The the hunger games sunrise on the reaping cast ages list includes rising stars and well known Hollywood actors. Joseph Zada, who plays young Haymitch Abernathy, is 21 years old as of November 2, 2026. His co-stars include Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Jesse Plemons, and Ralph Fiennes.
The upcoming film brings Suzanne Collins’ Panem back to theaters on November 20, 2026. Its story follows the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, 24 years before Katniss Everdeen enters the arena. Lionsgate+1
Below, you’ll find the main actors’ real ages, their characters, birth dates where publicly available, and the difference between their ages and the ages of the characters they portray.
The Hunger Games Sunrise on the Reaping Cast Ages at a Glance
Here is a quick look at the main cast. The ages are calculated as of November 2, 2026, using publicly reported birth dates. They refer to the actors, not their fictional characters.
| Actor | Character | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Joseph Zada | Haymitch Abernathy | 21 |
| Whitney Peak | Lenore Dove Baird | 23 |
| Mckenna Grace | Maysilee Donner | 20 |
| Elle Fanning | Effie Trinket | 28 |
| Jesse Plemons | Plutarch Heavensbee | 38 |
| Ralph Fiennes | President Coriolanus Snow | 63 |
| Maya Hawke | Wiress | 28 |
| Kieran Culkin | Caesar Flickerman | 44 |
| Glenn Close | Drusilla Sickle | 79 |
| Kelvin Harrison Jr. | Beetee Latier | 32 |
| Lili Taylor | Mags Flanagan | 59 |
| Billy Porter | Magno Stift | 57 |
| Ben Wang | Wyatt Callow | 29 |
| Iris Apatow | Proserpina Trinket | 24 |
| Edvin Ryding | Vitus | 23 |
| Iona Bell | Lou Lou | 15 |
| Jennifer Lawrence | Katniss Everdeen | 36 |
| Josh Hutcherson | Peeta Mellark | 34 |
| Woody Harrelson | Haymitch Abernathy | 65 |
ActorAgeCheck+3
Age note: The film is scheduled for November 20, 2026. The table uses November 2 as its age reference date, so an actor with a birthday between those dates may be one year older by the theatrical premiere.
Main Cast Members and Their Ages
1. Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy
Meet The Full ‘Sunrise On The Reaping’ Cast
Age: 21
Date of birth: July 21, 2005
Character: Haymitch Abernathy
Joseph Zada plays the young Haymitch Abernathy, the central character in the new prequel. The Australian actor takes on a role previously made famous by Woody Harrelson in the original films.
In this story, audiences meet Haymitch long before he becomes the sarcastic mentor who guides Katniss and Peeta. He is a teenager from District 12 who gets selected for the 50th Hunger Games.
Zada was born in 2005 and is 21 as of November 2, 2026. His character is 16 during the Second Quarter Quell, making the actor five years older than the character he portrays. ActorAgeCheck+1
2. Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird
Meet The Full ‘Sunrise On The Reaping’ Cast – Brit + Co
Age: 23
Date of birth: January 28, 2003
Character: Lenore Dove Baird
Whitney Peak plays Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend and an important part of his life in District 12. Her character adds a personal side to Haymitch’s story before he enters the arena.
Peak is known for playing Zoya Lott in the Gossip Girl reboot. She also appeared in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
At 23, Peak is seven years older than the 16 year old character’s approximate age range in the story. Her casting brings a familiar young television actress into the franchise. ActorAgeCheck+1
3. Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner
‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ Casts Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner – IMDb
Age: 20
Date of birth: June 25, 2006
Character: Maysilee Donner
Mckenna Grace plays Maysilee Donner, one of the tributes from District 12. Her character becomes connected to Haymitch during the Second Quarter Quell.
Grace has built an extensive acting career from a young age. Her credits include Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Young Sheldon, and The Handmaid’s Tale.
Born in June 2006, Grace is 20 years old. Her age is closer to the teenage characters in the story than several of the other main performers. ActorAgeCheck+1
4. Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket
Elle Fanning será Effie Trinket en ‘Los Juegos del Hambre: Amenecer en la Cosecha’
Age: 28
Date of birth: April 9, 1998
Character: Effie Trinket
Elle Fanning takes on the role of a younger Effie Trinket. Elizabeth Banks played the character in the original film series, where Effie was known for her Capitol style and responsibility for District 12’s tributes.
