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The Hunger Games franchise is set to grow once more with the upcoming release of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, marking the sixth installment and the second prequel in the series. Produced by Lionsgate, this film is anticipated to debut in 2026.
Sunrise on the Reaping is adapted from a novel of the same title by Suzanne Collins, which is scheduled for publication in March 2025. This new entry has already made waves, becoming the fastest-selling book in the franchise’s history, with over 1.5 million copies sold in the first week alone. Following the book’s announcement, the production of the film has gained momentum, and details are being revealed increasingly frequently.
Here’s a closer look at what we know about The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping thus far.
What is Sunrise on the Reaping about?
Set 24 years before the original Hunger Games, Sunrise on the Reaping chronicles the events surrounding the 50th Hunger Games, an annual event where districts of Panem send young representatives to compete in a deadly contest. This specific iteration is a Quarter Quell, occurring every 25 years, which mandates that each district send four tributes rather than the usual two.
The narrative focuses on 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, who, in the future timeline of the series, becomes a mentor to Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. Representing District 12, the poorest district in Panem, Haymitch is one of the four tributes. His journey within the games reveals his efforts to incite rebellion against the exploitative Gamemakers, offering a backstory to his character as a disillusioned and isolated figure encountered by Katniss in the original series. This prequel serves to illustrate both the trauma that shaped him and the revolutionary spirit that lay dormant within him, awaiting the spark ignited by Katniss’ actions.
This film continues the storyline set in the previous prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which explores the origins of President Coriolanus Snow.
Who’s in the cast?
Three prominent roles have been announced for this film.
Joseph Zada, known for his role in the upcoming series East of Eden, will take on the character of Haymitch Abernathy. The original portrayal of Haymitch by Woody Harrelson in the initial Hunger Games series set a high standard, making casting this younger version a notable challenge. Producer Nina Jacobson commented on the difficulty of finding a suitable actor, emphasizing the need to capture the essence of Haymitch’s character from a time before his cynicism fully developed, stating, “Nobody can be Woody Harrelson but Woody Harrelson.”
McKenna Grace, recognized from The Handmaid’s Tale and the Ghostbusters films, has been cast as Maysilee Donner, one of Haymitch’s fellow tributes. Whitney Peak, known for her role in Gossip Girl, will portray Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s love interest, who is related to Lucy Gray Baird, a character featured in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, played by Rachel Zegler.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman expressed excitement about the casting, highlighting that both Zada and Peak have elicited strong emotional responses that resonate with their roles. She noted, “Haymitch has always been a fan favorite, and his origin story is one of the most anticipated in the franchise,” alluding to the emotional depth within Haymitch’s relationship with Lenore Dove.
Adding to this, Jacobson reflected on the rigorous casting process that successfully identified the right actors, describing the moment Zada and Peak were cast together as a magical convergence of talent.
Who’s behind it?
Continuing the tradition, Francis Lawrence, who directed all Hunger Games films since Catching Fire, is at the helm of Sunrise on the Reaping. The screenplay is crafted by Billy Ray, co-writer of the original Hunger Games script. The project is produced by Brad Simpson and Nina Jacobson of Color Force.
When will it be released?
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is currently scheduled to hit theaters on November 20, 2026.
Source
www.goldderby.com