Haymitch’s Birthday Featurette Teases “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping”

Lionsgate released a “Meet Haymitch” featurette on Saturday, July 4, to mark the character’s birthday and Reaping Day. The video introduces Joseph Zada as a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, a Second Quarter Quell victor, and includes commentary from Zada, director Francis Lawrence and producer Nina Jacobson.

‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ Teaser Unveils Joseph Zada as Young Haymitch

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set 24 years before the series, opening on the morning of the 50th Hunger Games—also known as the Second Quarter Quell. The Quell doubles the tribute count, creating a lethal arena. The narrative follows Haymitch’s selection as a District 12 tribute and his early experiences that shape the cynical mentor later seen in the films.

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The ensemble includes Joseph Zada (Haymitch), Whitney Peak (Lenore Dove Baird), Elle Fanning (Effie Trinket), Jesse Plemons (Plutarch Heavensbee), McKenna Grace (Maysilee Donner), Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Beetee), Maya Hawke (Wiress), Kieran Culkin (Caesar Flickerman), Ralph Fiennes (President Snow), Glenn Close (Drusilla Sickle), Billy Porter (Magno Stift), Lili Taylor (Mags Flanagan) and Ben Wang (Wyatt Callow). Director Francis Lawrence returns, with a screenplay by Billy Ray. Production is overseen by Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, executive producer Cameron MacConomy and author Suzanne Collins.

New Promo: “Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping”

The film opens in cinemas on November 20, 2026. It adapts Suzanne Collins’s 2025 novel and expands the franchise’s backstory by depicting Haymitch’s victory in the Second Quarter Quell and his relationships with family, friends and girlfriend Lenore.

‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ Teaser Unveils Joseph Zada as Young Haymitch

By presenting younger versions of iconic characters, the prequel deepens Panem’s mythology and links the 2023 film “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” to the original “Hunger Games” saga. The featurette’s release signals a coordinated marketing push ahead of a blockbuster-heavy summer, aiming to re-engage fans and attract new audiences.

The Wrap

Director Francis Lawrence praised Harrelson’s original Haymitch as iconic. Joseph Zada said the role was “the most life-changing experience” and “special to share that space with him.” Elle Fanning noted “their dynamic is so fantastic” when referring to Elizabeth Banks and Harrelson. Producers emphasized the ensemble cast and the film’s status as the second prequel after “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.”

The Wrap

• “Can you imagine the sun rising on a world without a Reaping?” — Lenore Dove Baird, portrayed by Whitney Peak

Deadline Hollywood

• “Not on my birthday. Never had one that came without a Reaping.” — Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada)

‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ Teaser Unveils Joseph Zada as Young Haymitch

• “Elizabeth and Woody, their dynamic is so fantastic,” — Elle Fanning

The Wrap

• “[I’m] such a fan of his work. It’s been intense being like Woody’s Haymitch,” — Joseph Zada

The Wrap

• “Being in this film, I mean, it’s the most life-changing experience,” — Joseph Zada

The Wrap

• “a very iconic portrayal of a character.” — Francis Lawrence

Variety Magazine

Lionsgate will release more behind-the-scenes videos and character spotlights before the November 20 theatrical debut. The rollout suggests future promos will highlight the expanded cast and the origins of figures such as President Snow and Effie Trinket.

‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ Teaser Unveils Joseph Zada as Young Haymitch