(Image Source: Lionsgate)
Rumors have been swirling around "The Hunger Games" franchise's second prequel, "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," with numerous potential cast members making headlines. After an extensive search, Lionsgate has finally announced the initial cast through Deadline.
Joseph Zada, a rising newcomer who only recently began his acting career last year, is set to portray the titular protagonist, a young Haymitch. Whitney Peak, who gained prominence through the recent "Gossip Girl" series, will play Reynault of the Bairds, Haymitch's girlfriend. Reynault is a member of the same family as Lucy Gray Baird, the female lead from the previous prequel, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes."
(Image Source: IMDb)
Francis Lawrence, who helmed the final three films of the original "Hunger Games" quadrilogy and "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," will return to direct "Sunrise on the Reaping." Billy Ray, screenwriter of the first "Hunger Games" film, is also set to pen the script.
The film is an adaptation of "The Hunger Games" series creator Suzanne Collins' new novel of the same name, which was just published last month. Set 24 years before the original "Hunger Games" story, it will chronicle 16-year-old Haymitch's experience competing in and winning the 50th Hunger Games. The North American release is slated for November 20, 2026, with production expected to begin this July in Germany.
via： Deadline