It might be safe to say that Joseph Zada has raised the hype more than ever with his appearance as young Haymitch in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The Hunger Games fandom has longed to witness Haymitch’s battle for survival, and finally, the story is set to arrive on the big screen.

But such hype often comes with the challenge of whether the film will be able to impress fans and, most importantly, book fans. However, ahead of the release, Zada has shared a few words about the film that might offer some assurance to the eager fans.

Joseph Zada recently attended the premiere of Netflix’s East of Eden at The Plaza Hotel in New York. During the event, he stopped for an interview with Entertainment Tonight. When asked about his upcoming film Sunrise on the Reaping, the actor spoke fondly about the hard work that went into the project, praising the film’s vision.

“I saw it recently, and it is fantastic. It is such a special movie, and the performance is out of this world. Every department is just working, firing on all cylinders. It is going to be so good. It might be my favorite character I've ever played,” he said.

While Zada praised the film during his interview with Entertainment Tonight, the trailer looks promising. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping follows the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. The story takes place 24 years before the events of the first Hunger Games film. The first glimpse of Zada as young Haymitch was revealed in the “Meet Haymitch” featurette.

'The Hunger Games' Takes Over YouTube With Free Movie Marathon — Here’s How to Watch

One of the most interesting aspects of his portrayal is his accent, for which the actor followed a unique approach.

In his interview with Entertainment Tonight, Joseph Zada was asked about his accent in the movie. The actor shared that he hopes he has successfully mastered the accent for the film. He further explained the method he used to perfect it throughout the entire filming process.

“I was literally doing perfect impersonation of Woody. I'd like to believe at the start, and then. From there, it was dialing it back and bringing my own. So, it wasn't too much of an impersonation,” he said. 

Before Zada, Woody Harrelson played the role of Haymitch in the Hunger Games films. Whether it is Zada as Haymitch or Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, there are high expectations for the actors taking on these familiar characters, as well as those portraying new characters in the story. Fans will have to wait and see how the performances come together when The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is released on November 20, 2026.

Meet the Cast of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,’ Jennifer Lawrence, Maya Hawke, and More

Are you excited for Sunrise on the Reaping? Let us know in the comments.