When will The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping premiere? Release date, cast details, first look, and more

Helmed by The Long Walk director Francis Lawrence, the upcoming dystopian film The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set to be released on November 20, 2026. The film's screenplay is adapted by Billy Ray from Suzanne Collins' 2025 novel of the same name.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping centers on a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy during the 50th Hunger Games, and is set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen's story. The story revolves around Haymitch's struggle for survival, his relationship with Lenore Dove Baird, and his growing rebellion against the Capitol, which ultimately leads to his unexpected victory and the genesis of his future as Katniss's cynical mentor.

Joseph Zada features as the young Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, and Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping cast also includes Jesse Plemons, Elle Fanning, and Ralph Fiennes, among other actors.

Notable cast and characters featured in the upcoming The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

Here is a list of all the cast and characters set to appear in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping:

Joseph Zada portrays the younger version of Haymitch Abernathy, the District 12 protagonist competing in the Second Quarter Quell.
Whitney Peak portrays Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend and a member of the Covey.
Mckenna Grace plays Maysilee Donner, the other reaped female tribute from District 12 and an unexpected ally to Haymitch in the arena.
Ben Wang portrays Wyatt Callow, a male tribute from District 12.
Molly McCann portrays Louella McCoy, the reaped female tribute from District 12.
Ralph Fiennes features as President Coriolanus Snow, the tyrannical leader of Panem.
Jesse Plemons portrays the young Plutarch Heavensbee, a Capitol cameraman assigned to the District 12 tributes.
Elle Fanning plays the younger Effie Trinket, the Capitol stylist.
Kieran Culkin features as Caesar Flickerman, the official host of the games.
Kelvin Harrison Jr. portrays Beetee Latier, a former victor from District 3, mentor, and technology expert.
Maya Hawke plays Wiress, a former victor from District 3 and one of the mentors for the District 12 team.
Lili Taylor plays Mags Flanagan, a former victor from District 4, serving as a mentor for the District 12 team.
Glenn Close portrays Drusilla Sickle, the escort for District 12.
Billy Porter features as Magno Stift, a Gamemaker and fashion designer for the tributes.

How many movies are there in The Hunger Games film series?

A still from the film (Image via YouTube/Lionsgate)

Apart from the upcoming addition to the series, there are five films in The Hunger Games film series. Listed below are the same in chronological order:

The Hunger Games (2012)
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (2014)
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 (2015)
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)

The series is set in the nation of Panem, where the wealthy Capitol forces its twelve impoverished districts to send two children annually to compete in the televised fight of Hunger Games, to the death.

The main story follows Katniss Everdeen, a District 12 tribute who, by surviving and openly defying the Capitol, becomes the symbolic leader of a massive rebellion against the tyrannical President Snow.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled to be released on November 20, 2026. Stay tuned for more updates.

Edited by Suchita Patnaha