The Starvation Video games: Dawn on the Reaping, directed by franchise veteran Francis Lawrence, is gearing up for its extremely anticipated launch this 12 months, marking the collection’ return to the large display for the primary time since The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
Though it’s the most recent installment, the movie takes audiences again many years earlier than Katniss Everdeen (performed by Jennifer Lawrence) stepped ahead as tribute. This prequel dives into the origins of Haymitch Abernathy — portrayed by Woody Harrelson within the authentic movies — and the brutal occasions of the fiftieth Starvation Video games, higher often called the Second Quarter Quell.
“Haymitch has all the time been a fan favourite, and his origin story is without doubt one of the most anticipated within the franchise,”co-president of Lionsgate Movement Image Group Erin Westerman stated in a press launch. “We are able to’t look ahead to followers to expertise the story that formed probably the most compelling characters within the collection.”
Led by Joseph Zada as younger Haymitch, the prequel introduces a contemporary forged of rising stars and acquainted faces getting into the world of Panem. Amongst these acquainted faces might be Jennifer and Josh, who will reprise their roles as Katniss and Peeta, respectively, based on The Hollywood Reporter.
Right here’s who’s starring on this long-awaited return to the world.
Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
Although her look may be temporary, it’s nonetheless an enormous second for the unique heroine of the franchise. Per The Hollywood Reporter, the actress is reprising her function as Katniss in a “flash-forward scene.” The scene in query seemingly refers back to the epilogue of the guide when Haymitch bonds with Katniss and Peeta as they develop up.
Josh Hutcherson
Per THR, Josh is reprising his authentic function as Peeta within the “flash-forward scene.” The I Love LA actor stored any particulars of his return a secret whereas he was exhausting at work selling his different tasks.
Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy
Zada, an Australian actor, takes on the function of younger Haymitch Abernathy, the only real male tribute from District 12 within the fiftieth Starvation Video games. Zada has beforehand appeared in Australian productions resembling Invisible Boys and Complete Management. He’s additionally set to seem within the upcoming collection We Had been Liars and East of Eden, starring alongside Florence Pugh.
Casting a youthful model of such a well-established character was no small job. In a March 2025 interview with Selection, producer Nina Jacobson acknowledged the problem of discovering somebody who may embody the essence of Haymitch with out mimicking Harrelson’s authentic portrayal.
“No one will be Woody Harrelson however Woody Harrelson,” she stated. “You don’t need anyone who’s impersonating Woody, however you need anyone who very credibly looks like they may very well be a younger model of this character, earlier than the trauma and grief and rage that the fallout of the Video games create.”
Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird
Whitney Peak portrays Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend and a member of the Covey, a musical group from District 12. Peak is understood for her roles within the Gossip Lady reboot and Hocus Pocus 2.
Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner
Mckenna Grace performs Maysilee Donner, one other tribute from District 12 and a short lived ally of Haymitch in the course of the Video games. At simply 19, Grace is already a seasoned movie and tv actor, with standout roles in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, The Handmaid’s Story, and Younger Sheldon.
Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee
Jesse Plemons performs Plutarch Heavensbee, a rising determine within the Capitol who turns into essential to the way forward for Panem. The 38-year-old actor is understood for his acclaimed performances in The Energy of the Canine, Breaking Dangerous, and Fargo.
“Jesse is without doubt one of the most proficient actors of his technology, with a confirmed report of selecting his roles selectively,” Lionsgate Movement Image Group Co-President Westerman stated in an announcement, per Deadline. “We’re honored that he has chosen to convey his personal take to probably the most fascinating figures in Panem, and really feel that his earlier collaboration with Philip Seymour Hoffman makes it all of the extra particular. His Plutarch might be each a tribute to the character followers have already come to know and a portrayal he makes his personal. We are able to’t look ahead to audiences to see it.”
Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket
Ellen Fanning might be enjoying the youthful model of Effie Trinket, the long-lasting character from the unique franchise who lived with the time period, “Could the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor.” Elle has appeared in a slew of tasks, a few of which embody A Full Unknown, The Lady From Plainville and Maleficent.
Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman
First performed by Stanley Tucci, Caesar Flickerman will now be 24 years youthful than after we first met him in The Starvation Video games. The buoyant and charismatic present host is understood for his on-screen attraction as he welcomes tributes onto the stage earlier than they battle to the dying. In Dawn, Caesar might be performed by Kieran Culkin.
Kieran has been seen in quite a lot of roles however has not too long ago earned extra accolades for his work. A few of his most notable performances are in Succession and in A Actual Ache, for which he gained the Oscar for Greatest Supporting Actor.
Billy Porter as Lucretius “Fortunate” Flickerman
Earlier than Caesar Flickerman grew to become the face of Capitol pageantry, there was Lucretius “Fortunate” Flickerman—his flamboyant and trailblazing predecessor. In Dawn on the Reaping, Fortunate is the Capitol’s authentic Starvation Video games host, introducing audiences to the twisted spectacle for the primary time.
Fortunate Flickerman might be portrayed by Billy Porter, whose commanding stage presence and sharp supply make him a pure match for the Capitol highlight. Porter is finest recognized for his Emmy-winning function in Pose, in addition to his groundbreaking appearances on Broadway and pink carpets.
Glenn Shut as Casca Highbottom
Casca Highbottom, the dean of the Academy, is the somber mental credited with creating the Starvation Video games—although not by alternative. In Dawn on the Reaping, she is portrayed later in life because the Video games strategy their fiftieth anniversary.
Veteran actress Glenn Shut takes on the function of Casca Highbottom. A seven-time Oscar nominee, Shut is revered for her highly effective performances in movies like Deadly Attraction, The Spouse, and Hillbilly Elegy.
