Joseph Zada on Playing Young Haymitch Abernathy and Cal Trask

Joseph Zada is preparing for a significant year with two major upcoming roles. He will portray a young Haymitch Abernathy in "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," a prequel set to be released in the fall. Zada also stars as Cal Trask in an upcoming Netflix adaptation of "East of Eden," a role previously made famous by James Dean.

In a conversation with "Hunger Games" co-star Elle Fanning, Zada shared details about his preparation for the role of Haymitch Abernathy, including working with vocal coaches to replicate Woody Harrelson's iconic portrayal. Zada explained his approach to capturing the character's cadence, focusing on incorporating the accent strategically rather than maintaining it consistently.

Zada also detailed his extensive audition process for the role of Haymitch. He met with casting director Deb Zane in January 2025 and submitted an improvised scene audition while filming "East of Eden." The audition involved flying back to Australia from New Zealand to work with his brother, father, and friends on the scenes. Following the completion of "East of Eden," Zada had further callbacks and chemistry reads in Los Angeles with Lionsgate representatives before ultimately securing the role.

Key Facts

• Joseph Zada will play a young Haymitch Abernathy in "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," releasing this fall.
• Zada will also play Cal Trask in Netflix's "East of Eden" adaptation, opposite Florence Pugh.
• Zada discussed his vocal preparation for Haymitch with Elle Fanning, noting he worked with coaches to refine the character's cadence.
• The audition process for Haymitch involved meeting casting director Deb Zane in January 2025, submitting an improvised scene, and subsequent callbacks and chemistry reads in Los Angeles.
• Zada worked with family and friends in Australia on his audition scenes before flying to Los Angeles.