Lawrence will be Katniss Everdeen and Hutcherson will return as Peeta Mellark. “But Moviefone,” we hear you ask, “the new movie takes place years before their films. How will this work?”
Simple: Suzanne Collins’ book includes an epilogue set during Katniss and Peeta’s time where they appear with Haymitch (which suggests Woody Harrelson, who plays the older Haymitch, will also make an appearance, although his voice does appear in the teaser trailer.)
What’s the story of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?
Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo Credit: Murray Close.
While the previous prequel took place 64 years before the events of the original trilogy, ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is set 24 years before that trio of original films in the world of Panem, commencing on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
Those games are an important event in the canon as the victor was Haymitch Abernathy, the only winner from District 12 before Lawrence’s Everdeen and Hutcherson’s Mellark’s tie win. Haymitch continues on to become a mentor, a character in the original movies played by Harrelson.
Who else has been cast in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?
(L to R) Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy and McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo Credit: Murray Close.
The cast already includes included Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak, who will play Haymitch Abernathy and the woman he loves, Lenore Dove Baird.
In addition to the two leads, we also now know that McKenna Grace, who has appeared in the recent ‘Ghostbusters’ movies, will be in the movie as Maysilee Donner, Haymitch’s fellow District 12 Tribute, while Jesse Plemons has the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, as brought to life by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the original movies.
Ralph Fiennes is the calculating President Snow while Kieran Culkin will be Caesar Flickerman (the eccentric host character played in the first film series by Stanley Tucci.)
Elle Fanning is on to be a younger Effie Trinket; the effusive stylist as portrayed by Elizabeth Banks in the original ‘Hunger Games’ movies.
Glenn Close is Sickle, the cruel escort to the District 12 Tributes, and Billy Porter is playing Magno Stift is her estranged husband and the Tributes’ uninspired designer.
When will ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ be in theaters?
Lionsgate will have the new movie in theaters on November 20th, 2026.
(L to R) Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird and Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo Credit: Murray Close.
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. Photo: Lionsgate.
Preview:
The movie adaptation of ‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is scheduled to release on November 20th, 2026.
There are a few crucial elements that the film needs to get right in order for the movie to work.
The casting choices are brilliant, which is a step in the right direction.
‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping‘ is currently filming with an incredible cast and will be hitting theaters on November 20th, 2026. Having read the book that the movie is based on, there are a few crucial elements that it needs to get right to make the fans happy and for the film to have a better chance at success.
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‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ tells the story of Haymitch Abernathy. Woody Harrelson portrays Haymitch in the original films, but this time around, fans get to learn more about his time in the Hunger Games and how that shaped the man he became. Joseph Zada is playing Haymitch in the new film. Having seen him in ‘We Were Liars‘ there is no doubt that he is the right man for the job.
‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ Cannot Be Overly Predictable
(L to R) Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson and Jennifer Lawrence in ‘The Hunger Games’. Photo: Lionsgate.
Most people who watch ‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ will know Woody Harrelson’s version of Haymitch already. While we never fully explored his background and what it was like for him in the games, we know it did a number on him as he hates to talk about it and is almost always seen with a drink in his hand.
Viewers also already know that he wins the 50th Hunger Games. This means that it will be obvious from the start that all the other children who enter the games die, and that Haymitch is never truly in danger of being killed. This is a slippery slope, as it means things can feel a bit predictable.
The book explores the story in a way that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, wondering who will die next and how. Even with the outcome of Haymitch’s story being known, it is exciting and entertaining to follow his journey. This is something the movie also needs to accomplish. It will not be easy, but with a great cast and carefully placed suspense and action, the odds will be ever in its favor.
Haymitch and Lenore Dove Need To Have Unmatched Chemistry
(Left) Joseph Zada to star as Haymitch Abernathy in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo credit: Hugh Stewart. (Right) Whitney Peak to star as Lenore Dove Bard in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo: Kate Whyte.
Probably the most important aspect that the movie has to get right, is the chemistry between Haymitch and Lenora Dove (who is being played by Whitney Peak). It has to be unmatched. Their love is a key part of the story and if it is not believable, the movie simply will not work.
Without audiences becoming fully invested in their relationship, things will fall apart and the movie will never reach its full potential. It has to be obvious that these two are soulmates, and that they would do absolutely anything for one another.
