The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

This article is about the film. For the novel, see Sunrise on the Reaping.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Teaser poster
Directed by	Francis Lawrence
Screenplay by	Billy Ray
Based on	Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Produced by	Nina Jacobson Brad Simpson
Starring	Joseph Zada Whitney Peak Mckenna Grace Jesse Plemons Kelvin Harrison Jr. Lili Taylor Maya Hawke Elle Fanning Ben Wang Billy Porter Kieran Culkin Glenn Close Ralph Fiennes
Cinematography	Jo Willems
Music by	James Newton Howard
Production company	Color Force
Distributed by	Lionsgate
Release date	November 20, 2026 (2026-11-20)
Country	United States
Language	English

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is an upcoming American dystopian action film directed by Francis Lawrence from a screenplay by Billy Ray. Based on the 2025 novel Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins, it serves as both a sequel to The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023) and a prequel to The Hunger Games (2012), and will be the sixth installment in The Hunger Games film series. It stars an ensemble cast that includes Joseph Zada, Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Mckenna Grace, Maya Hawke, Whitney Peak, Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Glenn Close.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled to be released in the United States and Canada on November 20, 2026.

Premise

Taking place 24 years before the first film, a young Haymitch Abernathy is selected to compete in the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, which occurs every 25 years with a twist to the rules. For this Quarter Quell, each district of Panem must send twice the number of tributes to the Capitol, who will fight to the death in the Hunger Games. ^[1]

Cast

For character descriptions from the novels, see List of The Hunger Games characters.

See also: List of The Hunger Games cast members

Tributes

• Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, a tribute from District 12 who is also the future mentor to the main series' protagonist, Katniss Everdeen. He was played by Woody Harrelson in the original films.
• Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, a tribute from District 12 and owner of the Mockingjay pin
• Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow, a tribute from District 12 and an oddsmaker
• Molly McCann as Louella McCoy, a tribute from District 12
• Iona Bell as Lou Lou, Louella's Capitol-assigned lookalike
• Percy Daggs IV as Ampert Latier, a tribute from District 3 and Beetee's son
• Jhaleil Swaby as Panache Barker, a tribute from District 1
• Laura Marcus as Silka Sharp, a tribute from District 1
• Sky Frances as Maritte, a tribute from District 4
• Rada Rae as Wellie, a tribute from District 6
• Tatyana Muzondo as Ringina, a tribute from District 7
• Alina Reid as Kerna, a tribute from District 9
• Salimou Thiam as Clayton, a tribute from District 9
• John Doeble as Buck, a tribute from District 10
• Kaine Buffonge as Hull, a tribute from District 11

Capitol Residents

• Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, a young cameraman for the Hunger Games. He was played by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the previous films.
• Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow, the tyrannical president of Panem who once served as a mentor to Lucy Gray Baird, victor of the 10th Hunger Games, from District 12. He was played by Donald Sutherland in the original films, and by Tom Blyth in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes .
• Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle, a Capitol chaperone for the District 12 tributes
• Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, the host of the Hunger Games. He was played by Stanley Tucci in the original films.
• Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, a Capitol stylist. She was played by Elizabeth Banks in the original films.
• Billy Porter as Magno Stift, a Capitol stylist for the District 12 tributes
• Iris Apatow as Proserpina Trinket, a Capitol prep team member and Effie's younger sister
• Edvin Ryding as Vitus, a Capitol prep team member
• Sandra Förster as Hersilia, a trainer for the Hunger Games
• Jax Guerrero as Tibby, a transportation attendant for the District 12 tributes

Mentors

• Maya Hawke as Wiress, victor of the 49th Hunger Games, from District 3. She was played by Amanda Plummer in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire .
• Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier, victor of the 34th Hunger Games, from District 3, whose son Ampert is competing in the games. He was played by Jeffrey Wright in the previous films.
• Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan, victor of the 11th Hunger Games, from District 4. She was played by Lynn Cohen in Catching Fire.

District 12 Residents

• Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch's girlfriend and descendant of the Covey Caravan of which Lucy Gray Baird was once a part
• Kara Tointon as Willamae Abernathy, Haymitch's mother
• Smylie Bradwell as Sid Abernathy, Haymitch's younger brother
• Scot Greenan as Burdock Everdeen, Haymitch's best friend and the future father of Katniss Everdeen. He is also Lenore Dove's distant relative. He was played by Phillip Troy Linger in the original films.
• Grace Ackary as Asterid March, Maysilee's best friend, Burdock's girlfriend, and the future mother of Katniss Everdeen. She was played by Paula Malcomson in the original films.
• Jeffrey Hallman as Clerk Carmine, Lenore Dove's uncle
• Serafin Mishiev as Woodbine Chance, a District 12 citizen reaped for the 50th Hunger Games
• Melody Chikakane Brown as Hattie Meeney
• Jefferson White as Mr. McCoy, Louella's father
• Devon Singletary as Blair, Haymitch's friend

Additionally, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson will reprise their roles as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. ^[2]

Production

Development

In June 2024, with the announcement that Suzanne Collins would be publishing her next installment in The Hunger Games series on March 18, 2025, titled The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, Lionsgate Films greenlit a feature film adaption of the book, with Francis Lawrence in talks to return to direct. ^[3]

Casting

Casting directors Debra Zane and Dylan Jury began casting the film in December 2024; a casting call was put out for young Haymitch, Lenore Dove, and Maysilee, and Zane and Jury began making lists for the younger adult versions of legacy characters. ^[4]

