Pack your bags, because we are going back to Panem for Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping—and the countdown to watch the prequel in theaters is officially on.
In case you're new here, the Hunger Games franchise has gotten yet another chapter with the prequel, Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, which first arrived in book form and will be very soon released as a movie .
First announced in June 2024, Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is the second prequel in the series after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which was adapted for film in November 2023 and starred Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth.
Penned by Suzanne Collins, the fifth installment in the Hunger Games saga arrived on March 18, 2025. The cover for the book, designed by Tim O'Brien, was loaded with meaningful symbols in shades of purple and gold.
“The spiky sun rises on a symbol that will come to mean a lot to Haymitch Abernathy, as well as countless readers,” David Levithan, VP, publisher and editorial director for Scholastic, shared in a statement. According to Levithan, the cover explores the central theme of “how conflicting forces can be connected by their common nature, the songbird and the snake springing from the same source.”
By now we all know that Sunrise on the Reaping, focuses on the character of Haymitch Abernathy, who would later become Katniss Everdeen's trainer when she enters the Games. (In fact, the book has plenty of Katniss references as readers learn more about Haymitch's journey and how the things he dealt with as a tribute impacted his future.)
Speaking to People in 2026, Collins revealed that despite this being the second prequel in the franchise, she still recommends reading the books in order of release. “The [Hunger Games] trilogy explores just war theory in an authoritarian state. How did Panem end up in this situation in the first place? The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes takes the reader back in time to examine the state of nature debate and the origins of authoritarianism versus democratic forms of government. This lays the groundwork for Sunrise on the Reaping, which focuses on why we accept living under authoritarian rule, which includes implicit submission, illogically accepting inevitability, and the propaganda that convinces the population that a Hobbesian government is what they want. That’s how it unfolds,” she explained.
With the books all out and fans digging in for more and more clues, the focus is now on the movie adaptation. Below, find out everything we know so far about The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping movie.
Is there a trailer for the Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping movie?
Yes! Lionsgate released the first full length trailer for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping in mid April. In the trailer, which you can watch above, we see what appears to be Joseph Zada as Haymitch and Ralph Fiennes as President Snow's first meeting and get a glimpse into the former's relationship with Lenore Dove Baird. “I bet I know a thing or two about you,” Snow tells Haymitch. “You love her and she loves you. But now, you are on your own.” And, cue the spectacle of The Hunger Games, from prep to arena—and even a peek at revolution courtesy of a young Beetee Latier.
Previously, Lionsgate has also released a teaser trailer for the project. The teaser also gave us a a first look at the actual reaping and the Cornucopia, introducing the tributes from the districts one by one. The teaser closes with a soundbite we had previously gotten in a “reveal” teaser. “I think these games are going to be different,” a voice—which appears to be that of the original Haymitch actor Woody Harrelson—says in the video, which you can also watch below.
Are there any first-look photos from Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping?
Yes, to coincide with the both trailer's launches, Lionsgate also released a handful of photos from the movie giving us a better look at the characters, which you can see below:
When will the Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping movie be released?
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping movie will be released in theaters in North America on November 20, 2026. You can see the first official poster below:
Since then Lionsgate has also released two new poster with Haymitch and the tributes in the arena's Cornucopia. “Break the machine. Change the games,” one poster reads. “Welcome to the Second Quarter Quell,” the other one continues. You can see them both below:
When was Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping filmed?
On August 6, 2025, Lionsgate announced that production for Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping had officially begun, posting a video of the movie's outdoor set and a first look at Joseph Zada in his Haymitch trailer, which you can see below:
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It was previously reported that filming would begin in July 2025. Unofficial photos of the set in Spain showing the arena's Cornucopia had been posted online, though Lionsgate had yet to confirm production had officially started.
The new post announcing the start of filming confirms that at least part of the movie was filmed in the municipality of Somiedo in northern Spain, as we see Zada out of character proudly rocking a shirt with the name of the town. Previously, stars Mckenna Grace and Iona Bell, who play District 12 tributes Maysilee Donner as Lou Lou, posted a video with Zada where the three rocked the same shirt design.
