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The young leads announced for the Hunger Games prequel

Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak have been cast as the leads in the latest Hunger Games film
Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak have been cast as the leads in the latest Hunger Games film (Joseph Zada/Instagram/Getty Images)
  • Lionsgate has cast Joseph Zada (20) as Haymitch Abernathy and Whitney Peak (22) as Lenore Dove Baird in the upcoming Hunger Games prequel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.
  • The film, directed by Francis Lawrence, is an adaptation of Suzanne Collins's novel and explores Haymitch's experience as a 16-year-old tribute in the 50th Hunger Games.
  • The casting has been well-received by fans, who appreciate the choice of relatively unknown actors.
  • While fan castings have suggested actors like Elle Fanning and Ralph Fiennes for other roles, no official announcements have been made beyond the leads.
  • The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026.
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