The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping- All we know About the film Starring Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, & Mckenna Grace
The excitement is building as the Hunger Games franchise is set to return with Sunrise on the Reaping, the latest film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' dystopian prequel. Recently, fans were treated to a thrilling reveal video, offering a first glimpse into the dark and twisted world of Panem once again.
The film’s star-studded cast is already sending shockwaves through the fanbase, with the much-anticipated casting of Joseph Zada as young Haymitch Abernathy finally confirming what fans have been eagerly waiting for.
As the film draws closer, there’s no shortage of anticipation for what’s to come. With Sunrise on the Reaping set to explore Haymitch’s origin story and the brutal 50th Hunger Games, the stakes have never been higher. Fans of the original series and the prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes are already buzzing with excitement about what’s next.
From casting updates to sneak peeks, this article gives you everything you need to know about Sunrise on the Reaping, while keeping plenty of surprises in store. Get ready for shocking twists, new characters, and the return of the world you’ve come to love. Keep reading to see what we can reveal so far, and stay tuned as we continue to update with more information as it becomes available!
Release date & Where to Watch
The film is set to be released by Lionsgate in theatres on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2026.
What is the plot of The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping film?
Sunrise on the Reaping follows 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the original Hunger Games films, and his girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird. The story is set 24 years before the events of the first novel and centers on the 50th Hunger Games, a Quarter Quell year, which saw 48 tributes reaped for the games—twice the usual number.
Told from Haymitch's point of view, the narrative begins on his birthday, the day of the Reaping. A disaster strikes when Haymitch is called up to participate, leaving behind his family and Lenore Dove. As he faces the brutal competition, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail, but something in him drives him to fight, and he hopes that fight will resonate beyond the arena.
The story delves into themes of political manipulation, propaganda, and societal control within a totalitarian regime. Suzanne Collins drew inspiration from David Hume’s idea of implicit submission, stating (via ABC News):
"With 'Sunrise on the Reaping,' I was inspired by 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. The question 'Real or not real?' seems more pressing to me every day."
Who’s Starring in The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping?
- Joseph Zada (Invisible Boys, We Were Liars) as Haymitch Abernathy
Finding Zada was apparently no easy feat. Nina Jacobson, the producer of all the Hunger Games films, told Variety: “Nobody can be Woody Harrelson but Woody Harrelson. But you have to find that mischief that he has in him inherently and try to understand, if you turn back time from the man you meet at the beginning of The Hunger Games, who he was before all of that, and why he became that.”
- Whitney Peak (Gossip Girl 2, Hocus Pocus 2) as Haymitch’s girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird
In a statement to Variety, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group president of production Erin Westerman shared that they auditioned hundreds of actors for the roles of Haymitch and Lenore before selecting Zada and Peak.
“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,” said Westerman. (via Variety)
“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,” Westerman added.
- Mckenna Grace (Ghostbusters: Afterlife) as Maysilee Donner
Is There a Trailer for The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping?
There isn't a trailer yet, but you can check out the recently released reveal video below.
When does Sunrise on the Reaping take place?
Sunrise on the Reaping takes place 40 years after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and 24 years before the events of the first Hunger Games novel.
The story focuses on the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the second Quarter Quell, and introduces a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy as one of the tributes from District 12. Fans will recognize Haymitch as the character who, in the original films, was portrayed by Woody Harrelson as a drunk, but in Sunrise on the Reaping, he is still a young and capable participant.
Additionally, Haymitch has a girlfriend named Lenore Dove Baird, and fans have speculated that her mother may be Lucy Gray Baird’s cousin, a character from The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
Filming Details
Filming for the new film is set to begin in July 2025. Lawrence, who attended CinemaCon on Tuesday, spoke to attendees about the project, revealing that they are currently in the process of casting. "We're very excited," he said. "We've been working on this draft for a year. We start shooting in July." (via ABC News)
Behind the Scenes
Francis Lawrence, who has helmed every Hunger Games film since Catching Fire, will direct the upcoming adaptation of Sunrise on the Reaping. The screenplay, written by Billy Ray, is based on Suzanne Collins’s novel. Produced by Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson of Color Force, the film will also feature Cameron MacConomy as executive producer.
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