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According to signs spotted by locals, filming in the area took place from July 21, 2025, until August 22, 2025. Grace also posted more behind-the-scenes pictures with castmates from filming to her IG account. Filming also took place in Germany, with principal photography happening in Berlin. The movie reportedly wrapped filming in late November 2025.
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Who is in the cast of the Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping movie?
After much speculation, Lionsgate started announcing the cast members for the Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping movie from April 2025. Here's who's who in the cast:
Newcomer Joseph Zada has been cast as young Haymitch Abernathy in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. If you are unfamiliar with Zada, he reportedly hails from Sydney, Australia, and was born in 2005, which means he is 20 years old at the time of writing. Zada, who formerly went by Joseph Cumpston, comes from a family of actors.
The actor has a few titles to his name, including queer drama Invisible Boys and Prime Video's upcoming We Were Liars. He will also appear alongside the likes of Florence Pugh and Mike Faist in Netflix's limited series adaptation of John Steinbeck's 1952 novel East of Eden, which wrapped filming in March 2025.
Joining Zada is Gossip Girl alum Whitney Peak, who will portray Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch's childhood love and girlfriend during the 50th Hunger Games. If her character's surname rings a bell, it's because Lenore Dove was also part of the Covey, like Lucy Gray from The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. In fact, as a Baird, she was raised by two of Lucy Gray’s cousins.
Peak rose to mainstream fame for her portrayal of Zoya Lott in the reboot of Gossip Girl from 2021 until 2023. She's also had roles in Netflix's Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Hocus Pocus 2, and Aaron Sorkin's Molly's Game.
“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,” Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman told Deadline about the leads' casting.
“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," Westerman continued. "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.”
Producer Nina Jacobson added that the casting process was “an exhaustive (and exhausting!) search to find a young actor with the skill and imagination to embody young Haymitch. Jo prepared like crazy and stole our hearts. Then Whitney took our breath away as Lenore Dove. When we put the two of them together, it was one of those magical casting moments when you know your search has led you home.”
After much speculation and fan dream casting, it's official: Elle Fanning will play Effie Trinket in Sunrise on the Reaping. It's pretty much perfect casting, and fans agree. “THE WAR IS OVER I WON OHMYGOD,” one fan wrote.
Fanning has been highly rumored for the role for months now. The 27-year-old actress was last scene alongside Timothée Chalamet in A Complete Unknown and in Hulu's The Great, but she's remained booked and busy since she was a child.
“From the moment Suzanne released the book, one question echoed from fans around the world: Who will play Effie?” Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman told The Hollywood Reporter. “Elizabeth Banks made her iconic — so who could honor that legacy while bringing us back to Effie’s early, most formative days? For us, there was only one answer. Elle Fanning’s career has been transcendent. She has a rare presence — warm, sparkling and layered with extraordinary depth. She was the undeniable fan favorite from the start, and we’re honored she answered the call. The odds, it turns out, were in our favor.”
Aside from the leads' casting, Lionsgate also announced that actor Mckenna Grace has been cast as Maysilee Donner in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.
In case you haven't read the book, Maysilee Donner is a fellow tribute from District 12 who gets reaped alongside Haymitch in the 50th Hunger Games. She's also the owner of a very famous mockingjay pin.
Only 18 years old, Grace has an imposing resume which includes titles like I, Tonya, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Fuller House, The Handmaid's Tale, Young Sheldon, and many more.
Jesse Plemons has also been cast as young Plutarch Heavensbee. The official Hunger Games social media accounts posted a video revealing Plemons' casting as on April 25, 2025; in the original trilogy, Head Gamemaker and eventual rebel forces commander Plutarch Heavensbee was portrayed by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Former child star Jesse Plemons is a thrice-Emmy-nominated actor and is perhaps best known for his work in Breaking Bad, Kinds of Kindness, Game Night, and Black Mirror.
