The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – Cast, Story, and Everything You Need to Know
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is the upcoming prequel film in the globally successful Hunger Games franchise. Written by Suzanne Collins and set to release in November 2026, this film takes fans back to the infamous 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell, where a young Haymitch Abernathy first made his mark.
In this article, we’ll explore the confirmed cast, plot details, release timeline, book background, and answer all frequently asked questions — fully optimized for SEO and Hunger Games fans alike.
🎥 Overview of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
📅 Official Release Date
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U.S. Theatrical Release: November 20, 2026
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Directed by: Francis Lawrence
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Written by: Billy Ray (screenplay), Suzanne Collins (novel)
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Production Companies: Lionsgate, Color Force
Set 24 years before the original trilogy, the story dives into the Second Quarter Quell — an anniversary edition of the Hunger Games where each district was forced to send two tributes instead of one, doubling the stakes and the bloodshed.
🌟 Main Cast of Sunrise on the Reaping
👦 Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy
Joseph Zada plays the young, sharp-witted Haymitch Abernathy from District 12. This is a critical role that reveals how Haymitch became the hardened, sarcastic mentor we later saw training Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark.
👩🦰 Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner
Maysilee, a fellow tribute from District 12 and Haymitch's ally in the arena, is played by Mckenna Grace. Her character will add emotional weight and history to Haymitch’s eventual cynicism.
💔 Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird
Lenore is a new character introduced in the prequel novel — Haymitch’s love interest, whose fate is deeply tied to the Capitol's control over Panem’s districts.
🧠 Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee (Young)
Plutarch’s younger version appears in this prequel, played by Jesse Plemons. While he’s not yet the Head Gamemaker, this early version gives insight into his rising influence in the Capitol.
🧑🔬 Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier
Beetee returns in a younger form, portrayed by Kelvin Harrison Jr., showcasing the early genius of District 3 and how he came to be a rebellion mastermind.
🧝♀️ Maya Hawke as Wiress
Maya Hawke portrays Wiress, the eccentric and intelligent inventor who will add depth and mystery to the prequel storyline.
👵 Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan
Mags, the beloved tribute from District 4 in Catching Fire, is played here by Lili Taylor — connecting past and future arcs through her mentorship and heart.
📘 Book Origins: What is Sunrise on the Reaping Based On?
🖊️ Author and Inspiration
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Author: Suzanne Collins
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Published: March 18, 2025
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Inspiration: Based on themes from philosopher David Hume on submission, political control, and propaganda.
📚 Novel Synopsis
"Sunrise on the Reaping" dives into Haymitch’s experience in the arena, the psychological warfare waged by the Capitol, and the trauma that would shape his future as a mentor and rebel.
This book, much like its predecessor The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, combines brutal action with commentary on media manipulation, leadership, and the dehumanization of the oppressed.
🔎 Behind the Scenes: Production and Creative Team
🎬 Returning Director: Francis Lawrence
Francis Lawrence, who directed four previous Hunger Games films, returns to helm this prequel. His experience ensures visual continuity and tone consistency with the broader franchise.
✍️ Screenwriter: Billy Ray
A long-time collaborator with Lionsgate, Billy Ray adapts Suzanne Collins’ prose into screenplay form. His past work includes Captain Phillips and Richard Jewell.
🏭 Production Timeline
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Filming starts: July 2025
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Principal photography locations: Expected to include Georgia (USA), Berlin (Germany), and rural Eastern Europe to mimic Panem’s districts.
📈 SEO Keywords You Should Know
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is “Sunrise on the Reaping” about?
A: It's a prequel to the Hunger Games trilogy, set during the 50th Hunger Games. It tells the story of young Haymitch Abernathy and his experience in the deadly Second Quarter Quell.
Q2: Who plays young Haymitch in the movie?
A: Joseph Zada has been cast as young Haymitch Abernathy, portraying his emotional and physical transformation during the Games.
Q3: Is this movie connected to The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes?
A: Yes. While the timeline is set between Songbirds and Snakes and the original Hunger Games, it shares the same political themes and background of Panem’s oppression.
Q4: When is Sunrise on the Reaping coming out?
A: The official theatrical release is set for November 20, 2026 worldwide.
Q5: Where can I read the novel?
A: The book is available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and independent bookstores. It’s also available as an eBook and audiobook.
Q6: Will Katniss or Peeta appear in this movie?
A: No. The story is set 24 years before the original Hunger Games trilogy, so neither Katniss nor Peeta are part of this storyline.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Why This Hunger Games Prequel Matters
"The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" is more than just another addition to a franchise — it’s a political allegory, a war drama, and a personal story of trauma, survival, and the cost of defiance. By expanding the backstory of one of the most important characters in the Hunger Games universe, the prequel strengthens the emotional core of the entire series.
Fans eager to return to the world of Panem can expect powerful performances, deeper lore, and another gut-wrenching look at what happens when power, fear, and rebellion collide.
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