Last summer, Lionsgate revealed plans for the upcoming film titled Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, which will hit theaters on November 20, 2026. Despite the early announcement, director Francis Lawrence recently shared that the casting process for a young Haymitch has only just begun. This has ignited fervent discussions and fan speculations regarding who might step into the role, originally portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the original Hunger Games trilogy.
During an interview with Entertainment Tonight at CinemaCon 2025, Lawrence expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that he received the manuscript for Sunrise on the Reaping about a year ago, calling it one of his favorite entries in the series. He emphasized his eagerness to return to the beloved world of Panem and shared his thoughts:
Honestly, I read the manuscript originally about a year ago, and when I read it, I fell in love with it and I think it’s one of, if not, my favorite book in the series and so I think just coming back to a family that we’ve built and to a world we’ve built and certain characters and certain crew members and my producer Nina and working with Suzanne that’s all great but I think going back in and telling what I think is one of her best stories within the franchise is really exciting.
When asked about the casting progress for young Haymitch, Lawrence elaborated that the process had just commenced. He explained that the book’s pre-release restrictions limited any progress, urging secrecy in order to protect the story’s twists. With the novel now available, the barriers are down, enabling the casting process to move forward.
We’re just getting started. We were a little handcuffed because the book wasn’t out and we were under lockdown with you know secrets and things like that, but the book’s now out and we have full freedom and so casting is well underway.
Implications of Lawrence’s Casting Update for Sunrise on the Reaping
Casting Rumors about Haymitch Dispelled
Lawrence’s recent comments align with those of producer Nina Jacobson, who previously indicated that the casting process had been sluggish due to concerns about potential leaks regarding the book’s plot. With the novel now published, it becomes clear why casting had not progressed until recently; new insights into events during the Second Quarter Quell—including Haymitch’s dynamics with familiar characters—are now accessible.
Jacobson noted that when casting for a young Haymitch, the aim is to ensure that the portrayal does not mimic Harrelson’s established interpretation. This is particularly important as the character’s mindset during the 50th Hunger Games is vastly different from the one he exhibits when he meets Katniss and Peeta two decades later. Furthermore, Lawrence’s confirmation indicates that previous rumors—such as potential casting for West Side Story’s Mike Faist—are unfounded.
Filming for Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is slated to commence in July, according to Lawrence’s announcement at CinemaCon, emphasizing the urgency of finalizing casting.
Our Perspective on Lawrence’s Update
Trust the Process!
While the absence of confirmed casting for Sunrise on the Reaping might raise concerns, it is understandable given the necessity to protect the novel’s surprises. With big revelations surrounding Haymitch’s character, avoiding leaks is paramount to preserving the story’s emotional impact. However, this also poses challenges for timely casting as filming dates approach.
Notably, Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping presents the fastest turnover between a novel’s release and a film adaptation.
Despite this, I have confidence in Lawrence and Jacobson. Their collaborative track record speaks for itself, particularly in successfully casting pivotal characters such as Corionalus Snow and Lucy Gray Baird in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. I look forward to seeing who they select to portray the young Haymitch, as anticipation builds for this latest installment in the Hunger Games franchise.
Source: ET