Summary
The Hunger Gameswill need to recast Haymitch Abernathy for itsSunrise on the Reapingmovie, andit looks like it will continue a controversial franchise trend in doing so. TheupcomingHunger Gamesprequel is setduring the second Quarter Quell, which means Haymitch will be 16 years old when it takes place. Woody Harrelson gives an iconic performance as Haymitch in the originalHunger Gamesmovies, but the new one will need a younger star to accurately bring the character to life.
Recasting Haymitch forSunrise on the Reapinglikely won’t be easy, as any actor has big shoes to fill after Harrelson.The Hunger Gamesfansalready have Haymitch fancastsfor the prequel, but Lionsgate may already have its eye on someone. Anew rumor aboutSunrise on the ReapingsuggestsMike Faist could play the belovedHunger Gamescharacter. If this turns out to be true, the upcoming prequel will continue a controversial casting trend for theHunger Gamesadaptations.
10 Hunger Games Characters Who Still Deserve Prequels After Haymitch’s
Some of the best characters from The Hunger Games, including Finnick, Johanna, and China, deserve their own prequels after Sunrise on the Reaping.
The Hunger Games Movies Have A History Of Casting Characters With Older Actors
Many Of The Franchise’s Stars Are Older Than Their Characters
The rumors of Faist playing Haymich inSunrise on the Reapinghave been met with significant backlash, as theWest Side Storyactor is currently 32 years old.This means he’d be playing a character half his age inThe Hunger Gamesprequel, which could be hard to sell. Of course, this wouldn’t be the first timeThe Hunger Gamesmovies brought in stars older than their characters. The gap between Faist’s and Haymitch’s ages is on the larger side, but the franchise has a habit of doing this.
If Faist is cast as Haymitch, he’ll be the most extreme example of this trend — but it still wouldn’t be that surprising.
Jennifer Lawrence was 20 years oldwhen she started playing Katniss inThe Hunger Games,making her four years older than the movie’s heroine. Liam Hemsworth was 21 when he took on the role of Gale, who is 18 when the first movie opens. And bothBallad of Snakes and Songbirdsleads are older than their characters. Rachel Zegler was six years Lucy Gray’s senior at 22, and Tom Blyth had 10 years on Coriolanus Snow at 28. If Faist is cast as Haymitch, he’ll be the most extreme example of this trend — but it still wouldn’t be that surprising.
How Old The Hunger Games Cast Was Compared To Their Characters
The Hunger Games cast features the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth – how old were the main actors during filming?
Sunrise On The Reaping’s Movie Will Likely Cast An Actor Older Than Haymitch Should Be
It Fits With The Franchise’s History & The Rumors
Despite the criticisms ofSunrise on the Reaping’s casting rumors,the newHunger Gamesmovie will likely choose an actor older than Haymitch should be. It’s not easy finding child and teen stars who can successfully helm such a major franchise. And given how well casting older stars has worked for previousHunger Gamesfilms,it’s unlikely Lionsgate will change its approach now. Franchise tradition suggests whoever brings Haymitch to life will be at least a few years older — and the rumors hint it could be more than that.
While the reports of Faist’s casting haven’t been confirmed yet,they also indicate that Lionsgate is looking for older talent forSunrise on the Reaping.Even popular fancasts, like Tom Glynn-Carney and Tanner Buchanan, would see actors in their 20s playing the District 12 victor. Based on previous installments in the franchise, it’s unlikely theHunger Gamesprequel will cast younger unknowns. It also wouldn’t be the wisest move from a production perspective.
Why It Makes Sense For Hunger Games' Young Haymitch Actor To Be Older Than 16
An Older Star Can Work Full-Time On Sunrise On The Reaping
While a teenage actor playing Haymitch might be more believable,it actually makes sense forSunrise on the Reapingto cast someone older than 16. If an adult actor is portraying Haymitch, they’ll be able to work full-time on theHunger Gamesprequel, making production quicker and easier. Minors must juggle school with filming, which limits how much they can be on set. As Lionsgate seems determined to get the adaptation out a year after Suzanne Collins' book, casting a younger actor might not be feasible.
A seasoned star will be able to deliver a more emotional performance during theHunger Gamesmovie, driving home the trauma Haymitch experiences during and after the 50th Hunger Games.
An older actor will also come with more experience, which could make Haymitch’s appearance inSunrise on the Reapingmore memorable. A seasoned star will be able to deliver a more emotional performance during theHunger Gamesmovie, driving home the trauma Haymitch experiences during and after the 50th Hunger Games tournament. They’re also more likely to live up to Harrelson’s legacy as the character, which is a daunting task at any age. Needless to say,Sunrise on the Reaping’s rumored casting might actually be a good thing. Now we’ll just have to wait and see if they’re true.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Cast
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping explores the dystopian world of Panem 24 years prior to Katniss Everdeen’s story. This prequel focuses on the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell, unveiling the origins of crucial events and traditions in the series.
