Haymitch Spotlight in New Hunger Games Prequel Promo

A new behind-the-scenes featurette for the upcoming film "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" was released on July 4, centering on actor Joseph Zada's portrayal of a young Haymitch Abernathy. The promotional video highlights the character who will anchor the prequel's emotional narrative.

The film, directed by Francis Lawrence and based on Suzanne Collins's 2025 novel, is scheduled for a theatrical and IMAX release on November 20, 2026. It is set 24 years before the original "Hunger Games" story, beginning on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. This edition of the games features 48 tributes, double the usual number.

Zada steps into the role famously played by Woody Harrelson in the original film series, where Haymitch was the cynical mentor to Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. In the featurette, Zada described the experience as intense and life-changing, acknowledging the weight of Harrelson's iconic performance. Director Francis Lawrence noted the challenge and significance of revisiting such a fan-favorite character.

The story will follow the 16-year-old Haymitch as he is reaped from District 12 and forced to...