The Full Cast Of 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping' Revealed: 9 Shocking Stars And The Return Of Katniss And Peeta

The highly anticipated prequel, 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,' is set to explode onto the big screen in November 2026, and the official cast list has delivered a stunning mix of fresh faces and Hollywood heavyweights, alongside a truly shocking return from the original trilogy. This film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' latest novel will take fans back 40 years before Katniss Everdeen's story, plunging into the brutal 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, which was won by a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy. The casting choices for this pivotal moment in Panem's history are both inspired and deeply revealing of the film's scope.

As of late 2025, the ensemble cast is locked in, promising a dark, intense, and emotionally charged look at the Games that forever changed the life of District 12's most famous victor. From the young actor tasked with embodying the future mentor's trauma to the surprising reappearance of original stars, here is the complete, confirmed, and most up-to-date breakdown of the star-studded cast of 'Sunrise on the Reaping.'

The New Faces of District 12: Haymitch and Maysilee's Biographies

The core of 'Sunrise on the Reaping' rests on the shoulders of the District 12 tributes. Their journey through the Second Quarter Quell, where the number of tributes was doubled, is the central narrative. The actors chosen for these roles are poised to become the franchise's next big stars.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

1. Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy

• Character Role: The 16-year-old male tribute from District 12, who eventually becomes the victor of the 50th Hunger Games (Second Quarter Quell) and the future mentor to Katniss and Peeta.
• Full Name: Joseph Cumpston (Professionally known as Joseph Zada)
• Date of Birth: July 21, 2005
• Nationality: Australian
• Notable Filmography: Zada is a rising star, known for roles in the television series Total Control and the Prime Video series We Were Liars. His casting as a young Haymitch—the role made iconic by Woody Harrelson—is his most high-profile role to date, signaling a major career breakthrough.

2. Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner

• Character Role: The female tribute from District 12 and Haymitch's partner and ally during the 50th Hunger Games. Maysilee's fate is a tragic but crucial piece of Haymitch's backstory.
• Full Name: Mckenna Grace
• Date of Birth: June 25, 2006
• Nationality: American
• Notable Filmography: Grace is one of the most recognizable young actresses working today, having starred in major films like Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Gifted, and I, Tonya, as well as television roles in The Haunting of Hill House and The Handmaid's Tale. Her casting brings significant star power and acting depth to the emotional role of Maysilee Donner.

3. Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird

• Character Role: Lenore Dove Baird, a significant character in the new novel, described as Haymitch's girlfriend. Her role is expected to provide a crucial emotional anchor to Haymitch's life before and immediately after the Games.
• Full Name: Whitney Peak
• Date of Birth: January 28, 2003
• Nationality: Canadian
• Notable Filmography: Peak is best known for her lead role as Zoya Lott in the HBO Max reboot of Gossip Girl and for her performance in Hocus Pocus 2. She is one of the film’s major young leads, taking on a role that fans are eager to see developed on screen.

The Capitol and Victor Ensemble: Familiar Faces in New Light

The 50th Hunger Games is not just about the tributes; it’s about the mechanisms of the Capitol and the other victors who would later play significant roles in the rebellion. The casting here connects the prequel directly to the future of Panem.

4. Jesse Plemons as Young Plutarch Heavensbee

Plemons, an Oscar-nominated actor known for his work in Fargo and The Power of the Dog, has been cast as a young Plutarch Heavensbee. In this timeline, Plutarch is not yet the Head Gamemaker, but is instead introduced as a young cameraman for the Games, marking the beginning of his complex and influential career within the Capitol's media machine.

5. Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Young Beetee Latier

Kelvin Harrison Jr., celebrated for his performances in Waves and Elvis, will take on the role of Beetee Latier, the brilliant District 3 victor and inventor. Previously played by Jeffrey Wright, Harrison Jr. will portray Beetee in his younger years, likely showcasing the genius that would later make him a crucial figure in the rebellion.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

6. Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow

In a major confirmation of continuity, Ralph Fiennes is set to reprise his role as President Coriolanus Snow. Fiennes previously played the younger version of the tyrannical leader in the first prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. His presence in 'Sunrise on the Reaping' cements the direct link between the two prequels, showing Snow's continued rise to power and his involvement in the brutal Quarter Quell.

7. Glenn Close in an Undisclosed Role

The legendary Glenn Close has been confirmed as part of the ensemble cast. While the specific character she will play remains a closely guarded secret, her involvement suggests a significant, powerful, and likely Capitol-based role. Fans speculate she could be a high-ranking official, a former Gamemaker, or an influential figure from the Capitol's elite.

The Ultimate Surprise: Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson Are Back

Perhaps the most electrifying news for longtime fans is the expected return of franchise originals, Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

Given that 'Sunrise on the Reaping' is set 40 years before the events of the original trilogy, their return cannot be to play their younger selves. The most likely scenario is that Lawrence and Hutcherson will appear in a framing device or an epilogue. This narrative technique would allow the film to contextualize Haymitch's story within the larger arc of Panem's history, perhaps with the older Katniss and Peeta reflecting on the legacy of the Quarter Quell and the man who mentored them. This surprise casting move is a powerful bridge between the original films and the new prequel era.

More Ensemble Talent: Who Else is Joining Panem?

Rounding out the star-studded cast are several other notable actors whose roles have yet to be officially announced, adding to the mystery and topical authority of the production.

8. Elle Fanning

Known for her roles in The Great and Maleficent, Elle Fanning's casting is a major addition. Her involvement suggests another key role, possibly a Capitol citizen, a mentor from another District, or a tribute from a high-profile District like 1 or 2.

9. Maya Hawke and Kieran Culkin

Maya Hawke (Stranger Things) and Kieran Culkin (Succession) are also confirmed for the ensemble. Their presence further elevates the film's profile. Given the nature of the 50th Games, it is highly probable that they will be playing tributes from other Districts, providing the film with more compelling antagonists or allies within the arena.

Why 'Sunrise on the Reaping' is the Must-See Prequel

The film is scheduled to be released on November 20, 2026, and is set to be the second cinematic prequel in the Hunger Games universe. The book is currently available for fans to dive into the lore of the Second Quarter Quell.

The casting of Joseph Zada as Haymitch, alongside the established talents of Mckenna Grace and Kelvin Harrison Jr., ensures the film has the dramatic weight to explore the dark themes of the 50th Games. The plot will focus on how the Capitol used the Quarter Quell to inflict maximum cruelty, and how Haymitch's victory came at a devastating personal cost, setting the stage for his cynical, yet ultimately heroic, future. The return of Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson is the final, perfect piece of fan service, guaranteeing that 'Sunrise on the Reaping' will be a critical and commercial blockbuster.