Fanning is known for The Great, Maleficent, and A Complete Unknown. She has also appeared in several independent films and television projects.
At 28, Fanning plays a younger version of a character audiences already know. Her casting gives viewers a chance to see Effie before the events involving Katniss and Peeta. ActorAgeCheck+1
5. Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee
Meet The Full ‘Sunrise On The Reaping’ Cast – Brit + Co
Age: 38
Date of birth: April 2, 1988
Character: Plutarch Heavensbee
Jesse Plemons plays Plutarch Heavensbee, a character who later becomes an important figure in the rebellion against the Capitol. Philip Seymour Hoffman portrayed Plutarch in the earlier films.
Plemons has appeared in Breaking Bad, Fargo, Friday Night Lights, and Killers of the Flower Moon. His role in this prequel explores an earlier point in Plutarch’s life.
At 38, he is one of the older actors portraying a younger version of a familiar character. ActorAgeCheck+1
6. Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow
Ralph Fiennes Cast in Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Age: 63
Date of birth: December 22, 1962
Character: President Coriolanus Snow
Ralph Fiennes plays President Snow, the powerful leader of Panem. Donald Sutherland played the character in the original films, while Tom Blyth portrayed a younger Snow in The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
Fiennes is known for roles in Schindler’s List, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and the Harry Potter films. His casting adds another major performer to the franchise.
At 63, Fiennes brings decades of screen experience to a character who remains central to Panem’s political system. ActorAgeCheck+1
7. Maya Hawke as Wiress
Meet The Full ‘Sunrise On The Reaping’ Cast – Brit + Co
Age: 28
Date of birth: July 8, 1998
Character: Wiress
Maya Hawke plays Wiress, a former Hunger Games victor who later becomes known for her intelligence and unusual way of communicating. Amanda Plummer portrayed Wiress in Catching Fire.
Hawke is best known for playing Robin Buckley in Stranger Things. Her film credits include Do Revenge and Asteroid City.
At 28, Hawke portrays an earlier version of a character fans have already seen in the franchise. ActorAgeCheck+1
8. Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman
“Hunger Games”-Prequel: Kieran Culkin wird zu Caesar Flickerman | GALA.de
Age: 44
Date of birth: September 30, 1982
Character: Caesar Flickerman
Kieran Culkin plays Caesar Flickerman, the Capitol television host who presents the Hunger Games to the public. Stanley Tucci played Caesar in the earlier movies.
Culkin became widely known for his performance as Roman Roy in Succession. He has also appeared in Igby Goes Down and A Real Pain.
At 44, Culkin is portraying a younger version of a character previously played by Tucci. ActorAgeCheck+1
9. Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle
Age: 79
Date of birth: March 19, 1947
Character: Drusilla Sickle
Glenn Close plays Drusilla Sickle, the Capitol escort assigned to District 12’s tributes. She is one of the most experienced performers in the cast.
Close is known for Fatal Attraction, Dangerous Liaisons, 101 Dalmatians, and The Wife. Her long career includes acclaimed work in both film and television.
At 79, Close is the oldest performer among the main cast members with publicly listed ages in this guide. ActorAgeCheck+1
10. Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier
Meet The Full ‘Sunrise On The Reaping’ Cast – Brit + Co
Age: 32
Date of birth: July 23, 1994
Character: Beetee Latier
Kelvin Harrison Jr. plays Beetee Latier, a District 3 victor known for his technical intelligence. Jeffrey Wright portrayed Beetee in the earlier films.
Harrison has appeared in Waves, The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Elvis. His casting gives the prequel another connection to a familiar Hunger Games character.
He is 32 years old as of November 2, 2026. ActorAgeCheck+1
More Sunrise on the Reaping Cast Members and Ages
The supporting cast includes performers who play other victors, Capitol figures, and members of District 12. Some have major connections to the original story, while others introduce characters viewers have not met before.
11. Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan
Age: 59
Date of birth: February 20, 1967
Character: Mags Flanagan
Lili Taylor plays Mags Flanagan, a former Hunger Games victor from District 4. Lynn Cohen played the older version of Mags in Catching Fire.
Taylor has appeared in Mystic Pizza, The Conjuring, and Six Feet Under. Her character connects the new story to the history of previous Games and the victors who survived them.
