The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Harvestdirected by the franchise veteran Francis Lawrenceis gearing up for its highly anticipated release this year, marking the series’ return to the big screen for the first time since. Song of songbirds and snakes.
Although it’s the newest installment, the film takes viewers back decades before Katniss Everdeen (played by Katniss Everdeen). Jennifer Lawrence) came forward as a tribute. This introduction delves into the origins of Haymitch Abernathy – who he portrays Woody Harrelson In the original films – and the brutal events of the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Suppression.
“Haymitch has always been a fan favorite, and his origin story is one of the most anticipated in the series,” Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman He said in a press release. “We can’t wait for fans to experience the story that shaped one of the most compelling characters in the series.”
led by Joseph Zadeh Starring a young Haymitch, the prequel introduces a new cast of rising stars and familiar faces entering the world of Panem. Among those familiar faces are Jennifer and Josh, who will play Katniss and Peeta respectively, according to the British Daily Mail. Hollywood Reporter.
Here’s who’s starring in this long-awaited return to the scene.
Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
Although her appearance may be brief, it’s still a big moment for the series’ original heroine. per hollywood Reporter, The actress reprises her role as Katniss in a “fast-forward scene.” The scene in question likely refers to the book’s conclusion when Haymitch bonds with Katniss and Peeta as they grow older.
Josh Hutcherson
per THRJosh reprises his original role as Peeta in the “flash-forward scene”. the I love Los Angeles The actor kept any details about his return a secret while he worked hard to promote his other projects.
Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy
Zada, an Australian actor, plays young Haymitch Abernathy, the only male from District 12 in the 50th Hunger Games. Zada has previously appeared in Australian productions such as Invisible boys and Complete control. He is also scheduled to appear in the upcoming series We were liars and East of Adenstarring alongside him Florence Pugh.
Casting a younger version of this established character was no simple task. In a March 2025 interview with diverseproject Nina Jacobson He admitted it was difficult to find someone who could embody the essence of Haymitch without emulating Harrelson’s original portrayal.
“No one can be Woody Harrelson but Woody Harrelson,” she said. “You don’t want someone impersonating Woody, but you want someone who feels very believably that they could be a young version of that character, before the trauma and sadness and anger of the fallout from the games.”
Whitney Beck as Lenore Dove Bird
Whitney Beck Lenore portrays Dove Bird, Haymitch’s friend and member of Coffee, a musical group from District 12. Peck is known for her roles in… gossip girl Reboot and Hocus pocus 2.
McKenna Grace as Micely Donner
McKenna Grace She plays Missile Donner, another tribute from District 12 and a temporary ally of Haymitch during the Games. At only 19 years old, Grace is already a seasoned film and television actress, with prominent roles in… Ghostbusters: Afterlife, The Handmaid’s Taleand Young Sheldon.
Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee
Jesse Plemons He plays Plutarch Heavensbee, a rising figure in the Capitol who becomes crucial to the future of Panem. The 38-year-old actor is known for his acclaimed performances in Dog power, Very badand Fargo.
“Jesse is one of the most talented actors of his generation, with a track record of selectively casting his roles,” Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a statement. Delivery time. “We’re honored that he chose to bring his own take on one of Panem’s most fascinating characters, and we feel that his previous collaboration with Philip Seymour Hoffman makes it even more special. His Plutarch will be a tribute to the character fans already know and an image he creates himself. We can’t wait for audiences to see it.”
Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket
Ellen Fanning You’ll play the younger version of Effie Trinket, the iconic character from the original series who lived by the term “May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor.” Elle has appeared in a large number of projects, some of which include: Completely anonymous, the girl from Plainville and mischievous.
Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman
Played for the first time before Stanley TucciCesar Flickerman will now be 24 years younger than he was when we first met him Hunger Games. The energetic and charismatic host of the show is known for his on-screen charm as he welcomes the tributes to the stage before they battle to the death. in sunrisehe will play the role of Caesar Kieran Culkin.
Kiran has been seen in a variety of roles but has recently received more accolades for his work. Some of his most notable performances are in succession And in Real painFor which he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Billy Porter as Lucretius “Lucky” Flickerman
Before Kaiser Flickerman became the pompous face of the Capitol, there was Lucretius “The Lucky” Flickerman – his illustrious and pioneering predecessor. in Sunrise on harvestLucky is the original host of The Hunger Games at the Capitol, introducing audiences to the twisted spectacle for the first time.
Lucky Flickerman will be photographed by Billy Porterwhose commanding stage presence and sharp delivery make him a natural fit for the Capitol spotlight. Porter is best known for his Emmy Award-winning role in the film antiquitiesIn addition to his leading appearances on Broadway and red carpets.
Glenn Close as Casca Highbottom
Casca Highbottom, dean of the academy, is the grim thinker credited with creating the Hunger Games—but not by choice. in Sunrise on harvestIt was photographed later in life as the Games approached their 50th anniversary.
Veteran actress Glenn Close He takes on the role of Casca Highbottom. Close has been nominated for an Academy Award seven times, and is widely regarded for her powerful performances in films such as… Fatal attraction, wifeand Hillbilly Elegy.
