Вуді Гаррельсон у ролі Геймітча і Джозеф Зада, який зіграє його юну версію в приквелі / кадри з фільму «Голодні ігри» і серіалу Invisible Boys.
Lionsgate has announced the cast of «The Hunger Games: Catching Fire — —, the film adaptation of the new book by Suzanne Collins and the prequel to the «Hunger Games» series about Katniss Everdeen.
Joseph Zada will play the role of young Haymitch, while his girlfriend Lenore Dove will be played by Whitney Peake. In the original «The Hunger Games», the character played by Woody Harrelson mentored Katniss and Peeta — the tribunes from District 12 who were chosen to participate in the 74th deadly competition in Panem.
Haymitch Abernathy.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026. pic.twitter.com/0HgUhRcPF7
— The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) April 23, 2025
«Sunrise on the Harvest» will move the story back 24 years and will tell about the path of Haymitch himself to win the 50th anniversary Hunger Games, which are promoted in the announcements as the «deadliest» because they take «double the tribute» from the districts (48 boys and girls will take part in the competition), and such that will unfold against the backdrop of a «tragic love story».
«When Haymitch’s name is called, all his dreams are shattered. He is torn from his family and love, and sent to the Capitol with three other members of District 12: a friend who is almost like a sister, an obsessive eccentric, and the bravest girl in the neighborhood. When the Games begin, Gaimitch realizes that he is set up for defeat, but something inside him makes him fight… and in a way that will be known far beyond the deadly arena».
Lenore Dove Baird.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026. pic.twitter.com/TC17ReiuBd
— The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) April 23, 2025
Both actors are newcomers, Peake played in the «Gossip Girl» reboot, and Zada appeared in the Invisible Boys drama about the problems of gay teenagers.
«We auditioned hundreds of talented actors from all over the world, and these two stood out the most,» says Erin Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. «Not only for their talent, but also for the emotion and truth they brought to these iconic roles. Haymitch has always been a fan favorite, and his origin story is one of the most anticipated in the franchise. His relationship with Lenore is woven into the storyline of Panem».
Collins’ book, which was the basis for the movie, was published on March 18 and became a bestseller in its first week, selling 1.2 million copies.
The film will be directed by longtime franchise director Francis Lawrence and adapted by Billy Ray. The premiere of «Sunrise at the Harvest» is scheduled for November 20, 2026.
Currently, the «Hunger Games» franchise, which consists of four main films and a prequel «The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes»has earned $3.3 billion worldwide.