Ever because it was introduced {that a} Dawn on the Reaping film was within the works, the query on our minds was about who would painting the younger Haymitch Abernathy. Earlier this yr, Joseph Zada was solid because the District 12 tribute, and now, the actor has large footwear to fill as he follows Woody Harrelson’s very good efficiency. Not too long ago, the Australian actor opened up about getting the function and the way he was put “via the ringer” through the auditions; nevertheless, he additionally defined why that course of was “essential.”
Within the upcoming Dawn on the Reaping film, we’ll study in regards to the tragic origin story of Haymitch and the way he turned the reluctant mentor we noticed in The Starvation Video games films. With filming set to start out this summer time, younger Haymitch actor Joseph Zada was requested about auditioning for the brand new movie throughout an interview with Swooon. He was fast to notice how intense but vital that course of was, saying:
It was nice, they went far and extensive they usually put me via the ringer as a result of it was essential. And it was essential for me to undergo that course of as properly not simply to study in regards to the character, however to fulfill all of the individuals I used to be working with and really feel comfy. I am comfy, and I am excited, and I am nervous.
I can think about how nerve-wracking it will need to have been for him to audition for such a memorable character who sits on the heart of this new story. I additionally get why it was “essential,” as a result of it absolutely launched him to this world, the function he’d be taking part in and the depth that can include it.
Now, I’m actually curious precisely how Joseph Zada was put “via the ringer.” I’m wondering if he needed to show that he had each the physicality essential to play a District 12 victor in addition to the emotional vary wanted to inform Haymitch’s tragic story. As Woody Harrelson first launched audiences to the advanced but lovable District 12 mentor, the Invisible Boys actor has large footwear to fill in taking up the problem of portraying Haymitch’s harrowing time within the space. So, I get why the audition was arduous.
I may also perceive why Joseph Zada was so anxious, seeing as this course of was possible his introduction to a lot of his colleagues as properly. This most likely included director Francis Lawrence, who’s been with The Starvation Video games franchise since Catching Hearth. And coincidentally, just like how Panem picks two tributes at a time for the video games, Whitney Peak was solid similtaneously Zada, and she’s going to play the essential function of Haymitch’s real love, Lenore. So, I might think about they met whereas auditioning, too.
Different proficient actors have additionally landed roles within the Dawn on the Reaping solid that can require them to play characters different actors originated on display. Fan-casting proved to be proper as The Nice‘s Elle Fanning will play Effie. Chevalier‘s Kelvin Harrison Jr. is taking up the function of Beetee, who Jeffrey Wright originated. Jesse Plemons will play the younger Plutarch. Plus, Kieran Culkin was solid as Caesar Flickerman, and Ralph Fiennes will play Snow. Like Zada’s scenario with Haymitch, there have to be strain to tackle the roles of those returning Starvation Video games characters.
Nevertheless, I don’t doubt that via this audition and casting course of, they’ve every confirmed why they’re greater than worthy of the elements.
As I discussed, Zada could have been put “via the ringer” together with his Dawn on the Reaping audition, however he knew it was an “essential” course of to totally perceive his character’s journey and the individuals he would get to work with. I want the We Had been Liars actor the very best of luck as soon as filming begins this summer time, and I am assured he’ll carry the uncooked depth and coronary heart into the function that is on full show in Suzanne Collins’ ebook. You’ll be able to watch him step into the sector on November twentieth, 2026.