Hunger Games Prequel Casts Stranger Things’ Maya Hawke as Key Character

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In 2026, the eagerly awaited prequel to “The Hunger Games,” titled “Sunrise on the Reaping,” is set to hit the screens. This upcoming movie has recently added Maya Hawke from “Stranger Things” to its star-studded cast as a key character. Originally published in 2025 by Suzanne Collins, the novel serves as the basis for Lionsgate’s film adaptation.

This second prequel in the series follows “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” which was released in 2023. The story revolves around Haymitch Abernathy, a former Hunger Games winner who later mentors Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark during the 74th Hunger Games.

24 years prior to the initial Hunger Games novel, we find ourselves witnessing the 50th edition of this brutal event, where Haymitch is among the competitors. Newcomer Maya Hawke takes on the role of Wiress, originally portrayed by Amanda Plummer in later installments. Joining her are Joseph Zada as Haymitch, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier, and Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee. Francis Lawrence is back at the helm with a script penned by Billy Ray.

What Maya Hawke’s Sunrise On The Reaping Casting Means

This Is An Important Role For Hawke To Play

Wiress is a vital character in “The Hunger Games” as she plays a crucial role in assisting Katniss in surviving the 75th Hunger Games. Nicknamed “Nuts” due to her peculiar demeanor, she demonstrates remarkable intelligence by deciphering the clock-like structure of the arena. Despite her tragic death during the Third Quarter Quell, she makes a substantial impact on the efforts of others to outsmart and overcome the system.

In the thrilling world of cinematic spectacles, I found myself captivated by the tale unfolding within “Sunrise on the Reaping.” A character whose journey began in the 49th Hunger Games, Wiress, will grace our screens once more, this time playing a pivotal role. Having emerged victorious from the brutal arena, Wiress will now serve as Haymitch’s mentor, offering guidance and wisdom to the man who, in turn, becomes a beacon of rebellion against President Snow. It is with great anticipation that I await the portrayal of Wiress, her haunting past as a former Hunger Games participant lingering over her character, adding depth and complexity to her relationship with Haymitch.

Our Take On Maya Hawke Joining Sunrise On The Reaping

Hawke Is A Solid Choice For The Hunger Games

As a movie enthusiast, I’d always argue that a picture benefits significantly from bringing aboard reputable actors, and Millie Bobby Brown, with her stellar performance as Robin in Stranger Things, certainly falls into that category. Since joining the show in season 3, she’s graced our screens in various high-profile productions such as Netflix’s Do Revenge, Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City, and Bradley Cooper’s Maestro. Her impressive resume continues to expand with the 2023 release of Wildcat, a film she both produced and starred in, and lending her voice to Pixar’s Inside Out 2, which became the highest-grossing movie of 2024 as Anxiety. With her role in the upcoming blockbuster Sunrise on the Reaping – a massive franchise production – she’s demonstrated that she’s more than capable of handling such high-stakes projects.

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2025-05-14 22:03