Whitney Peak is unveiling the exciting details of her newly acquired starring role in "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping." Suzanne Collins' novel, "Sunrise on the Reaping," which emerged this spring, transports readers back 24 years before the events of "The Hunger Games," commencing on the fateful morning of the 50th Hunger Games reaping, where a younger Haymitch, portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the original films, takes center stage. In this project, Joseph Zada dons the role of Haymitch, while Peak will embody Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch's sweetheart, set to grace the silver screen in November 2026.
During the Chanel Tribeca Festival Women’s Luncheon in New York City on Friday, Peak shared with The Hollywood Reporter that the approximately six weeks since her casting announcement have been "an overwhelmingly warm embrace. Everything unfolded swiftly, yet it is led by an array of incredible women, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this journey. I've been trying not to let it all sink in too deeply, to avoid overthinking until we're immersed in it," she said, noting that filming had yet to commence.
Following Rachel Zegler's starring role in the previous "Hunger Games" prequel, "The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes," in 2023, Peak revealed, "Rachel reached out with heartfelt encouragement, and it meant the world to me. The outpouring of support was truly heartwarming. I was honestly terrified."
The actress confessed that upon receiving the audition, "I doubted my chances, questioning if I was even fit for the role, if I was the right person for the job. I was my own worst critic, writing myself off before giving myself a fair shot. Securing this part, being welcomed into this world, and receiving this opportunity has been pivotal for my growth, self-confidence, self-worth, and self-perception. It's as if a voice is whispering, 'Yes, we do belong here. We can keep pushing forward. There's a place for us everywhere.'"
Peak, who has previously graced the screen in the "Gossip Girl" reboot and "Hocus Pocus 2," will next appear in Sony's shark thriller "Shiver," alongside Phoebe Dynevor.