At 59, Taylor brings substantial film and television experience to the role. ActorAgeCheck+1
12. Billy Porter as Magno Stift
The Pride Issue – The Bitter and the Sweet (ISSUE 38 SUMMER 2025) · Pride Life
Age: 57
Date of birth: September 21, 1969
Character: Magno Stift
Billy Porter plays Magno Stift, a Capitol stylist connected to the District 12 tributes. He is Drusilla Sickle’s estranged husband.
Porter is known for Pose, Cinderella, and his work on Broadway. He won a Tony Award for his performance in Kinky Boots.
His role adds another Capitol personality to the story, showing the people responsible for preparing tributes for public appearances. ActorAgeCheck+1
13. Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow
Meet The Full ‘Sunrise On The Reaping’ Cast – Brit + Co
Age: 29
Date of birth: September 21, 1997
Character: Wyatt Callow
Ben Wang joins the film as Wyatt Callow. The actor gained attention through American Born Chinese and Mean Girls (2024), and later appeared in Karate Kid: Legends.
Wang is 29 years old as of November 2, 2026. His character is part of the larger group of tributes and people connected to the 50th Hunger Games. ActorAgeCheck+1
14. Iris Apatow as Proserpina Trinket
Iris Apatow on ‘Sunrise on the Reaping,’ ‘Tell Me Lies’ Season 3, and Her Boyfriend Sam Nivola
Age: 24
Date of birth: October 12, 2002
Character: Proserpina Trinket
Iris Apatow plays Proserpina Trinket, a member of Haymitch’s Capitol preparation team. Her character is connected to the family of Effie Trinket.
Apatow has appeared in Love and The Bubble. She is the daughter of filmmaker Judd Apatow and actress Leslie Mann.
At 24, Apatow is among the younger adult performers in the supporting cast. ActorAgeCheck+1
15. Edvin Ryding as Vitus
Age: 23
Date of birth: February 4, 2003
Character: Vitus
Edvin Ryding plays Vitus, another member of the Capitol team preparing Haymitch for the Games. International viewers may recognize him as Wilhelm from the Netflix series Young Royals.
Ryding is 23 years old. His casting adds a familiar face for viewers who followed the Swedish actor’s work in the teen drama. ActorAgeCheck+1
16. Iona Bell as Lou Lou
Meet The Full ‘Sunrise On The Reaping’ Cast – Brit + Co
Age: 15
Date of birth: June 26, 2011
Character: Lou Lou
Iona Bell plays Lou Lou, a young character in the film’s District 12 storyline. Bell is one of the youngest performers in the announced cast.
At 15, she is close in age to the teenage characters at the center of the story. Her casting adds another young performer to a film that follows children and teenagers forced into the Hunger Games. ActorAgeCheck+1
Other Supporting Cast Members
Several additional actors appear in the announced cast. Their roles help fill out District 12, the Capitol, and the wider world of Panem.
| Actor | Character | Age on Nov. 2, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Jefferson White | Mr. McCoy | 36 |
| Kara Tointon | Willamae Abernathy | 43 |
| Jhaleil Swaby | Panache Barker | 27 |
| Laura Marcus | Silka Sharp | 22 |
| Sky Frances | Maritte | 43 |
| Smylie Bradwell | Sid Abernathy | 10 |
ActorAgeCheck+2
Molly McCann, Percy Daggs IV, Rada Rae, Sandra Förster, Jax Guerrero, and several other performers are also listed in the cast databases. Publicly available birth information is incomplete or inconsistent for some of these actors, so assigning them exact ages without reliable confirmation would be misleading. Rotten Tomatoes+1
Returning Hunger Games Actors and Their Ages
The Hunger Games Cast: Meet the Heroes and Villains Who Brought the Story to Life » Techy Newz
The prequel also brings back familiar names from the earlier films. Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are listed as returning in their roles as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. Woody Harrelson is also listed as Haymitch Abernathy, connecting the new story to the character audiences know from the original movies. Rotten Tomatoes+1
Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
The Phrase “Strong Female Character” Needs To Go, Because Women Deserve A Smarter Conversation
Age: 36
Date of birth: August 15, 1990
Character: Katniss Everdeen
Jennifer Lawrence returns as Katniss Everdeen, the central character of the original Hunger Games films. Her appearance creates a direct link between the prequel and the story that made the franchise a worldwide hit.
