The Hunger Games fandom can finally breathe again: Sunrise On The Reaping has found its leads, and the internet is happy.
After weeks of speculation, Lionsgate has officially revealed the leads for Sunrise On The Reaping, the next chapter in The Hunger Games universe — and fans are so here for it.
Not only does the casting feel fresh and intentional, it also puts a lot of fears to rest. Here’s why the fandom is actually excited about this casting.
Fans Wanted Unknown Faces — And Got Them
One thing fans have been vocal about from the beginning? They didn’t want this movie to feel like a typical, overly-polished A-list franchise. The charm of the original Hunger Games films was in their rawness — the casting of actors who weren’t too famous, which made the world feel more grounded and real.
That’s why the internet is breathing a collective sigh of relief: Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak are both fresh enough to bring something new, but talented enough to carry the weight of a very emotional story.
Joseph Zada As Young Haymitch: A Perfect Fit
At 20 years old, the Australian actor Joseph Zada is stepping into some iconic shoes. He’ll be playing 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, years before he became the broken, sarcastic mentor we met in Katniss’s time. Fans were nervous about this role in particular. Haymitch is beloved and complicated, and there was real concern that the studio might cast someone too old or just plain wrong for the vibe. But Joseph Zada — best known for his work in We Were Liars — is already winning fans over. He looks the part, feels age-appropriate, and most importantly, brings the right balance of vulnerability and charisma that a young Haymitch needs.
joseph zada as young haymitch abernathy...i see the vision...i love the vision pic.twitter.com/zcZrG92VR7
— tarrin (@hearteyespeeta) April 23, 2025
Whitney Peak As Lenore Dove Baird: A Win On All Levels
Whitney Peak, known for the Gossip Girl reboot, has been cast as Lenore Dove Baird — Haymitch’s girlfriend and a member of the nomadic musical group “The Covey.” This casting is getting a ton of love, not just because Whitney Peak brings talent and presence, but also because fans had long envisioned Lenore as a woman of color. And the fact that the studio respected that vision? Huge.
Even more refreshing: the fandom’s reaction. The Hunger Games community has been incredibly supportive and welcoming, even fan casting a lot of characters as people of color — a sharp contrast to the toxic backlash we’ve seen around diverse casting in other franchises. It’s been wholesome to watch.
a black female main character in the hunger games franchise is so special to me. whitney peak you are so loved already pic.twitter.com/fj3i9D2pyc
— day (@balladofsongs) April 23, 2025
A Smart Move From The Studio
The casting for Sunrise On The Reaping came with a lot of pressure. Fans care deeply about these characters, especially someone as beloved (and complex) as Haymitch. That’s why it’s so exciting to see how positively the choices have been received. By going with younger, lesser-known talents, the studio hasn’t just avoided missteps — they’ve actually reignited excitement for the story. Fans are already saying it online: this casting feels thoughtful and true to the spirit of the franchise. With Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak in the lead roles, Sunrise On The Reaping feels like it’s in very good hands. It’s not about blockbuster names. It’s about characters first. And this casting proves it.
Fans are excited to see who’s getting cast next, and so are we. We'll keep you updated.
Are you happy with this casting? Let us know in the comments!