Joseph Zada Changes Name

Joseph Cumpston changed his name to Joseph Zada, adopting his grandmother’s Afghan and Aboriginal heritage name.

Zada’s New Confidence

Zada says his new name gave him a surge of confidence: 'a bit of power, like, 'I am an actor!' '.

“a bit of power, like, 'I am an actor!'”

Zada’s Upcoming Roles

Zada will star as Cal Trask in Netflix’s East of Eden limited series and Haymitch Abernathy in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

Haymitch’s Role in Prequel

Haymitch Abernathy is a young, openhearted hero in the prequel, fighting the games while battling the totalitarian government.

Zada Wins Casting Contest

Zada won the role of Haymitch Abernathy after beating 2,700 actors from around the globe in a competitive audition process.

“2,700 actors from around the globe”

Zada’s Birthday Parallels

Zada and Harrelson share the same birthday month and are both Cancer, with Zada’s birthday two days before Harrelson’s.

Zada and Harrelson Dislike Smartphones

Both Zada and Harrelson dislike smartphones, with Harrelson not owning one and sending congratulations via text from his niece.

Zada’s Accent Challenge

Zada struggled with Haymitch’s accent but found his own voice after director Francis Lawrence encouraged him to embody the character.

Zada’s Acting Philosophy

Zada says he works hard and lets go after completing his craft, a motto ingrained by his father.

Zada’s Early Career

Zada starred in the Australian drama series Invisible Boys in 2025 and We Were Liars before landing his Hollywood role.

Zada’s Method Acting

Zada uses a method acting approach, dressing in Cal’s WWI costume and wandering casinos to find inspiration.

Zada’s Phone Concerns

Zada calls smartphones an epidemic, saying they are as bad as drugs, and he rarely posts on Instagram.

Zada’s Future Plans

Zada hopes to move to LA or New York and write a dramatic comedy with his brother, possibly directing it.