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Image Credit: Murray Close/Lionsgate
Coming back to the tree, are you, are you? Hunger Games devotees have always had fortune on their side, now that The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is out. On the heels of the global sensation of the Coriolanus Snow antecedent novel and movie, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, writer Suzanne Collins and Lionsgate Motion Picture Group stated that a film was being developed.
Following the start of filming on Sunrise in 2025, The Hollywood Reporter announced in December that original headliners Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson would be revisiting their roles as Katniss and Peeta, respectively.
Hollywood Life has collected all the info you should know regarding the Sunrise on the Reaping book and film.
Photo Credit: Murray Close/Lionsgate
What’s the Plot of ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’?
The saga’s fifth entry transpires during the Second Quarter Quell, also known as the 50th Hunger Games. Given that fans first met Katniss Everdeen during the 74th games, Sunrise on the Reaping occurs almost 25 years before the Mockingjay revolutionizes Panem.
“The Second Quarter Quell is famous and has a major presence in the history of the Games, even up to the era of Katniss Everdeen a quarter-century later,” Lionsgate’s Adam Fogelson expressed, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “Like fans across the world, we’re eagerly looking forward to this thrilling return to Panem.”
The narrative shadows 16-year-old Haymitch, who resides in District Twelve alongside his mom and younger brother. After Haymitch is unexpectedly chosen as a contender for the 50th Hunger Games, viewers witness how his scarring past affects him in the years to come, leading to alcoholism.
‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ Official Trailer
When Is the ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ Film Coming Out?
Helmed by series regular Francis Lawrence, the movie is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November 20, 2026.
When Does the ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ Novel Release?
Just Announced: A NEW Hunger Games novel by Suzanne Collins coming March 18, 2025! Pre-Order today! #TheHungerGames pic.twitter.com/Se7LdU8atv
— Scholastic (@Scholastic) June 6, 2024
The novel was launched on March 18, 2025.
Who Are the Actors in ‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping showcases Australian actor Joseph Zada, who headlines as a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy in his first major Hollywood part. Accompanying him is Gossip Girl and Hocus Pocus 2 star Whitney Peak, who portrays Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend and a fellow competitor from District 12.
Mckenna Grace, famed for roles in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Gifted, embodies Maysilee Donner, another District 12 tribute and Haymitch’s partner in the arena. Rounding out the ensemble is Jesse Plemons, the acclaimed Power of the Dog and Breaking Bad actor, who embodies Plutarch Heavensbee, an ambitious Capitol personality whose sway shapes the future of Panem. Maya Hawke, daughter of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, will be playing Wiress.
Ralph Fiennes — celebrated for portraying memorable antagonists such as Voldemort in Harry Potter — was tapped for the part of 58-year-old President Snow.
Molly McCann will be playing Louella, and Iona Bell will portray Lou Lou. Kieran Culkin was selected to portray Caesar Flickerman.
As previously mentioned, Jennifer and Josh are making a comeback as Katniss and Peeta, respectively! According to The Hollywood Reporter, they’ll feature in a “flash-forward scene,” likely referring to the book’s epilogue, where Haymich forms a connection with the characters as they mature.