The 'Hunger Games' Are Back, with an A-List Cast and Brutal Origin Story for Haymitch
- On November 20, *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping* premieres, featuring 21-year-old Australian actor Joseph Zada as the teenage Haymitch Abernathy, exploring the cynical mentor's origins before Woody Harrelson's portrayal.
- The *Hunger Games* franchise remains a cultural juggernaut, with novels selling over 100 million copies and films grossing over $3.3 billion, driving demand for new content exploring established characters.
- Thousands auditioned for the role before Zada was selected; he joins a cast including Ralph Fiennes as President Snow and Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, with Zada recently appearing in Netflix's *East of Eden* as Cal Trask.
- Co-Star Kieran Culkin praised Zada's preparation on set, telling him, "You're going to be around a while," while actor Mckenna Grace navigated intense stage combat with Glenn Close during the five-month production.
- Author Suzanne Collins controls the franchise's future, writing only when inspired; director Francis Lawrence and producer Nina Jacobson remain ready if she returns, though any continuation depends entirely on her vision.
33 Articles
33 Articles
My Mother Lode
The ‘Hunger Games’ are back, with an A-list cast and brutal origin story for Haymitch
Three years ago, new cinematic life was found in a “Hunger Games” adventure without Katniss. Now, the franchise is back, jumping through time again to check in on another major character from the original films in his teenage years: Haymitch Abernathy. Before he became the cynical, hard-drinking mentor to Katniss and Peeta, memorably portrayed by...
GOSSIP & RUMORS: The ‘Hunger Games’ are back, with an A-list cast and brutal origin story for Haymitch – One America News Network
By LINDSEY BAHRUpdated 4:51 AM PST, November 11, 2026 Jo Zada, from left, Mckenna Grace, Ben Wang and Whitney Peak pose for a portrait to promote “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP) Three years ago, new cinematic life was found in a “Hunger Games” adventure without Katniss. Now, the franchise is back, jumping through time again to check in on another major characte…
The ‘Hunger Games’ are back, with an A-list cast and brutal origin story for Haymitch – WTOP News
Three years ago, new cinematic life was found in a “Hunger Games” adventure without Katniss. Now, the franchise is back, jumping through time again to check in
The 'Hunger Games' are back, with an A-list cast and brutal
Three years ago, new cinematic life was found in a “Hunger Games” adventure without Katniss. Now, the franchise is back, jumping through time again to check in on another major character from the original films in his
The "Hunger Games" franchise returns with "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," which hits theaters Nov. 20 and follows a young Haymitch Abernathy.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources lean Left, 37% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
