In a dream-come-true moment for Hunger Games fans worldwide, Lionsgate and the franchise announced the winner of their unprecedented fan casting contest on October 24, 2025. Digital creator Devon Singletary from Jacksonville, Florida, has officially joined the cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, becoming the first fan to earn a role through an open audition.
His emotional reaction—captured on Instagram alongside stars McKenna Grace, Joseph Zada, and Whitney Peak—showcased the life-changing moment: “I’m blown away. I’m really just speechless.”
The Hunger Games Contest Winner at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Winner | Devon Singletary |
| Hometown | Jacksonville, Florida |
| Character | Blair |
| Announcement Date | October 24, 2025 |
| Previous Experience | Digital creator, filmmaker, actor |
| Movie Release | November 20, 2026 |
The Historic Fan Casting Contest
In May 2025, The Hunger Games official X account launched an open casting call with a simple but revolutionary premise: one lucky fan would be selected for a role in Sunrise on the Reaping, regardless of acting experience.
Fans were invited to submit audition videos showcasing their talents—whether acting out scenes, performing songs, or creating something entirely unexpected. The democratic approach opened doors for aspiring actors who might never have had access to traditional Hollywood auditions.
According to Whitney Peak, who plays Lenore Dove Baird in the film, Singletary’s audition was “mind-blowing,” setting him apart from countless submissions.
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Meet Devon Singletary: From Digital Creator to Hunger Games Star
Devon Singletary describes himself as a filmmaker and actor on his Instagram profile, suggesting he brought both creative vision and performance skills to his winning audition. His passion for The Hunger Games franchise clearly resonated with the casting team.
In the announcement video, Joseph Zada, who portrays young Haymitch Abernathy, revealed that he and Singletary will play “best friends” in the film—with Singletary taking on the role of Blair, one of Haymitch’s close companions during the 50th Hunger Games.
Who Is Blair in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Blair is one of the three friends central to the prequel story, alongside Haymitch Abernathy and Burdock Everdeen (Katniss’ father). The character plays a significant role in young Haymitch’s life before and during the second Quarter Quell—the 50th Hunger Games where Haymitch emerged as the sole victor.
Scottish actor Scot Greenan will portray Burdock Everdeen, making his feature film debut after appearing in Macbeth as a young boy soldier.
Filming Begins: Devon’s First Day on Set
Production for Sunrise on the Reaping started over the summer, with filming locations spanning Spain and Germany according to IMDb. Singletary has already begun shooting his scenes, documenting his first official day on set in the announcement video.
The footage showed him arriving at his trailer, visibly excited about the “super exciting stuff” happening on set. He expressed that being selected for the movie adaptation is a “great honor,” particularly as a devoted fan of the book.
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The Star-Studded Cast
Singletary joins an impressive ensemble for the prequel, produced by Lionsgate:
- McKenna Grace – Lead role
- Joseph Zada – Young Haymitch Abernathy
- Whitney Peak – Lenore Dove Baird
- Ralph Fiennes – Returning franchise veteran
- Jesse Plemons – New to the franchise
- Kieran Culkin – New to the franchise
- Elle Fanning – New to the franchise
- Scot Greenan – Burdock Everdeen
What to Expect from Sunrise on the Reaping
Set during the 50th Hunger Games (the second Quarter Quell), the film explores the traumatic events that shaped Haymitch Abernathy into the mentor fans know from the original trilogy. Expect compelling friendships, devastating losses, and the brutal arena that claimed 47 young lives.
The movie likely features significant banter and bonding between Blair, Haymitch, and Burdock before the Reaping changes everything—making Singletary’s role emotionally crucial to the narrative.
For comprehensive Hunger Games franchise coverage and movie previews, stay updated on all developments.
Mark Your Calendar
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping arrives in theaters on November 20, 2026, giving fans plenty of time to anticipate this emotional return to Panem.
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FAQs
Q: Did Devon Singletary have acting experience before winning the contest?
A: Yes, Devon Singletary describes himself as a filmmaker and actor on his Instagram profile, suggesting he had some prior experience in performance and content creation. However, the beauty of the fan casting contest was that it was open to everyone—even those without any professional acting experience. Singletary’s background as a digital creator likely helped him craft a compelling audition video that stood out among potentially thousands of submissions, combining technical skills with genuine passion for the franchise.
Q: Will there be more fan casting opportunities for future Hunger Games movies?
A: While Lionsgate hasn’t officially announced plans for additional fan casting contests, the overwhelming success and positive reception of Devon Singletary’s selection could inspire similar opportunities in future projects. The contest generated massive engagement on social media and created an authentic connection between the franchise and its fanbase. If Sunrise on the Reaping performs well at the box office and Singletary’s role resonates with audiences, it could establish a precedent for democratizing casting in blockbuster franchises, making Hollywood more accessible to aspiring actors worldwide.
