A 20-year-old Sydneysider has just landed the role of a lifetime.
Joseph Zada has been unveiled as a leading star in the latest Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games movie, portraying a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy in the Sunrise on the Reaping film adaptation.
Fans have been speculating for months over who would nab one of the most coveted roles in Hollywood, and it has all the potential to make him a household name.
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Who is Joseph Zada?
At just 20, Zada already has various film and television credits under his belt.
You may know him best for his work as Charlie Roth in Stan’s Invisible Boys, though he has also appeared in Bliched, The Speedway Murders and Total Control.
Zada is a rising star, with a series of major productions featuring the actor already in production.
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The Aussie actor, who already boasts 52,000 Instagram followers, is set to appear in the series We Were Liars and the mini-series East of Eden.
What is Sunrise on the Reaping?
The upcoming film is based on Collins’ latest prequel and will take its devout fans back to the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
For those unfamiliar with the franchise, this story explores the dystopian city of Panem 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s saga.
The film will detail the origin story of District 12’s first victor, Abernathy, decades before he became the jaded mentor we all met in The Hunger Games.
Sunrise on the Reaping will explore the character’s time in the arena and the political fallout of his unexpected win.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President Erin Westerman said in a press release: “After auditioning hundreds of gifted performers from around the world, [Zada and co-star Whitney Peak] stood out–not just for their talent, but for the emotional truth they brought to these iconic roles.
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“Haymitch has always been a fan favourite, and his origin story is one of the most anticipated in the franchise. His relationship with Lenore Dove is deeply woven into the emotional history of Panem.
“We can’t wait for fans to experience the story that shaped one of the most compelling characters in the series.”
Producer Nina Jacobson added of the casting process: “Deb Zane and Dylan Jury oversaw an exhaustive (and exhausting!) search to find a young actor with the skill and imagination to embody young Haymitch.
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“Jo prepared like crazy and stole our hearts. Then Whitney took our breath away as Lenore Dove.
“When we put the two of them together, it was one of those magical casting moments when you know your search has led you home.”
How did fans react?
The official Instagram page for the film posted a reveal of Haymitch Abernathy’s character, naming Zada the actor.
Fans of the franchise were quick to support the casting decision, with the response to the young star being overwhelmingly positive.
“WHAT I LOVE HIM ALREADY,” one user commented on the post.
“OML HE LOOKS PERFECT FOR THE ROLE IM SO EXCITED 🙌🏽🔥 OUR HAYMITCH ABERNATHY,” another added enthusiastically.
Invisible Boys writer Holden Sheppard wrote, “Epic casting. Charlie got his blaze of glory! Massive congrats @josephzada 🙌🙌.”
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The Hunger Games cast: Where are they now?
When will we see Zada in the film?
Lionsgate has yet to confirm the official release date of the hotly anticipated film, though filming is expected to begin later this year.
Fans predict it will premiere sometime in 2026.
We look forward to seeing this Aussie star sparkle!
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