The Starvation Video games: Dawn on the Reaping, directed by franchise veteran Francis Lawrence, is ready to hit theaters subsequent 12 months.
Although it’s the most recent movie within the sequence, the story takes us again in time, a long time earlier than Katniss Everdeen, performed by Jennifer Lawrence, volunteered as tribute. This prequel facilities on a younger Haymitch Abernathy, the character portrayed by Woody Harrelson within the unique movies, and the brutal fiftieth Starvation Video games, often known as the Second Quarter Quell.
“Haymitch has all the time been a fan favourite, and his origin story is without doubt one of the most anticipated within the franchise,”co-president of Lionsgate Movement Image Group Erin Westerman mentioned in a press launch. “We are able to’t anticipate followers to expertise the story that formed one of the crucial compelling characters within the sequence.”
Led by Joseph Zada as younger Haymitch, the prequel introduces a contemporary solid of rising stars and acquainted faces moving into the world of Panem. Right here’s a have a look at who’s starring on this long-awaited return to the world.
Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy
Zada, a 20-year-old Australian actor, takes on the function of younger Haymitch Abernathy, the only real male tribute from District 12 within the fiftieth Starvation Video games. Zada has beforehand appeared in Australian productions reminiscent of Invisible Boys and Complete Management. He’s additionally set to seem within the upcoming sequence We Had been Liars and East of Eden, starring alongside Florence Pugh.
Casting a youthful model of such a well-established character was no small process. In a March 2025 interview with Selection, producer Nina Jacobson acknowledged the issue of discovering somebody who may embody the essence of Haymitch with out mimicking Harrelson’s unique portrayal.
“No one could be Woody Harrelson however Woody Harrelson,” she mentioned. “You don’t need any individual who’s impersonating Woody, however you need any individual who very credibly appears like they may very well be a younger model of this character, earlier than the trauma and grief and rage that the fallout of the Video games create.”
Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird
Whitney Peak, 22, portrays Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend and a member of the Covey, a musical group from District 12. Peak is understood for her roles within the Gossip Woman reboot and Hocus Pocus 2.
Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner
Mckenna Grace performs Maysilee Donner, one other tribute from District 12 and a brief ally of Haymitch through the Video games. At simply 18, Grace is already a seasoned movie and tv actor, with standout roles in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, The Handmaid’s Story, and Younger Sheldon.
Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee
Jesse Plemons performs Plutarch Heavensbee, a rising determine within the Capitol who turns into essential to the way forward for Panem. The 37-year-old actor is understood for his acclaimed performances in The Energy of the Canine, Breaking Dangerous, and Fargo.
“Jesse is without doubt one of the most gifted actors of his era, with a confirmed file of choosing his roles selectively,” Lionsgate Movement Image Group Co-President Westerman mentioned in a press release, per Deadline. “We’re honored that he has chosen to deliver his personal take to one of the crucial fascinating figures in Panem, and really feel that his earlier collaboration with Philip Seymour Hoffman makes it all of the extra particular. His Plutarch will probably be each a tribute to the character followers have already come to know and a portrayal he makes his personal. We are able to’t anticipate audiences to see it.”
Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket
Ellen Fanning will probably be taking part in the youthful model of Effie Trinket, the enduring character from the unique franchise who lived with the time period, “Might the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor.” Elle has appeared in a slew of initiatives, a few of which embody A Full Unknown, The Woman From Plainville and Maleficent.
