Deadline stories that Joseph Zada (Invisible Boys) has been tapped to play Haymitch Abernathy within the upcoming Starvation Video games prequel, Dawn on the Reaping. Moreover, Whitney Peak (Hocus Pocus 2) has been solid as Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend.
“The Hunger Games franchise has long been a launching pad for remarkable young actors, and Jo and Whitney carry that legacy forward with incredible heart, depth, and fire,” mentioned Lionsgate Movement Image Group Co-President Erin Westerman. “After auditioning a whole lot of gifted performers from world wide, these two stood out—not only for their expertise, however for the emotional fact they introduced to those iconic roles. Haymitch has at all times been a fan favourite, and his origin story is without doubt one of the most anticipated within the franchise. His relationship with Lenore Dove is deeply woven into the emotional historical past of Panem. We are able to’t look forward to followers to expertise the story that formed some of the compelling characters within the collection.“
Producer Nina Jacobson added, “Deb Zane and Dylan Jury oversaw an exhaustive (and exhausting!) search to discover a younger actor with the ability and creativeness to embody younger Haymitch. Jo ready like loopy and stole our hearts. Then Whitney took our breath away as Lenore Dove. After we put the 2 of them collectively, it was a type of magical casting moments when you already know your search has led you dwelling.“
Francis Lawrence, who has helmed each installment of the franchise apart from the primary film, will direct Dawn on the Reaping from a script by Billy Ray based mostly on the novel by Suzanne Collins. The story is ready 24 years earlier than the occasions of The Starvation Video games and begins on the morning of the reaping of the fiftieth Starvation Video games when 16-year-old Haymitch is unexpectedly chosen. In honour of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will probably be taken from their houses and despatched right into a battle for his or her lives.
The movie is the second prequel of the franchise, following The Starvation Video games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes which facilities on a younger Coriolanus Snow. The Starvation Video games: Dawn on the Reaping will hit theaters on November 20, 2026.
