Who Did Woody Harrelson Portray in ‘The Hunger Games’ & Will He Be in ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’?
The actor was one of the major players in the Hunger Games’ original movie series, but he won’t be returning in Suzanne Collins’ upcoming prequel adaptation — here’s why.
The Hunger Games’ universe is about to be expanded with a new prequel titled Sunrise on the Reaping, but, just like all the other original actors, Woody Harrelson won’t be there to reprise his role — and it actually makes a lot of sense.
The future movie, based on Suzanne Collins’ prequel novel of the same name, will now take a closer look at the story of Haymitch Abernathy who, decades before Katniss Everdeen volunteered for the 74th Hunger Games, became the victor of the 50th Hunger Games aka Second Quarter Quell.
With the storyline still having a direct connection to Harrelson’s character, Sunrise on the Reaping will introduce an entirely new cast that already comprises some of the biggest Hollywood stars.
Woody Harrelson Was Haymitch in ‘The Hunger Games’ & Won’t Return in ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’
In the original movie series, the actor portrayed an older version of the character who is about to become the future prequel’s lead.
However, Harrelson was never an option for Sunrise on the Reaping since a much younger actor was needed to portray Haymitch who at the time of the novel’s events is 16 years old; in the upcoming prequel, Haymitch will be portrayed by Joseph Zada.
Unlike The Hunger Games, Sunrise on the Reaping will delve into the character’s background and his story with the Hunger Games much more profoundly, also reflecting on Haymitch’s relationship with his family and girlfriend, as well as with District 12 friends who will also play a major role in Katniss Everdeen’s story.
Who Else Is on ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ Cast?
So far, the movie has seemingly found its leading actors, with the full list including:
- Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy
- Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow
- Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket
- Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman
- Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee
- Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner
- Maya Hawke as Wiress
- Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier
- Lili Taylor as Mags
- Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird
- Molly McCann as Louella McCoy
- Iona Bell as Lou Lou
- Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow
When Will ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ Be Released?
The movie will arrive in theatres worldwide on November 20, 2026.
