A new prequel film titled ‘Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping’ is officially on its way, focusing on Haymitch Abernathy’s story, as announced by Deadline.
The upcoming film titled ‘Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping’ has been confirmed, focusing on the prequel story of Haymitch Abernathy. This announcement was made by Deadline on September 17, 2026. The film is based on Suzanne Collins' fifth novel, expanding further into the rich universe established by her original trilogy, comprising The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay.
Haymitch Abernathy serves as a pivotal character within the Hunger Games franchise. He was portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the original films, and his backstory will unfold during the 50th Hunger Games, introducing spectators to a significantly darker chapter of Panem's history. The story not only delves into Haymitch's past as a victor but also highlights the implications his experiences had on future generations, including Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, as they faced their own challenges in the arena.
Joseph Zada has been cast in the lead role of Haymitch, bringing a fresh face to the character integral to the previous films. Whitney Peak will portray Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s love interest. Additional casting includes Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee and Ralph Fiennes embodying the older version of President Snow, a character previously played by the late Donald Sutherland.
Notable appearances will also feature Elle Fanning as a younger Effie Trinket and McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, a fellow District 12 tribute. This diverse ensemble aims to enhance the storytelling breadth, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the relationships and dynamics that shaped the Hunger Games.
As of now, Lionsgate has released a teaser trailer in November 2025, showcasing the film's star-studded cast in vibrant visuals. Following this, a fuller trailer was unveiled in April 2026, highlighting pivotal moments and introducing younger versions of characters fans have come to love. A subsequent trailer released in mid-September has hinted at some of the more intense scenes drawn from the source material, elevating anticipation for the movie’s release.
The film is set to be directed by Francis Lawrence, who has also helmed previous entries in the Hunger Games series. The screenplay will be written by Billy Ray, who adapted the original film, tying this new installment to the historical success of its predecessors. Their combined expertise offers a level of continuity that could resonate well with existing fans while attracting newcomers to the franchise.
The announcement of ‘Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping’ adds another layer to the expansive story; not only will it revisit familiar characters but also explore the darker themes intrinsic to the series. Haymitch's journey will shed light on the repercussions of the Games on participants, especially highlighting the institutional cruelty of the Capitol, which resonates with current societal discussions on morality and ethics.
The prequel aims to reinvigorate the franchise while giving fans new stories born from beloved characters. Knowing that Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are returning stirs excitement, particularly for those who followed their character arcs in the original films. With both seasoned and fresh talent working on the adaptation, this film promises to contribute richly to the Hunger Games narrative, bolstering interest for audiences old and new alike.
For ongoing updates about the film and more details surrounding its production, stay tuned to trusted sources like Deadline as we anticipate its theatrical release soon.
Entertainment news
EpisodeBreakdown may use automated tools to assist research, drafting, and formatting. Published pages are governed by our editorial and corrections policies, and source links are shown when they are available in the article record.
Discovery source: Deadline. The source identifies where the topic was discovered; EpisodeBreakdown is responsible for the commentary published on this page.
Reader response
Reactions and poll results are based on real reader responses. No account is required.
