What We Know About Hunger Games : Sunrise on the Reaping — Release & Storyline
The much-anticipated Hunger Games : Sunrise on the Reaping has officially revealed a star-studded cast, signaling an ambitious new chapter in the beloved Hunger Games franchise. Set for release on November 20, 2026, the film is a prequel that dives into one of Panem’s most brutal chapters—the 50th Hunger Games (Second Quarter Quell)—and introduces audiences to a young Haymitch Abernathy.
Key Cast Highlights for Sunrise on the Reaping
The ensemble includes both rising talent and veteran film stars:
Joseph Zada as young Haymitch Abernathy
Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend
McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner
Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee
Ralph Fiennes as President Snow
Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket
Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman
Glenn Close and Billy Porter in high-profile roles
Why This Installment Matters in the Hunger Games Universe
This film expands the world of The Hunger Games by exploring how Haymitch transformed from the hopeful victor audiences first met into the cynical mentor seen in the original trilogy. The title Sunrise on the Reaping hints at the dawn of darker events in Panem’s history, resonating deeply with fans of the series.
What to Expect from the Cast & Production
Director Francis Lawrence, who helmed previous franchise films, returns.
With notable actors like Culkin, Fanning and Grace joining the franchise, the production gains both star power and fresh faces.
The storyline centers on the 50th Hunger Games—that infamous event with twice the number of tributes (48 total) from each district—raising the stakes for this cinematic event.
