The Hunger Games Cast: Where Are The Original Stars Now & Meet The New Cast Of 'Sunrise On The Reaping' (2026)

The Hunger Games franchise continues to dominate the pop culture landscape, offering a fresh wave of updates in late 2025, most notably with the highly anticipated casting for the next prequel, *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping*, scheduled for a November 2026 release. Fans are eager to see who will take on the iconic roles of the 50th Hunger Games, including the younger version of District 12's beloved mentor, Haymitch Abernathy, while simultaneously tracking the careers of the actors who first brought the dystopian world of Panem to life over a decade ago. This deep dive offers a comprehensive look at the three generations of actors who have defined the cinematic universe—from the iconic stars of the original trilogy to the breakout performers of *The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes*, and the exciting new talent stepping into the Arena for the next chapter. The evolution of the cast reflects the enduring legacy and continued expansion of author Suzanne Collins's grim yet captivating world.

The Original Tributes: Where Are the Stars of the First Trilogy Now?

The 2012 film, *The Hunger Games*, launched the careers of its main trio into superstardom, cementing their status as global icons. A decade later, their careers have only diversified and grown, proving the franchise was merely a launching pad.

Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen)

• Role: The Girl on Fire, the Mockingjay.
• Current Status: Post-*Mockingjay*, Lawrence cemented her status as an Oscar-winning powerhouse. In 2023 and 2024, she starred in the critically acclaimed comedy *No Hard Feelings* and the drama *Causeway*. She remains one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses, focusing on producing and starring in diverse, high-profile projects.
• Recent News: Lawrence is frequently cited in discussions about a potential franchise return, though she has stated she would only consider it if the original director, Francis Lawrence, and author Suzanne Collins were involved.

Josh Hutcherson (Peeta Mellark)

• Role: The Boy with the Bread, District 12 Tribute.
• Current Status: Hutcherson has recently experienced a massive career resurgence, particularly with his leading role in the 2023 horror hit *Five Nights at Freddy's*. He continues to take on varied roles in both independent and major studio films.
• Recent News: In a late 2025 interview, Hutcherson expressed enthusiasm for a potential on-screen reunion with Jennifer Lawrence, stating it would "be awesome."

Liam Hemsworth (Gale Hawthorne)

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• Role: Katniss's best friend and fellow District 12 hunter.
• Current Status: Hemsworth continues to star in action and thriller films. He has recently taken on a significant new role, replacing Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia in the final seasons of the Netflix fantasy series *The Witcher*.
• Recent News: His casting in *The Witcher* has been a major headline, representing a significant shift in his career toward prestige television.

Woody Harrelson (Haymitch Abernathy)

• Role: District 12's sole living victor and mentor to Katniss and Peeta.
• Current Status: A prolific and critically acclaimed actor, Harrelson has maintained a busy schedule with films like *Triangle of Sadness* and the upcoming *Project Artemis*. His original portrayal of the cynical, yet caring, Haymitch remains a fan favorite.

Meet the New Generation: Casting Updates for 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' (2026)

The biggest news in the Panem universe is the development of the second prequel film, *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping*, which will explore the life of a young Haymitch Abernathy as he enters and wins the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. The casting announcements for this film, which will be directed by Francis Lawrence, have generated significant buzz in late 2024 and throughout 2025, revealing a mix of established stars and rising talent.

The film is set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026, and will be based on Suzanne Collins's newest novel.

Confirmed and Reported Cast Members for 'Sunrise on the Reaping'

The ensemble cast is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in the franchise's history, featuring actors who will play younger versions of familiar characters and introduce new, critical figures from the Capitol and the Districts.

• Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy: Zada is reportedly cast as the younger version of District 12's future mentor, a role that will require a powerful performance to match Woody Harrelson's iconic portrayal.
• Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird: Peak, known for her work on the *Gossip Girl* reboot, is set to play a significant new character.
• Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner: Grace, a prominent young actress, will portray the District 12 female tribute in the 50th Games and a key figure in Haymitch's story.
• Jesse Plemons: The acclaimed actor has been added to the cast in an undisclosed role, generating speculation about whether he will play a Capitol official or a new Gamekeeper.
• Kelvin Harrison Jr.: Another major addition, Harrison Jr.'s role is currently under wraps but is expected to be a central figure in the Quarter Quell.
• Ralph Fiennes: The legendary actor, who previously played Lord Voldemort, is reportedly in talks to play the antagonist, a role that could be a younger version of a familiar Capitol figure.
• Maya Hawke: The *Stranger Things* star has joined the ensemble, though her specific role has not been officially confirmed.
• Glenn Close and Billy Porter: Both actors are reported to be joining the cast, suggesting a strong focus on the flamboyant and powerful figures of the Capitol.

The selection of these actors demonstrates the filmmakers' commitment to maintaining the high caliber of talent that has defined the franchise since its inception, ensuring the new prequel lives up to the expectations set by the original films and *The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes*.

The Immediate Predecessors: The Cast of 'The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes'

Released in 2023, *The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes* introduced a new core cast that successfully reignited the franchise. The film, set 64 years before Katniss Everdeen's story, focused on the rise of Coriolanus Snow and the 10th Hunger Games.

Tom Blyth (Coriolanus Snow)

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• Role: A young, ambitious Coriolanus Snow, the future tyrannical President of Panem.
• Impact: Blyth's nuanced performance was praised for showing the subtle descent of the character from an ambitious mentor to a ruthless authoritarian.

Rachel Zegler (Lucy Gray Baird)

• Role: The charismatic and enigmatic female tribute from District 12 in the 10th Hunger Games.
• Impact: Zegler brought the pivotal character of Lucy Gray to life with her powerful singing voice and compelling screen presence, establishing a new fan favorite.

Hunter Schafer (Tigris Snow)

• Role: Coriolanus's cousin and confidante, who later becomes a rebel ally in the original trilogy.
• Impact: Schafer, known for *Euphoria*, delivered a standout performance, portraying the early, more innocent relationship between Tigris and Coriolanus.

Viola Davis (Dr. Volumnia Gaul)

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• Role: The Head Gamemaker and the true architect of the Hunger Games' brutality.
• Impact: Davis, an Oscar-winner, brought chilling gravitas to the role, perfectly embodying the Capitol's cold, scientific approach to cruelty.

Peter Dinklage (Casca Highbottom)

• Role: The Dean of the Academy and the original creator of the Hunger Games concept.
• Impact: The *Game of Thrones* alum provided a complex, world-weary performance as a key figure in the Capitol's history.

The success of *The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes* and the subsequent announcement of *Sunrise on the Reaping* confirm that the world of Panem is far from finished. The franchise continues to expand its narrative scope, driven by a commitment to high-quality casting across all films, ensuring that the legacy of District 12, the Capitol, and the fight for freedom remains a powerful force in cinema for years to come.