By Kailey Aiken
Although the novel only debuted on March 18, 2025, production for Sunrise on the Reaping is already well underway. The film and book were announced simultaneously on June 6, 2024, which is a testament to the success and dedicated fanbase of Suzanne Collins’ dystopian saga.
Sunrise on the Reaping follows Haymitch Abernathy through the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. Abernathy, only 16 years old in this story, is vulnerable, emotional, and sober, far from the jaded mentor we met in the first Hunger Games book. However, he holds onto his cleverness and quick wit.
The cast of the upcoming movie is being slowly revealed through TikTok video announcements from @hungergamesoffical and @lionsgate accounts, generating immense fan engagement.
“I literally refresh The Hunger Games account at least three times a day,” said Grace Murray, a long-time fan of the franchise.
The comment sections of Hunger Games-related posts are filled to the brim with fans demanding more announcements, guessing who will be revealed next, and voicing their opinions on who has already been cast.
There’s speculation that the announcements are designed to mirror the tribute-reaping process from the series: two names at a time, one male and one female, and always, ladies first.
“A stroke of genius,” as Abernathy would say.
“I feel like a capital citizen watching the reaping at this point,” TikTok user @fantasyrants commented.
So far, four actors have been unveiled through the reaping-esque TikTok.
Abernathy, portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the original Hunger Games series, will be played by Australian-born actor Joseph Zada.
Zada, known for smaller roles so far, is set to appear in Amazon’s We Were Liars this summer and star in Netflix’s 2026 adaptation of John Steinbeck’s East of Eden, according to Entertainment Weekly.
Whitney Peak will play Lenore Dove, Abernathy’s girlfriend. A descendant of the Covey, the musical group in District 12 we first meet in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Lenore Dove has a rebellious spirit and the voice of an angel.
Peak is most widely known for her role as Zoya on Max’s Gossip Girl (2021–2023) revival, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2019–2020), Molly’s Game (2017), and Hocus Pocus 2 (2022).
In the second round of cast announcements, we learned that Mckenna Grace will take on the role of Maysilee Donner, Abernathy’s fashionable and sassy district partner in the 50th Hunger Games.
Grace is a well-known actress with over 70 acting credits to her name at only 18 years old. She is known for her roles in Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021), Crash & Bernstein (2012–2014), The Young and the Restless (2013–2015), and Gifted (2017), according to IMDb. She was also nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in The Handmaid’s Tale (2021–2022).
Lastly, Plutarch Heavensbee, formerly portrayed by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman in the original Hunger Games trilogy, will be played by Jesse Plemons. Plemons, who broke into Hollywood with his role as Landry Clarke in Friday Night Lights (2006–2011), played Hoffman’s son in the film The Master (2012).
Plutarch, the head game maker and brains behind the political coup in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013), is only a cameraman assigned to cover the District 12 tributes in Sunrise on the Reaping.
“We are honored that he [Jesse] has chosen to bring his own take to one of the most fascinating figures in Panem, and feel that his previous collaboration with Philip Seymour Hoffman makes it all the more special,” said Erin Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group in a statement, according to Entertainment Weekly. “His Plutarch will be both a tribute to the character fans have already come to know and a portrayal he makes his own.”
It isn’t clear when the next cast members will be announced, but fans are eagerly anticipating each reveal. One of the most popular fan requests is for Elle Fanning to play a young Effie Trinket.
As Lionsgate continues to add fuel to the fire on TikTok, one thing is clear: The Hunger Games still has the power to command a crowd.
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Photos courtesy of @hungergamesofficial via Instagram.