With the Hunger Games franchise set to return with Sunrise on the Reaping, director Francis Lawrence recently opened up about the challenge of casting a young Haymitch Abernathy, a role famously portrayed by Woody Harrelson. In a recent interview with ComicBook.com, Lawrence explained that finding an actor who can capture Haymitch’s unique blend of humor, wit, and emotional depth is no walk in the park. He compared the process to casting a younger President Snow for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, pointing out that it’s all about finding someone who can grow into the character while still embodying their core traits.
Haymitch’s character is known for his sharp intelligence, sarcasm, and the emotional scars left by the brutal 50th Hunger Games. Lawrence mentioned that casting someone who truly gets these layers is key—it’s not just about finding someone who looks like Harrelson, but someone who can make the character their own. The prequel will delve into Haymitch’s backstory and the trauma that shaped him into the mentor we see in the original films.
As fans eagerly await the release of Sunrise on the Reaping in 2026, Lawrence’s thoughtful approach to casting is crucial to ensuring the character of Haymitch lives up to its legacy. Finding the right actor to step into those shoes will be no easy feat.
Do you think they’ll find an actor who can live up to Woody Harrelson’s iconic portrayal of Haymitch?