On May 13, 2025, it was announced that Kelvin Harrison Jr. has joined the Sunrise on the Reaping cast as Beetee Latier. You surely remember Beetee from the original Hunger Games movie series, where Jeffrey Wright portrayed the character in Catching Fire and the Mockingjay movies.
Hailing from District 3, Beetee is the victor of the 34th Hunger Games and a participant in the 75th Hunger Games, a.k.a the Second Quarter Quell. He is also the father of Ampert Latier, one of the male tributes from District 3 in the 50th Hunger Games.
30-year-old Kelvin Harrison Jr. most recently appeared alongside Sadie Sink in O'Dessa. He also voiced Taka in Mufasa: The Lion King and is known for portraying Martin Luther King Jr. in National Geographic's series Genius. Aside from Sunrise on the Reaping, he will soon star as Jean-Michel Basquiat in Samo Lives.
On May 14, it was announced that Maya Hawke will be portraying Wiress in Sunrise on the Reaping. Also hailing from District 3, Wiress was the victor of the 49th Hunger Games and participated alongside Beetee in the Second Quarter Quell. She was played by Amanda Plummer in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
Maya Hawke, daughter of famed actors Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, is best known for her role as Robin Buckley in Netflix's hit series Stranger Things. Her credits also include Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Ladyworld, and Do Revenge, among others. She also voiced Anxiety in Inside Out 2.
On the same day as Hawke's announcement, Lionsgate also unveiled Lili Taylor's casting as Mags Flanagan. Mags is a significant character in the Hunger Games franchise. Hailing from District 4, she was the visitor of the 11th Hunger Games. She subsequently acted as Haymitch's mentor during the 50th Hunger Games, which Sunrise on the Reaping is based on. In the original film saga, Mags was played by Lynn Cohen. She was a volunteer tribute during the 75th Hunger Games alongside Finnick Odair in an effort to save Finnick's wife, Annie Cresta.
58-year-old Lili Taylor is an esteemed American actor, having appeared on beloved projects like Mystic Pizza, The Haunting, The Conjuring, American Crime, Six Feet Under, and many more.
On May 15, 2025, American Born Chinese star Ben Wang was announced as Wyatt Callow, a fellow tribute from District 12 during the 50th Hunger Games. Wang carved a name for himself as Jin Wang in Disney+'s American Born Chinese, starring alongside Oscar-winning actors Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan, and Karate Kid: Legends, and Stephen King adaptation The Long Walk, which is also directed by Sunrise on the Reaping director Francis Lawrence.
On May 16, Lionsgate unveiled their next big casting: none other than Ralph Fiennes, popularly known for his portrayal of Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter, as Panem's Big Bad, President Snow. Fans widely praised the casting across social media; “Voldemort as Snow. This casting is straight perfection,” wrote one person under the official Instagram announcement video.
Two different child actresses will play the characters of Louella and Lou Lou, which makes sense, since the two are meant to look similar, but in actuality aren't the same at all. (The simulacrum is just another of the Capitol's games.) Irish actress Molly McCann (Bad Sisters) will play Louella, Haymitch's friend from District 12 who is the origin point of his use of “sweetheart," while English actress Iona Bell will play the “reborn” Lou Lou.
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On June 16, 2025, it was revealed that legendary American actor Glenn Close has been cast in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping as Drusilla Sickle. Close has been working in Hollywood for over five decades and is best known for her work on The World According to Garp, Fatal Attraction, Mars Attacks!, 101 Dalmatians, and much more.
Hailing from the Capitol, Drusilla Sickle serves as the escort for the District 12 tributes since the 25th Hunger Games, including the 50th Hunger Games. She is later replaced by Effie Trinket, who continues until the events of the original film saga.
