‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ unveils first look at young Haymitch on his birthday

Lionsgate has released a new featurette for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, giving fans their first proper look at Joseph Zada as a young Haymitch Abernathy on his birthday, July 4, ahead of the highly anticipated prequel's release.

Titled "Meet Haymitch", the featurette introduces Zada's portrayal of the District 12 tribute, who was originally played by Woody Harrelson in the blockbuster Hunger Games films. The footage offers fresh glimpses of Haymitch as he prepares to compete in the deadly 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

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The prequel is based on Suzanne Collins' bestselling novel of the same name and is set 24 years before the events of the original The Hunger Games. The story follows 16-year-old Haymitch after he is selected as one of four tributes from District 12 in a special edition of the Games, where each district must send twice the usual number of competitors.

Alongside Zada, the film features an ensemble cast including Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow, Maya Hawke as Wiress, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier and Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle.

Francis Lawrence, who directed every Hunger Games film since Catching Fire, returns to helm the project from a screenplay by Billy Ray. The film adapts Collins' latest novel, which became an instant bestseller following its release earlier this year.

The latest featurette follows an earlier teaser trailer and gives audiences a closer look at Haymitch before his transformation into the cynical mentor fans first met in the original franchise. The footage also hints at the emotional stakes surrounding his family, friends and girlfriend, Lenore Dove, before he is thrust into the Capitol's brutal arena.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November 20, 2026.