AceShowbiz - "The Hunger Games" franchise is preparing to expand with its latest prequel, "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping." Lionsgate has announced Joseph Zada as the young Haymitch Abernathy and Whitney Peak as his girlfriend.

Set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026, this film takes audiences back to Panem, 24 years before Katniss Everdeen's epic journey.

Joseph Zada, known for his roles in Prime Video's "We Were Liars" and Netflix's "East of Eden," will star as the 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy. Whitney Peak, celebrated for her performances in the "Gossip Girl" reboot and "Hocus Pocus 2," will step into the role of Lenore Dove Baird.

"After auditioning hundreds of gifted performers from around the world, these two stood out - not just for their talent, but for the emotional truth they brought to these iconic roles," said Erin Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. "Haymitch has always been a fan favorite, and his origin story is one of the most anticipated in the franchise."

The anticipation for this prequel is soaring, much like its literary counterpart. Suzanne Collins' novel "Sunrise on the Reaping," published on March 18, quickly became a bestseller, selling 1.5 million copies in its first week.

This sets a high benchmark for the film adaptation, which will revisit the world of Panem during the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. This edition will pit 48 tributes against each other, twice the usual number, amplifying the stakes and the drama.

Francis Lawrence, who directed previous installments including the 2024 prequel "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes", returns at the helm, with a script by Billy Ray.

As the dawn of this new Hunger Games chapter arrives, audiences are poised to dive back into Panem's perilous yet captivating world.