Joseph Zada reveals Woody Harrelson’s reaction to his casting in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Harrelson played the 50th Hunger Games winner in the original and following sequels, which follow Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson’s Peeta Mellark, who are forced to participate in the Hunger Games, and spark a revolution against Panem’s oppressive regime. Haymitch Abernathy served as Peeta and Katniss’ mentor, and Zada was recently cast to play the younger version in the prequel, which offers some insight into the character’s backstory.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Zada opened up about Harrelson’s reaction to his casting. He shared that he received a “nice little message” from the actor’s niece that suggested Harrelson was “very happy” that he got the role. Zada also expressed a strong possibility of meeting the original Haymitch actor. Read his comments below:

I’ve been in Sydney with my family, just soaking up as much time as I can before I go off to film. But I did get a nice little message. From Woody’s niece, I think. He doesn’t have a phone. I’m sure I’ll speak to him eventually, but apparently he’s very happy for me.

What This Means For Sunrise On The Reaping

Woody Harrelson Is On Board With Joseph Zada’s Casting As Young Haymitch

Harrelson openly lives a life undisturbed by technology and has previously shared that he sometimes relies on other people’s phones for communication. The message Zada received is likely the closest thing to a direct message before the two actors meet in real life. Suzanne Collins, who wrote the Hunger Games novels, revealed that she played around with the idea of having Katniss-era Haymitch looking back in time, but so far, it’s unclear whether Harrelson will consult or get involved in the production of the big-screen adaptation.

Zada’s casting seems to have Harrelson’s stamp of approval, which is a big deal. The young actor has only starred in Bilched, The Speedway Murders, and 2025’s Australian series, Invisible Boys, but he will appear in three popular adaptations, with The Hunger Games being his first big franchise. This year, he can be seen in Prime Video’s We Were Liars, based on a popular YA novel, and is set to appear in Netflix’s East of Eden next year, in the role of Cal Trask, who was previously played by James Dean.

Our Take On Joseph Zada’s Casting In Sunrise On The Reaping

Playing Young Haymitch Can Be A Challenge

Being cast in the lead role of a mᴀssively popular franchise is a big deal, but it doesn’t come without high risks. Joseph Zada, who has never starred in a franchise before, opened up about his nervousness playing a beloved character in The Hunger Games in the same interview. Harrelson’s support gives the rising star a bigger chance at success, and it would be satisfying if there were a behind-the-scenes collaboration between the two stars.

Despite not being a big name, Zada’s casting has received many positive comments and excitement from fans. In the same interview, Zada revealed that his casting wasn’t random, and he had to go through a very thorough audition to get the role. Harrelson’s support offers cautious fans more ᴀssurance that Sunrise on the Reaping is in good hands.

Source: Vanity Fair