Elizabeth Banks Praises 'Sunrise on the Reaping' as 'Amazing,' Calls Joseph Zada a 'Perfect' Haymitch

Elizabeth Banks, who played Effie Trinket in the original 'Hunger Games' films, has given high praise to the upcoming prequel 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.' Speaking at the Airbnb.org Gala in Los Angeles, Banks said she has seen the film and called it 'amazing,' while singling out Joseph Zada's performance as a young Haymitch Abernathy as 'perfect.' Based on Suzanne Collins' 2025 novel, the film explores the backstory of the mentor character made famous by Woody Harrelson. Banks' endorsement comes as fans eagerly await the movie's release, adding credibility to the new cast and story. Her comments suggest the prequel will honor the spirit of the original series while offering fresh insight into a beloved character's past.