It may have been nearly two decades since the original The Hunger Games book was published, but that doesn't mean we're over it just yet. Last year's epic prequel film, A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was a testament to the fandom's undying passion for the world of Panem – and now, with Sunrise on the Reaping, that world is set to be expanded.
Suzanne Collins has officially returned to the dystopian, post-apocalyptic world of The Hunger Games with the new prequel novel, which hit shelves in March, 2025, and is slated to be adapted into film in late 2026. And even more excitingly? There's officially a teaser trailer to go along with it.
Everything we know so far, below.
Watch the first teaser trailer
Who's in the cast?
So far the actors on board for Sunrise on the Reaping has us wanting to name our first-borns after the casting directors, so this is who is confirmed so far:
- Haymitch Abernathy – Joseph Zada
- Effie Trinket – Elle Fanning
- Louella McCoy – Molly McCann
- Lou Lou – Iona Bell
- President Snow – Ralph Fiennes
- Wyatt Callow – Ben Wang
- Mags Flanagan – Lili Taylor
- Wiress – Maya Hawke
- Beetee Latier – Kelvin Harrison Jr.
- Plutarch Heavensbee – Jesse Plemons
- Maysilee Donner – McKenna Grace
- Lenore Dove Baird – Whitney Peak
- Caesar Flickerman – Kieran Culkin
- Drusilla Sickle – Glenn Close
- Magno Stift – Billy Porter
The film takes place 24 years prior to the first Hunger Games, which means we'll need new, younger actors to bring to life some of our favourite characters. The latest actors to be welcomed into the fold? Glenn Close, as Drusilla Sickle, the cruel escort to the District 12 Tributes, and Billy Porter as Magno Sift, her estranged husband and the tributes' uninspired costume designer.
There's also Elle Fanning, who has signed on as none other than Effie Trinket. Fanning picks up the baton from Elizabeth Banks, who brought to life the character of the quirky stylist to Haymith in the earlier films.
And few roles have had us speculating quite like that of young Haymitch Abernathy. Now, that role has also officially been filled, by Australian actor Joseph Zada. Hailing from Sydney, the 20-year-old will take on the character first brought to life by Woody Harrelson. He's joined by actress Whitney Peak, who will play Lenore Dove Baird.
“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 Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President Erin Westerman. “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. 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.”
Joining Zada is Ralph Fiennes as Snow, Lili Taylor as Mags, Maya Hawke as Wiress, Kelvin Harrison Jr as Beetee, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, and Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner. While nothing is locked in, other actors reportedly in the mix include Emma Thompson as Drusilla, and Kieran Culkinas Caesar Flickerman.
Off camera, Lionsgate have already confirmed Francis Lawrence, who directed all but the first Hunger Games movies, will return as director.
What is Sunrise on the Reaping about?
The fifth volume of Collins’ blockbuster dystopian series follows the second-ever Quarter Quell, set 24 years before the original novel, and 40 years after Collins’ most recent work, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Sure, that probably doesn't mean much to the untrained eye, but avid readers of the series will know that this is the Quarter Quell that a fan favourite character participated in… Haymitch Abernathy (played in the original films by Woody Harrelson).
There's a fair bit of known history to contend with, given that Katniss and Peeta watch Haymitch’s game in Catching Fire. But perhaps most interestingly, the second Quarter Quell’s surprise twist saw twice the amount of tributes being drawn.
"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,’" Collins said in a statement. "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."
When will the film version come out?
Lionsgate have announced a release date of 20 November 2026. Watch this space.
