“Hunger Games” prequel: Jesse Plemons takes over role from deceased star
Los Angeles. The star-studded cast for the planned "The Hunger Games" prequel continues to grow. Hollywood star Jesse Plemons will also star in "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping." The 37-year-old will play the young Plutarch Heavensbee, according to film studio Lionsgate.
The role of Game Master Heavensbee was previously played by Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman ("Capote") in three "Hunger Games" episodes. Hoffman died in 2014 at the age of 46. Plemons co-starred with Hoffman in the cult drama "The Master" (2013). Known for his supporting villain role in the TV series "Breaking Bad," Plemons has recently appeared in films such as "Kinds of Kindness," "Killers of the Flower Moon," and "The Power of the Dog."
The planned film "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" is based on the book of the same name by "The Hunger Games" author Suzanne Collins, which was published in March. It tells the story of young Haymitch Abernathy, played by Woody Harrelson in the first four "Hunger Games" films. He acts as a mentor to Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). The fantasy saga is set in a dystopian world called Panem, where teenagers compete in fighting games to the death.
The relatively unknown Australian actor Joseph Zada will play the young Abernathy, and Canadian Whitney Peak will play his girlfriend Lenore Dove Baird, as Lionsgate announced on X. American Mckenna Grace ("Ghostbusters: Legacy") is also on board. Francis Lawrence will direct again. The film is scheduled for release in November 2026. A prequel to the successful franchise, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," was released in 2023.
RND/dpa
rnd
