Sunrise on the Reaping hit bookstores in March 2025, and fans won’t have to wait long for the film adaptation of the latest Hunger Games prequel.
Lionsgate commissioned the movie The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping simultaneously with author Suzanne Collins‘s announcement of the book about Haymitch Abernathy. Producer Nina Jacobson stated that this early order allowed the studio to begin film development promptly.
“We’re much further along than we would have been otherwise because we started immediately,” she told Variety in March. “None of it has been announced yet, but we have a great draft we’re refining. We’ve established our locations. We’re very far along for a book that’s just coming out tomorrow!”
Based on a screenplay by Billy Ray, director Francis Lawrence told the CinemaCon audience in April 2025 that Sunset on the Reaping “returns to the essence of the films we love from this series.”
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will be the second prequel in the franchise, following 2023’s A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The initial four films, starting in 2012, adapted Collins’ original trilogy and introduced viewers to Haymitch (Woody Harrelson), a past victor who mentored Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) through the deadly games.
Here’s what we know about the movie adaptation of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping:
Release Date for ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled to premiere in theaters on November 20, 2026.
Cast of ‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’
In April 2025, Lionsgate confirmed Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, with Whitney Peak portraying his love interest, Lenore Dove Baird. Mckenna Grace was later announced as Maysilee Donner.
Zada celebrated by sharing a news article on Instagram, tagging Peak with a heart emoji. Peak reposted with her own emojis.
In the same month, Lionsgate revealed Jesse Plemons would play Plutarch Heavensbee, a role previously held by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman in the original series. In May 2025, Kelvin Harrison Jr. was cast as Beetee, a character originally portrayed by Jeffrey Wright. Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, and Ben Wang were also added to the cast.
Additionally, Ralph Fiennes will play President Coriolanus Snow, succeeding Donald Sutherland and Tom Blyth. Elle Fanning will portray a young Effie Trinket. Other cast members include Molly McCann, Iona Bell, and Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman.
In June 2025, Deadline reported Glenn Close and Billy Porter joined the cast. Close will play Druscilla Sickle, and Porter will portray her estranged husband, Magno Stift.
Producer Nina Jacobson praised Close and Porter, expressing excitement for their roles. Jhaleil Swaby was later cast as District 1 tribute Panache.
In July 2025, Variety announced Iris Apatow and Edvin Ryding joined the film as Capitol students Proserpina and Vitus.
Plot of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’
The narrative follows a 16-year-old Haymitch as he competes in the 50th annual Hunger Games, where each district sends two children to battle to the death, broadcast as a reminder of governmental control.
Production Timeline
In August 2025, the official Hunger Games TikTok account announced the film was in production, showcasing clips of the filming locations and Zada at his trailer.
Returning Cast Members
Director Lawrence, who has helmed each film since Catching Fire, returns for his fifth installment. The possibility of cameos from original cast members exists, as suggested by certain scenes in the novel.
Promotional materials have already referenced Harrelson. A motion poster released at CinemaCon in March 2025 features his dialogue from the original film.
In December 2025, reports indicated Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson would reprise their roles in a flash-forward sequence.
Forty-eight tributes. One victor.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026. pic.twitter.com/pGKnux44L0
— The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) April 1, 2025
