The Hunger Games spoilers follow.
Former EastEnders star Kara Tointon has landed a role in the upcoming Hunger Games prequel.
Based on Suzanne Collins’ novel of the same name, Sunrise on the Reaping takes place during the 50th Hunger Games, where a young Haymitch Abernathy is selected as a District 12 Tribute.
The story will follow Haymitch’s harrowing journey in the arena, as the scrappy teenager uses his sharp wit to win the Quarter Quell. Though Haymitch is ultimately crowned champion, his victory comes at a heavy cost.
Tointon, who is known for playing Dawn Swann on EastEnders, will be starring as Haymitch’s mother Willamae Abernathy.
BBC
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The announcement was recently shared on the official Hunger Games Instagram account, with a post revealing four new cast members.
Alongside Tointon, the prequel will feature Smylie Bradwell (as Sid Abernathy), Jeffrey Hallman (as Clark Carmine) and Serafin Mischiev (as Woodbine Chance).
BBC
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The actors will be joining a host of previously announced stars, including Invisible Boys’ Joseph Zada (Haymitch), Whitney Peak (Lenore Dove Baird), A Complete Unknown‘s Elle Fanning (Effie Trinket), Ralph Fiennes (President Snow) and Succession‘s Kieran Culkin (Caesar Flickerman).
Tointon first appeared on EastEnders in 2005 as the sister of Mickey Miller. Dawn was part of several shocking storylines, including an affair which resulted in her falling pregnant and being held hostage.
She left the soap in 2009 and appeared on Strictly Come Dancing the following year. Together with her professional dance partner Artem Chigvintsev, the pair were crowned champions of the series.
Sunrise on the Reaping, a new Hunger Games prequel movie, will open in cinemas on November 20, 2026. The book of the same name is available to buy now.
Read more Hunger Games news on our dedicated homepage
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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a “telly addict” since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information. Â