Lawrence is known for Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle, X-Men, and the original Hunger Games movies. She is 36 years old as of November 2, 2026.
Because the new story takes place 24 years before Katniss’ first Games, her appearance should be understood as a connection to the wider franchise rather than a central role in young Haymitch’s story. ActorAgeCheck+1
Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark
Age: 34
Date of birth: October 12, 1992
Character: Peeta Mellark
Josh Hutcherson returns as Peeta Mellark. He played the character alongside Lawrence throughout the original film series.
Hutcherson is also known for Bridge to Terabithia, Journey to the Center of the Earth, and Five Nights at Freddy’s. He turned 34 in October 2026.
Like Katniss, Peeta belongs to a later part of the Panem timeline. His reported appearance connects the prequel to the franchise’s earlier films. ActorAgeCheck+1
Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy
Nuevo libro de Los Juegos del Hambre contará la historia de Haymitch | El Siglo de Torreón
Age: 65
Date of birth: July 23, 1961
Character: Haymitch Abernathy
Woody Harrelson played Haymitch in the earlier Hunger Games movies. His character was the mentor who helped Katniss and Peeta prepare for the Games.
Joseph Zada now plays the younger version of Haymitch during the 50th Hunger Games. Harrelson’s reported return creates a connection between the character’s teenage years and the older mentor fans already know.
Harrelson is 65 years old as of November 2, 2026. Rotten Tomatoes+1
How Old Are the Actors Compared With Their Characters?
One interesting detail about this movie is the age gap between the performers and the fictional characters. Several adult actors portray younger versions of people introduced in the original films.
Joseph Zada is 21, but Haymitch is only 16 during the 50th Hunger Games. Mckenna Grace is 20, while Maysilee is also a teenage tribute. These casting choices are common in major film productions, where actors in their late teens or twenties often portray younger characters.
| Actor | Actor’s age | Character | Character’s story age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joseph Zada | 21 | Haymitch Abernathy | 16 |
| Mckenna Grace | 20 | Maysilee Donner | Teenager |
| Whitney Peak | 23 | Lenore Dove Baird | Young adult |
| Elle Fanning | 28 | Effie Trinket | Not confirmed |
| Jesse Plemons | 38 | Plutarch Heavensbee | Not confirmed |
| Maya Hawke | 28 | Wiress | Not confirmed |
| Kieran Culkin | 44 | Caesar Flickerman | Not confirmed |
The character ages in this table are included only when supported by the story background. The film’s complete character age breakdown has not been officially published, so it would be inaccurate to assign exact ages to every role.
Why Is Joseph Zada Older Than Haymitch?
Haymitch is 16 when he is selected for the Second Quarter Quell. Joseph Zada was born on July 21, 2005, making him 21 as of November 2, 2026.
That five year difference is not unusual for a movie with teenage characters. Casting teams often consider acting experience, screen presence, and the ability to handle demanding scenes when choosing performers for young roles.
Zada also has to portray a version of Haymitch who is very different from the older character played by Woody Harrelson. The prequel explores the experiences that shaped Haymitch long before he became a mentor.
Who Is the Oldest Actor in the Cast?
Glenn Close is the oldest among the major cast members listed here. She is 79 years old as of November 2, 2026.
Her role as Drusilla Sickle places her within the Capitol’s system surrounding the tributes. Close has decades of experience across film, television, and theater.
Who Is the Youngest Actor in the Cast?
Smylie Bradwell is listed as Sid Abernathy and is 10 years old as of November 2, 2026, based on the publicly listed birth date. Iona Bell, who plays Lou Lou, is 15.
These younger performers are part of the film’s wider supporting cast. ActorAgeCheck+1
What Is The hunger games sunrise on the reaping cast ages About?
The hunger games sunrise on the reaping cast ages’ Teaser | Hypebeast
the hunger games sunrise on the reaping cast ages is based on Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel of the same name. The story returns to Panem 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s first Hunger Games.
Its main focus is the 50th Hunger Games, also called the Second Quarter Quell. This event is especially important because the Capitol changes the rules and sends twice the usual number of tributes into the arena.
Instead of 24 competitors, 48 young people are selected. Haymitch Abernathy is one of the District 12 tributes, and his experience becomes the central story of the film. Lionsgate+1
What Happens During the Second Quarter Quell?
