger Games Sunrise & Reaping cast has already proven the spectacle will be worth it.
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