The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping Cast and Characters

The Hunger Games, penned by Suzanne Collins, is one of the most popular and celebrated film franchises. After the incredible success of Hunger Games, Lionsgate adapted the prequel novel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which was released in 2023. And now, the creators are all set to adapt the next prequel story of Hunger Games, Sunrise on the Reaping, the events of which are set 24 years before the first Hunger Games. The details of the upcoming movie are rather thin, but some of the cast members have been confirmed. So, here are all the Hunger Games Sunrise on the Reaping cast and characters we know about so far.

Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy

Do you remember Haymitch Abernathy from the original Hunger Games movies? Yes, the same man who served as a mentor for young Katniss Everdeen. Well, the upcoming prequel movie will focus on the life of this very character, and how he will become the only Hunger Games victor from District 12 until, of course, Katniss and Peeta entered the equation. In fact, in Hunger Games, Haymitch played a significant role in igniting a rebellion against the games and the political system.

In the original movies, Woody Harrelson portrayed Haymitch Abernathy, and the actor did an incredible job. Now, Joseph Zada is confirmed to portray Haymitch Abernathy in Hunger Games Sunrise on the Reaping. Joseph is an Australian actor who has only appeared in a handful of projects, including Total Control and Invisible Boys.

Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird

Lenore Dove Baird is a character that we will see for the first time in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. We won’t spoil the story by revealing too much of the character arc in the books. However, let’s just say that Lenore is a sweet and young girl from District 12, who also serves as a love interest for Haymitch Abernathy.

Whitney Peak is confirmed to play Lenore in the upcoming Hunger Games prequel movie. The Ugandan–Canadian actress is an incredible talent who made her name by playing significant roles in projects like DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, iZombie, and Gossip Girl.

Ralph Fiennes as President Snow

Coriolanus Snow, or President Snow, is the major antagonist of The Hunger Games series. He was the tyrant who ruled over Panem for several years. Snow belonged to a rich family, and over time, he developed a sadistic nature and only believed in maintaining power through any means possible. The Hunger Games were one of many ways that Snow used to torment the country’s regular people.

In the original Hunger Games movies, Donald Sutherland gave fans an incredible performance as President Snow. But now, it’s time for Ralph Fiennes to shine as Coriolanus. Ralph is a legendary actor who has previously appeared in numerous big projects, including Conclave, Hail, Caesar!, and many more. However, fans will remember the actor for playing the role of Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter movies.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee

Previously portrayed by Jeffrey Wright in the original Hunger Games movies, Beetee is the winner of the 34th Hunger Games from District 3. While not physically competent, Beetee was a brilliant electrician who used science to survive against the rest of the Tributes. In the 75th Hunger Games, Beetee was chosen as a tribute by Haymitch to help Katniss and Peeta survive at every cost.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. will play Beetee in the Sunrise on the Reaping prequel movie. Before this, the American actor had appeared in projects like Ender’s Game, 12 Years a Slave, and Elvis. Interestingly, the actor gave the voice of Taka in Mufasa: The Lion King.

Maya Hawke as Wiress

If you remember Beetee, then you must remember Wiress, played by Amanda Plummer in Catching Fire. Wiress, like Beetee, was a genius who became the victor of the 49th Hunger Games. For several years, Wiress trained the Tributes and helped them survive the entire ordeal. She was a crucial part of the rebellion and, along with Beetee, she was reaped in the 75th Hunger Games.

Maya Hawke, who you may remember from Netflix’s Stranger Things, will step into Amanda’s shoes to play Wiress in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The American actress has also appeared in Once Upon A Time in Hollywood and Fear Street Part One: 1994.

Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow

Wyatt Callow is yet another Hunger Games character that we will see for the first time in Sunrise on the Reaping movie. Wyatt will be a Tribute from District 12 along with Haymitch. Since they are from the same districts, Wyatt and Haymitch will develop strong friendships during the games.

Ben Wang, the young American actor, has been included in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping cast to play Wyatt. Ben has previously worked alongside Jackie Chan in Karate Kid: Legends. Apart from that, he has appeared in projects like American Born Chinese and Mean Girls.

McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner

Maysilee Donner is yet another character who fans will see for the first time in the upcoming Hunger Games prequel film. Like Haymitch, Maysilee was chosen for the 50th Hunger Games. She was one of the kindest characters in the series, and she worked alongside Haymitch at every step. Like many other protagonists in the series, Maysilee resented the government for orchestrating these games and treating the regular people like trash. Fun fact: Maysilee was the original owner of the Mockingjay pin that was gifted to Katniss Everdeen.

McKenna Grace will play Maysilee in The Hunger Games Sunrise on the Reaping. McKenna is an American actress and singer who you might have seen in projects like The Haunting of Hill House, Annabelle Comes Home, Captain Marvel, and many more.

Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee

Hunger Games fans may remember Plutarch Heavensbee as the Head Gamemaker of the 75th games. On top of that, you may remember the character being a crucial part of the second rebellion. Initially, Plutarch comes off as an antagonistic character, but he is later revealed to be Katniss’s big ally.

In the original Hunger Games movies, the late Philip Seymour Hoffman played Plutarch and gave every fan several memorable moments. Now, Jesse Plemons will continue Hoffman’s legacy and play Plutarch in the prequel movie. You may remember Jesse Plemons from the Breaking Bad series. Aside from that, the actor has appeared in multiple other projects, including The Irishman and Killers of the Flower Moon.

Lili Taylor as Mags

Mags Flanagan, portrayed by Lynn Cohen, in the original Hunger Games movies, served as a mentor to Haymitch during the 50th Hunger Games. Mags is one of the oldest characters in Catching Fire, who was the victor of the 11th Hunger Games. She is a confident woman who always stands up for what’s right. That is why she volunteered to appear in the 75th Hunger Games in place of Annie Cresta.

Lili Taylor is confirmed to play the role of Mags in Sunrise on the Reaping. The American actress has appeared in a variety of projects over the years, some of the most popular being Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Gotham, The X-Files, and The Conjuring.

So far, Lionsgate has done an incredible job with the casting of Sunrise on the Reaping, scheduled to release on November 20, 2026. However, the movie is still far away from its theatrical release, so be prepared to see more casting announcements soon. Of course, we’ll update this post as soon as more cast members or characters are confirmed for the prequel movie.