The Ultimate Guide To ‘Sunrise On The Reaping’ Casting: 7 Major Stars Confirmed For The Haymitch Prequel

The anticipation is reaching a fever pitch for the next chapter in the dystopian saga, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. As of December 18, 2025, official news and highly credible industry reports have finally lifted the veil on the ensemble cast set to bring the tragic, compelling story of a young Haymitch Abernathy to life. This prequel, which covers the brutal 50th Hunger Games—the Second Quarter Quell—is arguably the most-requested story by fans of the original trilogy.

Set 40 years after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and 24 years before Katniss Everdeen volunteers as tribute, Sunrise on the Reaping promises a dark, visceral look at the Games through the eyes of District 12’s future victor and mentor. With production officially kicking off in Summer 2025, the casting announcements feature a blend of rising stars and established Hollywood heavyweights, confirming that the franchise is in safe hands as it heads toward its scheduled release date of November 20, 2026.

The Confirmed and Reported Ensemble Cast for the 50th Hunger Games

The film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ novel will center on 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, a reluctant but resourceful tribute from District 12. Director Francis Lawrence, a veteran of the franchise, is returning to helm the project, ensuring a consistent tone and vision. Here is the breakdown of the most significant stars and the iconic characters they are set to portray in the brutal Second Quarter Quell.

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1. Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy

The pivotal role of the young, yet-to-be-jaded Haymitch Abernathy has been entrusted to rising star Joseph Zada. Haymitch’s journey in the 50th Games is one of the most tragic and defining arcs in the entire Hunger Games canon, detailing the events that led to his lifelong battle with trauma and alcohol. Zada has the immense task of portraying the charismatic, intelligent, and deeply scarred youth who would eventually become Katniss and Peeta's mentor. His casting is seen as a crucial foundation for the prequel's success.

2. Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner

Maysilee Donner is the female tribute from District 12 who enters the arena alongside Haymitch. She is a fan-favorite character known for her wit and her unexpected alliance with Haymitch. The role will be played by Mckenna Grace, an actress already well-known for her dramatic range in films like Gifted and Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Grace's involvement brings a strong, experienced young performer to one of the most heartbreaking relationships in the story.

3. Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird

Whitney Peak, who gained prominence in the Gossip Girl reboot, is reportedly cast as Lenore Dove Baird (sometimes simply referred to as Lenore Dove). While not a tribute in the Games, Lenore is expected to be a significant new character, likely playing a role in the political or social landscape of District 12 or the Capitol during the Quarter Quell. Her character's storyline is a major point of curiosity for fans of the source material.

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4. Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee

In a surprising and exciting turn, the role of a younger Plutarch Heavensbee has reportedly gone to the versatile Jesse Plemons. Plutarch, who later becomes the Head Gamemaker and a key figure in the rebellion, would have been a rising star in the Capitol's political and entertainment circles during the 50th Games. Plemons' ability to play morally ambiguous and complex characters makes him an ideal choice to portray the early career of this influential figure.

5. Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier

The brilliant and essential character Beetee Latier, a victor from District 3, is reportedly cast as Kelvin Harrison Jr. Beetee is known for his genius in electronics and technology, skills that prove vital in both the Games and the rebellion. While Beetee won his own Games (the 35th), his presence in the Capitol during the 50th Quarter Quell could provide a fascinating look at the network of victors and their forced participation in the Games' machinery.

Exploring the Second Quarter Quell: The Stakes Are Higher

The 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell, was a pivotal moment in Panem’s history, designed to be twice as brutal as any regular Games. The Quarter Quell rules are established to remind the districts of the price of their rebellion, and this particular Quell required twice the number of tributes. This means 48 teenagers, two boys and two girls from each of the 12 districts, were forced into the arena, dramatically raising the stakes and the body count.

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The Arena and Environmental Design

A key aspect of the Second Quarter Quell is the arena itself. The Capitol's Gamemakers designed an environment that was both beautiful and deadly, a stark contrast to the grittier arenas seen in the later Games. This Quarter Quell was designed to be a "beautiful" and "breathtaking" spectacle, filled with natural dangers that were far more elaborate than usual. Haymitch's strategy, which involves using the arena's boundary force field, is a legendary moment that the film will undoubtedly explore in detail.

The Political Climate of Panem

The film takes place during a time when the Capitol's grip on the districts is firm, yet the seeds of dissent are beginning to sprout. This era is a crucial bridge between the post-war reconstruction shown in Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and the full-blown tyranny witnessed in The Hunger Games. The film will delve into the lives of the victors and the political maneuvering in the Capitol, likely featuring characters like a younger President Snow, though his casting has not yet been widely reported.

The A-List Supporting Cast and Potential Roles

Beyond the primary roles, several major stars have been linked to the project in undisclosed roles, fueling intense fan speculation. These actors are expected to fill key positions as Capitol officials, mentors, Gamemakers, or perhaps older victors who are forced to participate in the Quarter Quell events.

• Elle Fanning: A major addition to the cast, Fanning’s role is currently a mystery. She could play a Capitol socialite, a Gamemaker, or perhaps a mentor to one of the other 46 tributes.
• Kieran Culkin: Known for his Emmy-winning role in Succession, Culkin's involvement suggests a significant, possibly villainous or morally complex character, perhaps a high-ranking Capitol official or a rival Gamemaker.
• Ralph Fiennes and Glenn Close: The presence of such established veterans as Ralph Fiennes and Glenn Close strongly indicates key roles in the Capitol’s elite. Fiennes could be a high-ranking political figure, while Close might portray a powerful mentor or a crucial member of the Snow family.
• Maya Hawke: The rising star of Stranger Things is another exciting addition. She is likely to play a tribute from a wealthy District 1 or 2 (a Career tribute) or a Capitol stylist/escort.

The sheer depth of talent in this ensemble cast—including Elle Fanning, Kieran Culkin, Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, and Maya Hawke—underscores the high production value and ambition for Sunrise on the Reaping. The film is not just a prequel; it is a major cinematic event designed to reinvigorate the entire Hunger Games universe.

Why ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ is the Prequel Fans Deserve

The story of Haymitch Abernathy’s victory is more than just a battle for survival; it is a critical piece of the puzzle that explains the state of Panem when Katniss and Peeta enter the picture decades later. The film will explore themes of trauma, political manipulation, and the cost of victory, providing a darker, more mature narrative than some previous installments. The inclusion of new characters like Lenore Dove Baird, alongside familiar faces like Plutarch Heavensbee and Beetee, allows the film to expand the world-building while remaining grounded in Haymitch's personal tragedy.

With Francis Lawrence back at the helm and a stellar cast led by Joseph Zada, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set to be a faithful yet fresh adaptation. Mark your calendars for November 20, 2026, as the return to District 12 and the terrifying splendor of the Second Quarter Quell promises to be a cinematic experience no fan will want to miss. The casting reveals confirm that this prequel is poised to deliver the emotional weight and action-packed spectacle the franchise is known for.