Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’s New Haymitch Reveals Woody Harrelson’s Advice
News Source
•Wed, 21 Oct 2026 17:05:53 GMT
📰 What Happened
Joseph Zada plays the young Haymitch Abernathy in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The role was made famous by Woody Harrelson, who also appears in the new film as the older Haymitch.
Zada says Harrelson told him to watch Cool Hand Luke, the 1967 Paul Newman film. Harrelson said he has tried to follow that film in everything he has done. The two spent time together on set.
🔍 The Backstory
Sunrise on the Reaping is based on Suzanne Collins' prequel novel. It tells the story of the 50th Hunger Games, which Haymitch won. The film is out in cinemas on 20 November.
Director Francis Lawrence told the cast not to copy earlier actors. Elle Fanning, playing Effie Trinket, still added small nods to Elizabeth Banks' version in her costumes and ad-libs.
🎯 Why It Matters
Prequels live or die on whether fans accept new actors in old roles. Small details like these help bridge the gap.
Joseph Zada plays the young Haymitch Abernathy in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The role was made famous by Woody Harrelson, who also appears in the new film as the older Haymitch.
Zada says Harrelson told him to watch Cool Hand Luke, the 1967 Paul Newman film. Harrelson said he has tried to follow that film in everything he has done. The two spent time together on set.
Sunrise on the Reaping is based on Suzanne Collins' prequel novel. It tells the story of the 50th Hunger Games, which Haymitch won. The film is out in cinemas on 20 November.
Director Francis Lawrence told the cast not to copy earlier actors. Elle Fanning, playing Effie Trinket, still added small nods to Elizabeth Banks' version in her costumes and ad-libs.
Prequels live or die on whether fans accept new actors in old roles. Small details like these help bridge the gap.