Fan Favorite Devon Singletary Joins Hunger Games Prequel

Get ready, tributes! A lucky fan has officially joined the cast of the highly anticipated prequel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, after an exciting open casting call. And trust us, his reaction is everything you'd hope for!

TL;DR: Quick Bites for Busy Fans!

Devon Singletary, a Florida-based actor and filmmaker, won an open casting contest for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.
He'll be playing Blair, a close friend of young Haymitch Abernathy and Katniss Everdeen's father, Burdock, in District 12.
The film is currently in production and is set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026, with Francis Lawrence returning to direct.

A Dream Come True: How a Fan Became a Star in Panem

Talk about a life-changing opportunity! The world of Panem is about to get a fresh face, and this time, it's one chosen directly from the fans. After an open casting call that kicked off back in May, Lionsgate has officially announced that Devon Singletary has landed a coveted role in the upcoming prequel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping. It's a truly heartwarming moment for the franchise, proving that dreams can indeed come true, even in the harsh reality of the Hunger Games universe.

This isn't just a background role, either. Singletary, a talented actor and filmmaker hailing from Florida, will be stepping into the shoes of a named character: Blair. His connection to two pivotal figures in District 12 lore—young Haymitch Abernathy and Katniss Everdeen's father, Burdock—means he'll be right in the thick of the action. Imagine getting to share the screen with established stars and contribute to the rich tapestry of this beloved story! The enthusiasm from fans across social media has been palpable, with many expressing how "cool" and "amazing" this unique casting approach is.

Witnessing the Excitement: Devon Singletary's Unforgettable Reaction

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The announcement itself was a spectacle, shared with the world via The Hunger Games' official Instagram page. Fans got to witness Devon Singletary's genuine shock and pure joy as he learned he'd won the casting call. It was a moment of unfiltered emotion, a testament to what this franchise means to its dedicated followers. The video showed Singletary absolutely "blown away" and "speechless," expressing his overwhelming excitement. It's not every day you get congratulated by some of your future co-stars on camera!

"I'm blown away. I'm really just speechless. I'm super excited."

— Devon Singletary, on winning the casting call

Fellow cast members McKenna Grace, Whitney Peak, and Joseph Zada were on hand virtually to deliver the fantastic news and welcome him to the Panem family. They were the ones who clued him into his character, Blair, and the significant ties he has within District 12. The video even offered a glimpse into Singletary's first day on set, standing proudly in front of his trailer—a moment many aspiring actors only dream of. His heartfelt comment, "Being selected into The Hunger Games is a great honor," perfectly captures the gravity and excitement of this incredible opportunity. It's clear he understands the weight and love fans have for Suzanne Collins' world.

Stepping Back in Time: Revisiting the World of Panem Before Katniss

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For those who devoured the original books and films, Sunrise on the Reaping is a crucial piece of the Panem puzzle. This film is a sequel to 2023's The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, and it acts as a direct prequel to the main Hunger Games film series that kicked off in 2012. We're talking nearly a quarter of a century before Katniss Everdeen volunteered as tribute, taking us deep into the history of this dystopian world. The story kicks off on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, famously known as the Second Quarter Quell.

And who is at the heart of this brutal event? None other than a young Haymitch Abernathy. If you've wondered how Katniss's cynical, yet brilliant, mentor became the man he was, this film promises to delve into his early, traumatic experiences in the arena. The source material, Suzanne Collins' novel of the same name, just dropped earlier this year (March 2025) and quickly shot to the top of the New York Times Bestseller List, selling a staggering 1.5 million copies in its first week! It was even named a finalist for Barnes & Noble's 2025 Best Book of the Year List, so you know the story is compelling. The film adaptation has a lot to live up to, but with such strong source material and returning talent, expectations are sky-high.

A Familiar Face at the Helm: The Director and Star-Studded Ensemble

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Bringing this epic story to life is a very familiar face to Hunger Games aficionados: Francis Lawrence. He's been the driving force behind the camera for every installment since Catching Fire, ensuring a consistent vision and a deep understanding of the franchise's tone and themes. His return to direct Sunrise on the Reaping is a huge win for fans, promising the same high-quality storytelling and intense action we've come to expect.

And speaking of talent, Devon Singletary is joining an absolutely stacked cast. Get ready for some serious star power! The ensemble includes:

Joseph Zada as the pivotal Haymitch Abernathy
Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner
Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow
Ralph Fiennes as the iconic President Coriolanus Snow
Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee
Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket
Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman
Maya Hawke as Wiress
Iris Apatow as Proserpina Trinket
Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle
Billy Porter as Magno Stift
Edvin Ryding as Vitus
Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan
Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier
Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird (Haymitch's girlfriend)
Scot Greenan as Burdock Everdeen (Katniss's father, Haymitch's friend)
And, of course, Devon Singletary as Blair, Haymitch's friend.

This stellar lineup, combining seasoned veterans with exciting new talent, promises to deliver a compelling and unforgettable cinematic experience. It's clear Lionsgate is pulling out all the stops to make this prequel just as impactful as its predecessors.

Anticipating the Fifth Installment: What to Expect from Haymitch's Origin Story

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The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping isn't just another prequel; it's a deep dive into the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. This particular Quell was designed to be twice as brutal as the standard Games, with twice the number of tributes. For Haymitch Abernathy, this was his terrifying introduction to the arena, an experience that would forever shape him. The film will explore what his life was like in District 12 before the reaping, setting the stage for his harrowing journey.

The context provided by Blair's character, as a close friend of both Haymitch and Burdock Everdeen, suggests a focus on the personal stakes and relationships that existed within District 12 even before Katniss's time. It gives us a window into the daily lives, friendships, and struggles of the district residents, making Haymitch's eventual reaping and his fight for survival even more poignant. This is a story about the origins of a legend, the making of a victor, and the enduring spirit of defiance in a world designed to crush it.

Currently in production, the film is building momentum towards its theatrical release on November 20, 2026. Fans are buzzing, the book is a smash hit, and now with a passionate fan joining the cast, the anticipation for this new chapter in The Hunger Games saga is reaching a fever pitch. Get ready to return to Panem and witness the dawn of a new, yet familiar, reaping!

Frequently Asked Questions About The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

When is The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping scheduled for release? The film is slated to hit theaters on November 20, 2026. Who is Devon Singletary playing in the new Hunger Games prequel? Devon Singletary will portray Blair, a close friend of both young Haymitch Abernathy and Burdock Everdeen (Katniss's father) in District 12. Is The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping based on a book? Yes, it is based on Suzanne Collins' novel of the same name, which was released earlier this year (March 2025) and became a New York Times Bestseller. Who is directing The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping? Francis Lawrence, who has directed every Hunger Games film since Catching Fire, is returning to helm this prequel. Sources