The book has been very well received, which is half the battle. So if Lionsgate is able to accomplish both of these things, it is the perfect set up for success.
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ opens in theaters on November 20, 2026.
Glenn Close and Billy Porter are the latest addition to the new ‘Hunger Games’ prequel.
Jhaleil Swaby is also aboard, playing the character of Panache.
Francis Lawrence is again directing the movie.
While the cameras are now rolling on the new ‘Hunger Games’ franchise entry, prequel offering ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’, you might think that the stream of casting would dry up. You’d be mistaken!
Here’s ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ producer Nina Jacobson on Close’s casting:
“Glenn Close is a dream Drusilla. She brings so much of her intellect and imagination to each role, creating characters who are unforgettable and iconic. I think Glenn and Francis will have a ball bringing Drusilla from the page to the screen.”
And regarding Porter:
“Billy is one of those rare performers who can dazzle and devastate in equal measure on stage and screen. He made an indelible impression on me when we worked together on Pose, both as an actor and a human being. Casting this show has felt like winning the lottery every time one of our idols said yes to us.”
What’s the story of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. Photo: Lionsgate.
While the previous prequel took place 64 years before the events of the original trilogy, ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is set 24 years before that trio of Jennifer Lawrence films in the world of Panem, commencing on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
Those games are an important event in the canon as the victor was Haymitch Abernathy, the only winner from District 12 before Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson’s Peeta Mellark’s tie win. Haymitch continues on to become a mentor, a character in the original movies played by Woody Harrelson.
Who else has been cast in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?
(Left) Joseph Zada to star as Haymitch Abernathy in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo credit: Hugh Stewart. (Right) Whitney Peak to star as Lenore Dove Bard in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo: Kate Whyte.
The cast also includes Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak, who will play Haymitch Abernathy and the woman he loves, Lenore Dove Baird.
In addition to the two leads, we also now know that McKenna Grace, who has appeared in the recent ‘Ghostbusters’ movies, will be in the movie as Maysilee Donner, Haymitch’s fellow District 12 Tribute, while Jesse Plemons has the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, as brought to life by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the original movies.
Finally, recent Academy Award winner Kieran Culkin is to play Caesar Flickerman (the eccentric host character played in the first film series by Stanley Tucci).
As for the new additions?
Close’s Sickle is the cruel escort to the District 12 Tributes, while Porter’s Stift is her estranged husband and the Tributes’ uninspired designer.
Swaby’s Panache, meanwhile is a crude and aggressive career tribute from District 1, known for his arrogance and ruthlessness.
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’: Collins and the filmmakers talk
Director Francis Lawrence in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.
Here’s Suzanne Collins’ statement on the new book and movie:
“With ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’, I was inspired by David Hume’s idea of implicit submission and, in his words, ‘the easiness with which the many are governed by the few… The story also lent itself to a deeper dive into the use of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative. The question ‘Real or not real?’ seems more pressing to me every day. From the beginning, Lionsgate has been a wonderful home and partner for the ‘Hunger Games’ franchise, and I’m very excited to be collaborating with Adam and the team as we bring this next story to theaters in 2026.”
And here’s Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson:
“Suzanne Collins is a master storyteller and our creative north star. We couldn’t be more fortunate than to be guided and trusted by a collaborator whose talent and imagination are so consistently brilliant. We know ‘Hunger Games’ fans worldwide will be spellbound by where Suzanne has focused this next extraordinary story. The Second Quarter Quell is legendary and looms large over the history of the Games, even into the time of Katniss Everdeen a quarter-century later. Like fans around the globe, we are eagerly anticipating this exciting return to Panem.”
When will ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ be in theaters?
Lionsgate will have the new movie in theaters on November 20th, 2026.
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ opens in theaters on November 20, 2026.
(Left) Ralph Fiennes. Photo: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images. (Center) Maya Hawke. Photo: Trevor Tweeten. (Right) Lili Taylor. Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for The National Audubon Society.
Preview:
Ralph Fiennes will be President Snow in the new ‘Hunger Games’ prequel.
Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor and Kelvin Harrison Jr. are also joining the cast.
The movie is set 24 years before the main movies.
