On July 4, 2026, Lionsgate unveiled a first look at The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping through a featurette titled Meet Haymitch. This featurette celebrates the birthday of Haymitch Abernathy, portrayed by Joseph Zada, who is the winner of the 50th Hunger Games. The film is set to premiere in theaters on November 20.
Exploring Haymitch Abernathy's Backstory
The Meet Haymitch featurette provides insights into the character's origins, showcasing scenes from his Reaping Day and the subsequent events that shaped him. The footage includes a sunrise moment, interviews with the cast and crew, and behind-the-scenes clips that highlight the film's production.
Joseph Zada takes on the role of Haymitch, a character previously brought to life by Woody Harrelson in the original trilogy. Director Francis Lawrence praised Harrelson's portrayal as “a very iconic representation of a character” that set a high standard for Zada's performance.
Production Insights and Character Development
Throughout the featurette, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the creative process behind developing Haymitch's character. The production team discusses the challenges and inspirations involved in crafting a compelling backstory for a character beloved by fans.