Shortly after Close's casting was announced, it was also revealed that Billy Porter had also joined the cast. The Broadway star and Pose alum will portray Magno Stift, the long-time stylist for District 12 tributes, who dressed Haymitch and his fellow tributes during the Second Quarter Quell.
Much like Cinna, Katniss and Peeta's stylist, Magno was also known for using fashion as a political tool and, prior to the 50th Hunger Games, was even placed on probation because of his risk-taking choices. He is known for his infatuation with reptiles and even has a snakeskin pattern tattooed on his skin.
Announced on July 25, right as the film began production, it was announced that Iris Apatow would play Proserpina Trinket — the younger sister of Effie. The character is a Capitol University student who is assigned to Haymitch Abernathy's prep team as he heads into the 50th Hunger Games. Like Magno, her focus is on fashion and styling, and alongside her classmate Vitus, she will help Haymitch look groomed and ready. Apatow — not to be mistaken for her Euphoria-starring sister Maude Apatow — is best known for her role in Hulu's Tell Me Lies series, but has also starred in the film Young Werther, among other things.
The same day that it was confirmed that Apatow would play a role in the new Hunger Games film, Edvin Ryding's casting was also announced. The Swedish actor will play Vitus alongside Apatow's Proserpina on Haymitch's styling team. He is also a university student and works to prep Haymitch for the 50th Hunger Games. Ryding just came off his promotion for the revamped sequel 28 Years Later, but is likely known for his role in Young Royals.
British actor Laura Marcus will star as Silka Sharp, the career tribute from District 1 during the 50th Hunger Games. Marcus's previous credits include The Great Escaper, Bad Education, The Devil's Hour, and more.
Percy Daggs IV joins the cast of Sunrise on the Reaping as Ampert Latier, Beetee’s son and one of the male tributes from District 3 for the 50th Hunger Games. Ampert is reaped as a punishment for his father, who is forced to serve as his mentor. Daggs's credits include Lionsgate's Never Let Go with Halle Berry; he is also a series regular in Hulu's Paradise, and appeared alongside Samuel L. Jackson in Apple TV's The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey.
Austrian actor Rada Rae will play District 6 tribute Wellie. Her credits include Netflix's Exterritorials as well as Hulu's Nine Perfect Strangers — which stars Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, and Aras Aydin, among others — as well as Prime Video's House of David.
26-year-old Jhaleil Swaby will portray Panache Barker, another career tribute from District 1. Swaby's credits include The Lake on Amazon Prime Video and Supergirl on The CW.
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British actor Sky Frances will play Maritte, another career tribute during the 50th Hunger Games, hailing from District 4. Fracnes's credits include Vera, A Gentleman in Moscow, and Don't Mind Me. This is her first movie.
British actor and singer Tatyana Muzondo will play Ringina, one of the female tributes from District 7 during the 50th Hunger Games. A Royal Central School of Speech and Drama alum, Muzondo has multiple theatre credits to her name in the school, including Betty Blue Eyes, The Welkin, The Winter's Tale, Jekyll and Hyde, and more.
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Actor and ballerina Alina Reid will play District 9 tribute Kerna. “I’m beyond honored to officially announce that I’ve been cast as Kerna in the new Hunger Games movie,” Reid wrote on Instagram. “I’m deeply grateful and incredibly excited to join the Hunger Games family. This story means so much to so many, and stepping into this world is truly a dream come true. I’m diving into this role with all my passion and energy — and I’m still in awe that I get to work alongside such an insanely talented and dedicated team.”
19-year-old German Salimou Thiam is set to play Clayton, another District 9 tribute. “I grew up watching The Hunger Games — and now I’m stepping into the arena as Clayton. Immensely grateful for this opportunity,” Thiam wrote on Instagram. Thiam's credits include a few projects on German TV. This will be his first movie and first international project.
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German actor John Doeble is set to play Buck, one of the male tributes from District 10. Doeble has acting credits mainly in Germany, including series Druck and Hübsches Gesicht, as well as various commercials and films.
