Joseph Zada: Everything You Need to Know About the Actor Playing Young Haymitch in Sunrise on the Reaping

April 21, 20266 min read

Introduction

When Lionsgate announced the casting of Joseph Zada as young Haymitch Abernathy in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, fans of the franchise took notice of the rising Australian star. At just 20 years old, Zada beat out hundreds of actors from around the world—including several established names—to land one of the most coveted roles in the highly anticipated prequel film set for release on November 20, 2026.

Who Is Joseph Zada?

Early Life and Background

Joseph Zada was born Joseph Cumpston on July 21, 2005, in Sydney, Australia. He comes from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry—his father, Jeremy Cumpston, is a multi-talented director, actor, and doctor, while his mother, Jessica Brentnall, works as a film producer. Joseph has four siblings, including his older brother Hal Cumpston, who is also an actor known for his work in The Walking Dead: World Beyond. What makes Joseph's heritage particularly unique is his Afghan-Aboriginal ancestry through his paternal great-grandmother, connecting him to the Barkandji people. This diverse cultural background has shaped his perspective and approach to acting. He professionally changed his name from Joseph Cumpston to Joseph Zada early in his career.

Career Beginnings

Joseph began his acting career in 2019 with a role in the Australian series Bilched, where he played Toby. Since then, he has steadily built an impressive resume that showcases his range and talent. His early work included appearances in The Speedway Murders (2023), a short film titled David Jones Locker (2023), and the television series Total Control (2024).

Recent Breakthrough Roles

Invisible Boys (2025)

One of Joseph's most significant roles came in the Stan Australia Original Series Invisible Boys, where he plays the lead character Charlie Roth. The series follows gay teens in the coastal city of Geraldton in Western Australia, exploring coming-of-age stories in the wake of the 2017 same-sex marriage plebiscite. Joseph's portrayal of Charlie has been praised for its authenticity and emotional depth.

We Were Liars (2025)

Joseph stars as Johnny Sinclair Dennis in the Prime Video adaptation of E. Lockhart's popular novel We Were Liars. The series, which premiered in June 2025, was filmed in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. His costars on the series noted his serious approach to acting and his ambitious career goals. During filming, Joseph shared with colleagues his specific five-to-ten-year career plans, demonstrating his strategic thinking about his future in the industry. The series has been renewed for a second season, with Joseph confirmed to return.

East of Eden (2026)

Joseph recently completed production on Netflix's limited series adaptation of John Steinbeck's classic novel East of Eden. He plays Cal Trask, one of the twin sons at the heart of the story, alongside an impressive ensemble cast including Florence Pugh, Mike Faist, and Christopher Abbott. The seven-episode series, directed by Garth Davis (Lion, Mary Magdalene), is expected to premiere in 2026.

Landing the Role of Young Haymitch

The Audition Process

The casting process for young Haymitch Abernathy was exhaustive. Casting directors Deb Zane and Dylan Jury conducted an international search involving hundreds of actors. According to Joseph himself, he went through five auditions before finally landing the role. In April 2025, during the final stages in Los Angeles, he confided to his We Were Liars costar Emily Alyn Lind that he was competing against "really big names" for the part. Producer Nina Jacobson praised Joseph's preparation, stating that he "prepared extensively for the audition" and was chosen for his "skill and imagination in embodying the character." Lionsgate co-president Erin Westerman added that Zada "stood out for the emotional truth, heart, and depth he brought to the role."

Preparing for Haymitch

Joseph has taken his role as young Haymitch incredibly seriously. In interviews, he revealed that he has read Suzanne Collins' Sunrise on the Reaping twice and described himself as "a very, very, very big fan of everything to do with it and the whole cast and everyone involved." He admitted to being "so ridiculously nervous" about the role while also confirming he has seen scripts, though he remained tight-lipped about specific details. In a particularly interesting detail shared on social media, Joseph revealed that he spoke with an Appalachian accent while portraying young Haymitch and used it throughout filming. This choice adds authenticity to the character, rooted in District 12's coal-mining community inspired by Appalachia.

Recognition and Awards

Joseph's talent has not gone unnoticed by the industry. In December 2025, he was named Breakthrough Actor of the Year by GQ Australia magazine. The recognition came just as his profile was rising internationally with the Hunger Games casting announcement. In 2026, Joseph received two nominations at the AACTA (Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts) Audience Choice Awards: one for Favourite Australian Actor and another for Rabanne Breakthrough Artist. These nominations reflect his growing prominence in the Australian entertainment industry and beyond.

What to Expect from Sunrise on the Reaping

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping tells the story of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, which features a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy as a tribute from District 12. The film will explore how Haymitch won his Games and the traumatic events that shaped him into the cynical mentor fans met in the original trilogy. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast alongside Joseph Zada:

McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner (Haymitch's fellow District 12 tribute)
Whitney Peak as Lenore "Dove" Baird (Haymitch's girlfriend)
Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee
Elle Fanning (rumored to play Effie Trinket)
Kieran Culkin, Maya Hawke, Ben Wang, and Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow

Francis Lawrence, who directed Catching Fire, Mockingjay Part 1 and 2, and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, returns to helm this installment.

Joseph's Future in Hollywood

At just 20 years old, Joseph Zada is positioned to become one of Australia's next major exports to Hollywood. His combination of talent, preparation, and strategic career planning suggests he has the drive to build a lasting career in the industry. With major projects like East of Eden and Sunrise on the Reaping on his resume, plus a confirmed return for We Were Liars Season 2, Joseph is poised for continued success. His costars and colleagues have described him as having an "x-factor" and taking his craft very seriously. According to those who worked with him on We Were Liars, Joseph exudes confidence about his future success—not in an arrogant way, but with genuine self-belief backed by hard work and dedication.

Conclusion

Joseph Zada represents a new generation of actors who combine natural talent with strategic career planning and serious preparation. From his roots in Sydney to the global stage of The Hunger Games franchise, his journey is just beginning. As he steps into the iconic role of young Haymitch Abernathy, fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see how this breakthrough actor will make the character his own. With The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026, Joseph Zada is a name we'll be hearing much more of in the years to come.