Everything You Need to Know About 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping': Plot, Release Date & More
Yet another The Hunger Games installment is already on the way.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, an adaptation of Suzanne Collins' novel of the same name that expands the mythology of Panem, is set to hit theaters soon.
This time, the story centers on Haymitch Abernathy, Katniss' future mentor whom fans remember as the caustic Games victor portrayed by Woody Harrelson.
The fifth novel in the series was released on March 18, 2025, and became the year's most significant publishing event. Here's everything known about the upcoming movie so far.
When Will 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' Be Released?
The premiere of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled for November 20, 2026.
What Will the Movie Be About?
The story takes place 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games and nearly forty years after those of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Panem remains under the rule of President Coriolanus Snow, and the Capitol continues to prosper by exploiting the labor of the districts.
This era marks the Second Quarter Quell – the 50th Hunger Games – which would go down in history as the bloodiest iteration of the tournament. The defining rule of the Quarter Quell is that the Capitol demands twice the usual number of tributes from each district: two boys and two girls.
Haymitch Abernathy, not yet the sarcastic mentor but an ordinary 16-year-old from District 12, dreams of surviving the Reaping and staying with his beloved Lenore Dove. However, after interfering with the Peacekeepers' actions, he is forced to compete in the Games.
Once in the arena, Abernathy quickly grasps its mechanics and seeks out its vulnerabilities in an attempt to defy the system.
What Is 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' Based On?
The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins, released on March 18, 2025. The book became an instant bestseller, breaking sales records with an initial print run double that of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
Who Makes & Stars in the Movie?
Joseph Zada plays the young Haymitch Abernathy, and Whitney Peak portrays his love interest, Lenore Dove. Mckenna Grace plays Maysilee Donner, the District 12 tribute and original owner of the famous Mockingjay brooch.
Ralph Fiennes plays President Coriolanus Snow, Elle Fanning portrays the young Effie Trinket, and Kieran Culkin plays the young Caesar Flickerman. Jesse Plemons portrays the young Plutarch Heavensbee.
Will Jennifer Lawrence & Josh Hutcherson in 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping'?
In late 2025, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson officially confirmed their participation in the project.
Since the new movie is set 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games, their involvement likely refers to a brief scene set in the future, possibly an appearance by the characters in the movie's finale.
