Sunrise on the Reaping Offers First Close-Up Look at Haymitch
Lionsgate has released a new video that makes the return to The Hunger Games universe even more exciting. Titled “Meet Haymitch,” the short teaser offers a closer look at a young Haymitch Abernathy, played by Joseph Zada. The fact that it will delve into the past of the character originally portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the original films is quite intriguing for those who have followed the series for years.
Sunrise On The Reaping Will Tell Haymitch’s Past
Sunrise on the Reaping will take viewers 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games. The story will begin on the morning of the 50th Hunger Games, a special year known as the Second Quarter Quell. According to the rules, twice as many tributes will be selected from each district this time, meaning the fear in Panem will be felt much more intensely than usual.
The new video features short clips of Joseph Zada’s performance as Haymitch. The trailer highlights scenes from Reaping Day, Capitol interviews, and a first glimpse of the chaos that will unfold during the games. It also includes behind-the-scenes footage and short interviews with the team about how they approached the character’s backstory.
Haymitch’s story will begin on a more personal note, particularly within District 12. The young man hopes for a quiet day with the girl he loves, but his dreams are shattered when his name is called. He is then taken to the Capitol along with other District 12 tributes and drawn into a game he is destined to lose from the start.
In addition to Joseph Zada, the cast of Sunrise on the Reaping includes McKenna Grace, Whitney Peak, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Elle Fanning, Kieran Culkin, Glenn Close, and Ralph Fiennes. The film will be directed by Francis Lawrence, who also directed previous installments in the series. The release date is set for November 20, 2026.
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