Hunger Games Recasts Original Franchise Character With Stranger Things Star for Prequel

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In the upcoming prequel film “The Hunger Games: Dawn of the Reaping,” Maya Hawke has been chosen to portray the young character Wiress. This role represents District 3’s tribute and the victor from the 49th Hunger Games. Filming is set to commence in July. Hawke joins an already announced cast that includes Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Maysilee Donner, Jesse Plemons, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. The film is based on Suzanne Collins’ latest book, which was released in March of this year. The story revolves around District 12’s Tribute Haymitch Abernathy and the 50th Hunger Games. The movie is slated for release in theaters on November 20, 2026.

24 years prior to “The Hunger Games” and 40 years following the latest prequel, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” we find ourselves at the Second Quarter Quell, where the Hunger Games take on an exceptionally shocking and brutal form. In this period, Wiress, the victor from the previous year, holds significant importance within the realm of Panem. Readers who have delved into the novel are already aware of her role in these events; however, for those unacquainted, perhaps the selection of an actor like Hawke suggests a strong and impactful character arc awaits Wiress.

Wiress.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026.

— The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) May 14, 2025

Born to parents Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, Maya Hawke has experienced a swift ascent into the limelight over the past few years through roles in series like “Stranger Things“, films such as “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and “Asteroid City”, among others. Currently 26 years of age, her latest appearance was as Anxiety in Disney-Pixar’s “Inside Out 2”.

Amanda Plummer portrayed Wiress in the main Hunger Games series. She often worked with Beetee Latier, another past victor from District 3, who was initially played by Jeffrey Wright. However, Harrison is set to portray him in the prequel. Known for their intelligence and technical prowess, these characters hail from District 3, which is famous for its technological exports.

As a film enthusiast, I’m eagerly anticipating the prequel series, where we’ll meet a different version of Wiress – one less traumatized than the character we come to know in the main series. While she may still exhibit some peculiarities that are characteristic of her, the overt signs of PTSD will be absent at this stage. This presents an exciting opportunity for Hawke, as he’ll be tasked with gradually shaping Wiess into the intelligent and capable character we ultimately come to admire, all without undermining her abilities or intelligence in the process.

On November 20, 2026, the movie version of “Sunrise on the Reaping” will be shown in cinemas. At present, Collins’ book can be found in hardcover, e-book, and audio formats.

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2025-05-14 21:09