Though we’ve been seeing a drip feed casting process for the new prequel to ‘The Hunger Games’ –– that would be ‘Sunrise on the Reaping,’ in case it had somehow slipped your mind –– that turned into something of a torrent this week with a slew of new announcements.
This is what producer Nina Jacobson of Color Force had to say about the new casting:
“We wanted to honor Donald Sutherland by having one of this generation’s greatest actors play President Snow 24 years before Katniss Everdeen entered the arena. Working with Ralph has been on my bucket list since he traumatized me for life in ‘Schindler’s List.’ It’s genuinely a thrill to welcome him to the Hunger Games.”
Ben Wang in Columbia Pictures ‘Karate Kid: Legends’. Photo: Sony Pictures.
And that’s not all! Maya Hawke, most recently seen in ‘Maestro’ and ‘The Kill Room’ and who provided the voice of Anxiety in ‘Inside Out 2,’ will be Wiress, former Hunger Games champion–turned–District 12 mentor.
Last, and by no means least among the newcomers (in franchise terms) is Kelvin Harrison, Jr., last seen in ‘O’Dessa,’ who Jeff Sneider reports will be Beetee Latier, champion of the 34th Hunger Games and father of Ampert Latier, who is a Tribute in the new movie. Fun fact: Jeffrey Wright played Beetee in three of the original movies.
Franchise veteran Francis Lawrence is directing once again from a script by Billy Ray, and the cameras are now rolling.
What’s the story of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. Photo: Lionsgate.
While the previous prequel took place 64 years before the events of the original trilogy, ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is set 24 years before that trio of Jennifer Lawrence films in the world of Panem, commencing on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
Those games are an important event in the canon as the victor was Haymitch Abernathy, the only winner from District 12 before Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson’s Peeta Mellark’s tie win. Haymitch continues on to become a mentor, a character in the original movies played by Woody Harrelson.
Who else has been cast in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?
(Left) Joseph Zada to star as Haymitch Abernathy in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo credit: Hugh Stewart. (Right) Whitney Peak to star as Lenore Dove Bard in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo: Kate Whyte.
These new arrivals bolster a cast that already included Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak, who will play Haymitch Abernathy and the woman he loves, Lenore Dove Baird.
In addition to the two leads, we also now know that McKenna Grace, who has appeared in the recent ‘Ghostbusters’ movies, will be in the movie as Maysilee Donner, Haymitch’s fellow District 12 Tribute, while Jesse Plemons has the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, as brought to life by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the original movies.
Fiennes’ casting resolves one rumor –– there has still been chatter about recent Academy Award winner Kieran Culkin mulling an offer to play Caesar Flickerman (the eccentric host character played in the first film series by Stanley Tucci.) Nothing official has been announced about that yet, so we can only assume a deal is still being worked on if at all.
Elle Fanning has also been linked with the role of a younger Effie Trinket; the effusive stylist as portrayed by Elizabeth Banks in the original ‘Hunger Games’ movies. But that has yet to be confirmed.
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’: Collins and the filmmakers talk
Director Francis Lawrence in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.
Here’s Suzanne Collins’ statement on the new book and movie:
“With ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’, I was inspired by David Hume’s idea of implicit submission and, in his words, ‘the easiness with which the many are governed by the few… The story also lent itself to a deeper dive into the use of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative. The question ‘Real or not real?’ seems more pressing to me every day. From the beginning, Lionsgate has been a wonderful home and partner for the ‘Hunger Games’ franchise, and I’m very excited to be collaborating with Adam and the team as we bring this next story to theaters in 2026.”
And here’s Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson:
“Suzanne Collins is a master storyteller and our creative north star. We couldn’t be more fortunate than to be guided and trusted by a collaborator whose talent and imagination are so consistently brilliant. We know ‘Hunger Games’ fans worldwide will be spellbound by where Suzanne has focused this next extraordinary story. The Second Quarter Quell is legendary and looms large over the history of the Games, even into the time of Katniss Everdeen a quarter-century later. Like fans around the globe, we are eagerly anticipating this exciting return to Panem.”
When will ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ be in theaters?
Lionsgate wants the new movie in theaters on November 20th, 2026.
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ opens in theaters on November 20, 2026.
