AceShowbiz - Joseph Zada is quickly gaining recognition in Hollywood as the promising new talent portraying a young Haymitch Abernathy in the upcoming prequel The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. This film explores the story set 24 years before the original series centered around Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen, offering fans a deeper look at one of the franchise’s most compelling characters.

Zada, who hails from Sydney, Australia, has already built a solid foundation in his home country with notable roles in television. He gained attention for his performances in acclaimed Australian series such as Total Control and Invisible Boys. In Invisible Boys, he plays the lead character Charlie, in a Stan Original Series adapted from Holden Sheppard’s bestselling novel.

Represented by prominent agencies including CAA, Untitled Entertainment, RGM, and Goodman Genow, Zada is stepping into the international spotlight with this significant role. Alongside him in Sunrise on the Reaping is Whitney Peak, known for Gossip Girl, who stars as Lenore Dove Baird, a fellow tribute and love interest of Haymitch.

Erin Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, praised the pair in a press release, stating that the franchise “has long been a launching pad for remarkable young actors,” and that Zada and Peak “carry that legacy forward with incredible heart, depth, and fire.” She emphasized their standout talent and the emotional authenticity they bring to these iconic roles, highlighting anticipation for the origin story of a fan-favorite character.

Beyond his breakthrough role in The Hunger Games universe, Zada is also involved in other high-profile projects. He is set to appear in the Netflix limited series East of Eden, directed by Zoe Kazan and starring Florence Pugh and Mike Faist. Additionally, he will star in Amazon Prime Video’s adaptation of the bestselling young adult novel We Were Liars, which is scheduled to premiere in June.

With a growing portfolio and collaborations with award-winning directors, Joseph Zada is a rising actor poised for a significant impact in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences both in Australia and internationally.