30-year-old British actor Kaine Buffonge will play Hull, one of the male tributes from District 11 in the 50th Hunger Games. Buffonge is known for Prime Video's Jungle, as well as shorts such as Hackney Downs, Wen Will I See U Again Sam?, and Black Sunday.
English actor Kara Tointon portrays Willamae Abernathy, a.k.a. Haymitch's mother, in Sunrise on the Reaping. Tointon is best known for appearing in the British soap opera EastEnders.
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Smylie Bradwell has been tapped for the role of Sid Abernathy, Haymitch's younger brother. Bradwell has appeared in projects like Insomnia, The Crow Girl, and will soon appear in Chloe Zhao's upcoming Hamnet alongside Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley.
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Berlin-based American actor Jeffrey Hallman will play Clerk Carmine, a.k.a. CC, who is one of the members of the Covey and one of Lenore Dove Baird's guardians.
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19-year-old German actor Serafin Mishiev will be portraying Woodbine Chance, who, like Haymitch, is also a male tribute from District 12 during the 50th Hunger Games.
Scottish actor Scot Greenan, who has appeared in T2 Trainspotting and Mary Queen of Scots, will play Burdock Everdeen, father of Katniss and Primrose Everdeen.
Australian actor Grace Ackary, a Royal Central School of Speech and Drama alumna, will play Asterid Everdeen, Katniss and Primrose Everdeen's mother and Burdock's wife.
British actor and EastEnders alum Melody Chikakane Brown plays Hattie Meeney. Hailing from District 12, Hattie Meeney brews white liquor in the woods outside the District with a bit of help from Haymitch.
American actor Jefferson White, best known for Yellowstone, plays Mr. McCoy. Mr. McCoy is the father of Louella McCoy.
Jax Guerrero has been cast as Tibby, an attendant from the Capitol who helps transport the four tributes from District 12 to the Capitol for the games. According to his Instagram and the BBC, Guerrero studied at the Mountview Drama School in London. In 2025, he was a third-year acting student on the BA (Hons) Performance – Acting course, and Sunrise on the Reaping is his first major acting gig after school.
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Sandra Förster is a multilingual actor based in Europe, set to play Hersilia in the Sunrise on the Reaping movie. Hersilia is a trainer during the Hunger Games, who teaches the District 12 and District 7 tributes how to throw knives. “I'm so grateful they're giving me the opportunity to show what I can do on the big screen and bring this character to life. Thank you for this kind welcome into the Hunger Games family, I'm so overwhelmed,” she wrote on her Instagram.
On October 24, 2025, it was revealed that Florida-based actor and filmmaker Devon Singletary had won the open fan audition to join the cast of Sunrise on the Reaping and will be playing Blair, a resident of District 12 who is friends with both Haymitch Abernathy and Burdock Everdeen, a.k.a. Katniss's father.
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Additional cast members are yet to be announced.
When was The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping movie announced?
Lionsgate announced that Sunrise on the Reaping would be adapted into a major motion picture, coinciding with the book’s release on June 6, 2024. The film project was unveiled by Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. The new Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping movie will be produced by Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson under the Color Force. The duo has previously produced all five existing movies in the Hunger Games franchise, from 2012’s Hunger Games to 2023’s The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
What is The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping movie about?
Much like the book, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping movie will also be about young Haymitch and his time at the games.
In case you haven't yet read the book, the official synopsis is as follows: “As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes. Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves. When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight… and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.”
When writing the book, author Suzanne Collins shared that she was inspired by the philosopher 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,” she explained. "The question ‘Real or not real?’ seems more pressing to me every day.”
“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,” Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said about the new prequel movie.
Who directed the Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping movie?
When the movie was first announced, Lionsgate shared that they were in talks with Francis Lawrence to direct Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, and it's now been confirmed. Lawrence has served as a director on four of the five Hunger Games films since Catching Fire. (The first movie was directed by Gary Ross.)
This post will continue to be updated as news about The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping book and movie breaks.
