The cinematic journey back to Panem continues with The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, a prequel film set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026. This installment will transport audiences back to the infamous 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, which saw the number of tributes doubled from each district, pitting 48 competitors against each other in a particularly brutal fight to the death.
At the heart of this story is a young Haymitch Abernathy, a character fans know as the sardonic mentor to Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, originally played by Woody Harrelson. His victory in this exceptionally deadly game cemented his place in Hunger Games lore, and the film will explore the events that shaped him.
Francis Lawrence, who helmed The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes as well as Catching Fire and the Mockingjay films, returns to direct, ensuring continuity in the franchise's vision. He'll be working from a script penned by Billy Ray, who also wrote the screenplay for the very first Hunger Games movie, bringing his foundational understanding of the universe back to the forefront.
Leading the new generation of tributes is Joseph Zada, cast in the pivotal role of young Haymitch Abernathy, a casting exclusively reported by Deadline. Zada is known for his role in the television series We Were Liars. Joining him is Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch's love interest and a descendant of the Covey, the nomadic group introduced in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. McKenna Grace will portray Maysilee Donner, another District 12 tribute, while Ben Wang takes on Wyatt Callow, the other male tribute from District 12.
The film also features a stellar lineup of actors stepping into the shoes of younger versions of iconic characters. Jesse Plemons will embody Plutarch Heavensbee, a role previously played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Ralph Fiennes, known for his villainous turns, will portray President Snow, following in the footsteps of Donald Sutherland and Tom Blyth. Elle Fanning is set to play a younger Effie Trinket, originally portrayed by Elizabeth Banks.
Other notable cast members include Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier and Maya Hawke as Wiress, both roles previously held by Jeffrey Wright and Amanda Plummer, respectively. Lili Taylor will appear as Mags, who was played by Lynn Cohen in Catching Fire. Glenn Close joins as Drusilla Sickle, a District 12 escort, with Billy Porter as Magno Stift, the district's uninspired designer. Jhaleil Swaby rounds out the cast as Panache, a career tribute from District 1.
In a surprising announcement that has delighted long-time fans, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are confirmed to return to the Hunger Games universe, reprising their roles as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, respectively, for this prequel. Their involvement suggests a narrative bridge or a unique framing device to connect Haymitch's past to their future.
Lionsgate has been building anticipation for the film, releasing a teaser trailer in November 2025, followed by a fuller trailer in April 2026 and another in mid-September ahead of its release. With a budget reportedly exceeding $150 million, Sunrise on the Reaping is poised to be a significant cinematic event, offering a deeper dive into the lore and characters that have captivated audiences worldwide.