The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – Everything You Need to Know
Suzanne Collins, famed author of The Hunger Games trilogy, returns to her dystopian universe, delighting fans with a prequel centered on the complex character of Haymitch Abernathy. This story reveals the events surrounding Haymitch’s own participation in The Hunger Games, adding depth to a character already cherished by readers and viewers alike.
Release Information
When is the film scheduled to premiere?
The highly anticipated The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026.
Current Production Status
Has production begun?
As of now, the film is still in the early stages of casting, with key roles being filled.
Casting Details
Who is portraying Haymitch Abernathy?
Joseph Zada has been selected to portray Haymitch in this prequel. Zada is also set to appear in the upcoming adaptation of We Were Liars, scheduled to stream on Prime Video this June.
Who else is in the cast?
Whitney Peak has been cast as Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s love interest, and a member of the Covey—a group of performers that were further developed in Collins’ previous work, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Additionally, Rachel Zegler will reprise her role as Lucy Gray Baird, also from the Covey, while Maysilee Donner, another tribute from District 12, will be portrayed by McKenna Grace.
The supporting cast includes Wyatt Callow and Louella McCoy as other tributes competing alongside Haymitch and Maysilee.
Notable Returning Characters
Several recognizable figures from the original series will also appear, including:
- President Snow, portrayed by Tom Blythe
- Plutarch Heavensbee, originally played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman
- Effie Trinket, executed by Elizabeth Banks
- Beetee, represented by Jeffrey Wright
- Caesar Flickerman, played by Stanley Tucci
Plot Overview
What is the story about?
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping delves into the past of Haymitch Abernathy, highlighting his experience in the 50th Hunger Games. This particular iteration of the games marks a significant event known as the Quarter Quell, where the rules are altered every 25 years to increase the stakes.
In Haymitch’s season, each district was mandated to send double the number of tributes, resulting in a staggering total of 48 competitors. As the story unfolds, viewers will witness the brutal realities of the Games, which pits children against one another in a fight for survival, a tradition that shows how the Capitol exerts its control over the districts.
Creative Team
Who is directing the film?
Francis Lawrence, who has previously directed The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes alongside the original film adaptations of Catching Fire and both parts of Mockingjay, will direct this prequel. The screenplay will be written by Billy Ray, who was responsible for the script of the first Hunger Games film.