The Second Quarter Quell is one of the most brutal Games in Panem’s history. The Capitol requires each district to send twice its normal number of tributes.
For Haymitch, this means surviving an arena filled with more competitors than the usual Hunger Games. His experience also introduces the events that shape his later relationship with the Capitol and the people who challenge its authority.
Is Sunrise on the Reaping Based on a Book?
Yes. The film adapts Suzanne Collins’ novel Sunrise on the Reaping, published on March 18, 2025.
Collins returned to the world of Panem with a story centered on Haymitch’s past. The book explores the events surrounding his selection, the arena, and the consequences of winning the Games.
Readers who want to know the story before watching the movie can read the novel first. Those who prefer to avoid spoilers may want to wait until after the theatrical release.
When Does The Hunger Games Sunrise On The Reaping Cast Ages Come Out?
The film is scheduled to open in US theaters on November 20, 2026. Lionsgate has confirmed the North American theatrical release date, and the movie is also listed for IMAX screenings. Lionsgate+1
| Release detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Movie title | The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping |
| US release date | November 20, 2026 |
| Distributor | Lionsgate |
| Director | Francis Lawrence |
| Source material | Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel |
| Genre | Action, adventure, science fiction |
| US rating | PG-13 |
| Release format | Theaters and IMAX |
Who Directed the Movie?
Francis Lawrence directs Sunrise on the Reaping. He previously directed Catching Fire, Mockingjay Part 1, Mockingjay Part 2, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, and other films in the franchise.
His return gives the prequel a director who already understands Panem’s visual style and storytelling history.
Who Wrote the Screenplay?
Billy Ray and Michael Lesslie are credited with the screenplay, based on Suzanne Collins’ novel. Collins is also involved as an executive producer.
The adaptation brings the book’s story to the screen while connecting it to the larger movie franchise. Rotten Tomatoes+1
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Joseph Zada in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Joseph Zada is 21 years old as of November 2, 2026. He plays 16 year old Haymitch Abernathy in the film.
How old is Whitney Peak in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Whitney Peak is 23 years old. She plays Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend.
How old is Mckenna Grace in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Mckenna Grace is 20 years old as of November 2, 2026. She plays Maysilee Donner, a tribute from District 12.
How old is Elle Fanning in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Elle Fanning is 28 years old. She plays a younger version of Effie Trinket.
How old is Ralph Fiennes in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Ralph Fiennes is 63 years old. He plays President Coriolanus Snow, the leader of Panem.
How old is Maya Hawke in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Maya Hawke is 28 years old. She plays Wiress, a former Hunger Games victor.
How old is Kieran Culkin in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Kieran Culkin is 44 years old. He takes on the role of Caesar Flickerman, the Capitol’s television host.
Who is the oldest actor in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Glenn Close is the oldest among the major cast members listed in this guide. She is 79 years old as of November 2, 2026.
Who is the youngest actor in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Smylie Bradwell is 10 years old based on his publicly listed birth date. He plays Sid Abernathy. Iona Bell, who plays Lou Lou, is 15.
How old is Haymitch in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Haymitch Abernathy is 16 years old during the 50th Hunger Games. Joseph Zada, who plays him, is 21.
Are Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson returning?
Both actors are listed in cast databases as returning as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. Their reported appearances connect the prequel to the earlier films. Rotten Tomatoes+1
When will Sunrise on the Reaping be released?
The film is scheduled to arrive in US theaters on November 20, 2026. Lionsgate has also listed an IMAX release. Lionsgate+1
Final Thoughts
The the hunger games sunrise on the reaping cast ages reveal a mix of young performers and experienced Hollywood stars. Joseph Zada leads the movie at 21 as young Haymitch, while Whitney Peak is 23 and Mckenna Grace is 20. The older cast includes Glenn Close at 79, Ralph Fiennes at 63, and Lili Taylor at 59.
The returning names add another connection to the original movies, with Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Woody Harrelson listed alongside the new cast. The film arrives in US theaters on November 20, 2026, bringing Haymitch’s story to the big screen.
Logan Carter writes straightforward sports guides to help fans find NFL game times, TV channels, and streaming options. He makes sports information easy to understand so readers can spend less time searching and more time enjoying the game.
1 thought on “The Hunger Games Sunrise on the Reaping Cast Ages 2026 Guide”