Everything You Need to Know About 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' Movie

Sunrise on the Reaping, a prequel in the Hunger Games series, will be adapted into a movie slated for release on November 20, 2026. Lionsgate has been developing the film alongside the book's release.

Production and Development

The film is being developed rapidly, with producer Nina Jacobson explaining that starting early allowed significant progress. The screenplay was written by Billy Ray, and director Francis Lawrence described the project as a return to form for the beloved series.

Filming for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping began in August 2025, according to an announcement on TikTok. The production includes picturesque locations featuring green mountainous landscapes.

Cast Information

Lionsgate announced several cast members including Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, and Ralph Fiennes as President Snow. Additional casting includes Maya Hawke, Elle Fanning, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Lili Taylor, Ben Wang, and others.

Elle Fanning joined the cast after online fan support to portray Effie Trinket. Kieran Culkin will portray Caesar Flickerman.

Returning Characters

Director Francis Lawrence returns to lead his fifth installment of the franchise. Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are set to reprise their roles in flash-forward sequences within the prequel film.

Storyline Overview

The story follows a young Haymitch Abernathy competing in the 50th Hunger Games. It explores themes of survival against a backdrop of governmental control symbolized by a brutal televised competition where districts sacrifice two children annually in a fight to death.