From April to June 2025, much of the ensemble was cast, including Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., ^[5] Maya Hawke, ^[6] Lili Taylor, ^[7] Ben Wang, ^[8] Ralph Fiennes, ^[9] Molly McCann, Iona Bell, ^[10] Elle Fanning, ^[11] Kieran Culkin, Glenn Close, Billy Porter, Jhaleil Swaby, Laura Marcus, Percy Daggs IV, and Rada Rae. ^{[12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17]} More casting announcements were made in July, including Kara Tointon, Jefferson White, Iris Apatow, and Edvin Ryding. ^{[18] [19] [20] [21]} In October, Devon Singletary joined the cast after winning an open audition competition. ^{[22] [23]}

Filming

Principal photography began in late July in Spain, and was teased by official Hunger Games social media accounts on August 6, 2025. ^[24] Shooting locations included Somiedo and Teverga. ^[25] By November, Fanning and Close had concluded filming their scenes. ^{[26] [27]} Principal photography officially wrapped in Berlin on November 28. ^[28] In December 2025, it was revealed that Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson would reprise their roles as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, respectively. ^[29]

Marketing

On November 20, 2025, exactly a year from theatrical release, an official teaser for the film was released before filming had even ended. ^[30]

Release

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled to be released in the United States on November 20, 2026, in IMAX. ^{[3] [31]}

References

1. Mendoza, Leia (November 21, 2025). "'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' Trailer: First Look at Joseph Zada's Young Haymitch in Series Prequel'" . Retrieved November 22, 2025.
2. Gajewski, Ryan (December 11, 2025). "Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson to Return for 'Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 11, 2025.
3. D'Alessandro, Anthony (June 6, 2024). "'The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping': Lionsgate Sets Fall 2026 Release For New Prequel, Director Francis Lawrence In Talks To Return". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved June 6, 2024.
4. Ishmael, Aiyana (July 14, 2025). "Yes, 'Sunrise on the Reaping' Casting Directors Know They're Nailing It". Teen Vogue. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
5. Stephan, Katcy (May 12, 2025). "'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' Adds Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee". Variety . Archived from the original on May 13, 2025. Retrieved May 13, 2025.
6. Grobar, Matt (May 14, 2025). "Maya Hawke Joins 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping' As Wiress". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on May 14, 2025. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
7. Grobar, Matt (May 14, 2025). "'The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping' Casts Lili Taylor As Mags". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 14, 2025. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
8. Stephan, Katcy (May 15, 2025). "'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' Adds Ben Wang as Wyatt (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on May 15, 2025. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
9. Gajewski, Ryan (May 16, 2025). "Ralph Fiennes to Play President Snow in 'Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter . Archived from the original on May 16, 2025. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
10. Gajewski, Ryan (May 20, 2025). "'Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' Finds Its Louella and Lou Lou (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on May 20, 2025. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
11. Gajewski, Ryan (May 20, 2025). "Elle Fanning to Play Effie in 'Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on May 21, 2025. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
12. Grobar, Matt (April 23, 2025). "'The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping' Casts Joseph Zada As Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak As Lenore Dove Baird". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 23, 2025. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
13. Kroll, Justin (April 24, 2025). "'Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping' Movie At Lionsgate Taps Mckenna Grace In Maysilee Donner Role". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 24, 2025. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
14. Kroll, Justin (April 25, 2025). "'Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping' Movie Taps Jesse Plemons To Play Plutarch Heavensbee In Lionsgate Adaptation". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 25, 2025. Retrieved April 25, 2025.
15. Gajewski, Ryan (May 21, 2025). "Kieran Culkin to Play Caesar in 'Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on May 22, 2025. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
16. Tartaglione, Nancy; Grobar, Matt (June 16, 2025). "Glenn Close & Billy Porter Join Cast Of Lionsgate's 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping' – CineEurope". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on June 16, 2025. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
17. Cordero, Rosy (June 17, 2025). "'The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping' Casts Jhaleil Swaby As Panache". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on June 17, 2025. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
18. Booth, Kaitlyn (July 15, 2025). "Sunrise On The Reaping: 4 More Tributes Have Been Cast". bleedingcool.com.
19. "Instagram". www.instagram.com.
20. "Instagram". www.instagram.com.
21. Stephan, Katcy (July 25, 2025). "'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' Casts Iris Apatow and Edvin Ryding as Production Begins (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
22. @thehungergames (October 24, 2025). "Blair. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
23. Levy, Giana (October 24, 2025). "'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' Announces Winner of Fan Casting Contest: 'I'm Super Excited'". Variety. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
24. Northrup, Ryan (August 6, 2025). "Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping Gets Major Filming Update With First Look At The Deadly Arena". Screen Rant . Retrieved August 6, 2025.
25. Gutiérrez, Marcos (August 20, 2025). "Teverga y Somiedo celebran la «difusión» generada por «Los juegos del hambre»: «Se metió la patita para que la gente nos ubique»". La Voz de Asturias (in Spanish). Retrieved August 25, 2025.
26. Jones, Tamera; Weintraub, Steven (November 20, 2025). "Elle Fanning Shares an Exciting 'Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' Update for Effie Trinket Fans". Collider . Retrieved November 21, 2025.
27. Gomez, Dessi (November 20, 2025). "Everything We Know About The 'Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping' Movie So Far". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved November 22, 2025.
28. @ninajacobson (November 28, 2025). "Now it's a wrap" (Tweet). Retrieved November 29, 2025– via Twitter.
29. Gajewski, Ryan (December 10, 2025). "Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson to Return for 'Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping'". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved December 10, 2025.
30. "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (2026) Official Teaser – Joseph Zada". November 20, 2025 – via YouTube.
31. "IMAX Investor Presentation October 2025". IMAX Corporation . Archived from the original on October 23, 2025. Retrieved October 23, 2025.

External links

• Official website
• The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping at IMDb