(Left) Joseph Zada to star as Haymitch Abernathy in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo credit: Hugh Stewart. (Right) Whitney Peak to star as Lenore Dove Bard in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo: Kate Whyte.
Preview:
Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak are playing Haymitch and Lenore in the new ‘Hunger Games’ prequel.
Francis Lawrence will direct the movie.
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ will be out in November next year.
We recently learned that Elle Fanning has been linked with the role of a younger Effie Trinket; the effusive stylist as portrayed by Elizabeth Banks in the original ‘Hunger Games’ movies. But that has yet to be confirmed.
We do know, however, who has won the lead roles: Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak will play Haymitch Abernathy and Lenore Dove Baird.
Here’s Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman on the casting:
“ ‘The Hunger Games’ franchise has long been a launching pad for remarkable young actors, and Jo and Whitney carry that legacy forward with incredible heart, depth, and fire. After auditioning hundreds of gifted performers from around the world, these two stood out — not just for their talent, but for the emotional truth they brought to these iconic roles. Haymitch has always been a fan favorite, and his origin story is one of the most anticipated in the franchise. His relationship with Lenore Dove is deeply woven into the emotional history of Panem. We can’t wait for fans to experience the story that shaped one of the most compelling characters in the series.”
Mckenna Grace is set join the cast of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ as Maysilee Donner. Photo credit: Gus Black.
In addition to the two leads, we also now know that McKenna Grace, who has appeared in the recent ‘Ghostbusters’ movies, will be in the movie as Maysilee Donner, Haymitch’s fellow District 12 Tribute.
What’s the story of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. Photo: Lionsgate.
While the previous prequel took place 64 years before the events of the original trilogy, ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is set 24 years before that trio of Jennifer Lawrence films in the world of Panem, commencing on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
Those games are an important event in the canon as the victor was Haymitch Abernathy, the only winner from District 12 before Lawrence’ Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson’s Peeta Mellark’s tie win. Haymitch continues on to become a mentor, a character in the original movies played by Woody Harrelson.
While Lenore is only briefly mentioned in the book ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay,’ she’s a full character in ‘Sunrise on the Reaping.’
Who else has been rumored for ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?
Zada’s casting puts paid to the rumors that Charlie Plummer, who appears in Lawrence’s Stephen King adaptation ‘The Long Walk,’ due in theaters on September 12th, would take Haymitch role.
That might end up throwing doubt on the idea that Ralph Fiennes will also end up in the movie, to play Coriolanus Snow, as brought to screens by Donald Sutherland in the original films and Tom Blyth in previous prequel effort ‘Songbirds and Snakes.’
And then there was word that Kieran Culkin is mulling an offer to play Caesar Flickerman (the eccentric host character played in the first film series by Stanley Tucci.) We’ll wait and see if there is an official announcement about any of them.
Zada will next be seen starring in the highly anticipated Prime Video series ‘We Were Liars,’ which premieres this June.
He also just completed work on Netflix‘s ‘East of Eden,’ a seven-episode limited series based on the 1952 John Steinbeck novel, written and produced by Zoe Kazan.
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’: Collins and the filmmakers talk
Director Francis Lawrence in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.
Here’s Suzanne Collins’ statement on the new book and movie:
“With ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’, I was inspired by David Hume’s idea of implicit submission and, in his words, ‘the easiness with which the many are governed by the few… The story also lent itself to a deeper dive into the use of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative. The question ‘Real or not real?’ seems more pressing to me every day. From the beginning, Lionsgate has been a wonderful home and partner for the ‘Hunger Games’ franchise, and I’m very excited to be collaborating with Adam and the team as we bring this next story to theaters in 2026.”
And here’s Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson:
“Suzanne Collins is a master storyteller and our creative north star. We couldn’t be more fortunate than to be guided and trusted by a collaborator whose talent and imagination are so consistently brilliant. We know ‘Hunger Games’ fans worldwide will be spellbound by where Suzanne has focused this next extraordinary story. The Second Quarter Quell is legendary and looms large over the history of the Games, even into the time of Katniss Everdeen a quarter-century later. Like fans around the globe, we are eagerly anticipating this exciting return to Panem.”
When will ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ be in theaters?
Lionsgate already has a release date in place for this one: the studio wants the new movie in theaters on November 20th, 2026.
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ opens in theaters on November 20, 2026.
