Australian actor Joseph Zada is still relatively unknown in Hollywood, but that’s about to change. Zada is taking on the role of Haymitch Abernathy in “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” set for release this year.
Co-star Mckenna Grace, who plays Maysilee Donner in the film, can’t wait to see her friend and colleague succeed.
“He’s one of the most talented actors I’ve ever worked with,” she tells Variety Australia. “He’s genuinely about to become one of the biggest stars ever. I’m so excited for everybody to watch him perform.”
The star warns audiences to prepare for plenty of tears, as “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” is heartwrenching. “It’s gonna be really, really sad. I keep reminding everybody how sad it’s going to be,” she says. “Lots of tears, lots of drama, but it’s going to be beautiful.”
Grace was a huge fan of the original “Hunger Games” trilogy starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark, both of who are reprising their roles in this prequel.
“To get to be doing it with [director] Francis [Lawrence] and the team, and [producer] Nina Jacobson… you couldn’t be in better hands, because it’s the hands that created it,” she says.
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“The set design, the costume design, the makeup, the hair, the cast, the directing, the cinematography — all of it is [due to] such talented creatives working at the highest level and operating at the best of their abilities.”
Grace adds that “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” will be an “incredible cinematic experience”.
The cast of “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” also includes Elle Fanning, Ralph Fiennes, Maya Hawke, Jesse Plemons,Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Whitney Peak and Billy Porter.
“The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” hits Australian cinemas on November 19, 2026.