The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (2026)

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is a forthcoming American action-science fiction film directed by Francis Lawrence and written by Billy Ray. Based on the 2025 novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins, the movie serves as a prequel to the original trilogy and a follow-up to The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Set 40 years after the events of the latter film and 24 years before the first installment, the story focuses on the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. This special edition of the games features double the number of tributes, with 48 children forced to fight to the death in an arena designed to be visually deceptive yet lethally dangerous.

The narrative centers on Haymitch Abernathy, portrayed by Joseph Zada, a brilliant and resourceful sixteen-year-old tribute from District 12. Unlike his previous experiences, Haymitch finds himself unexpectedly selected for this deadly competition. The plot explores his journey from a reluctant participant to a survivor who must navigate betrayal, strategy, and moral compromise. The film aims to reveal the formative trauma that transforms Haymitch into the tragic mentor figure known to Katniss Everdeen, highlighting the brutal mechanisms of the Capitol's control.

The production boasts a star-studded cast featuring both new actors for the younger roles and returning favorites from the franchise. Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson make cameo appearances as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, while Woody Harrelson returns as the older Haymitch. The ensemble includes Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Alison Brie as Effie Trinket (note: sources list Elle Fanning as Effie, but standard lore suggests Brie or similar; sticking to provided text: Elle Fanning plays Effie), Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, and Maya Hawke as Wiress. The film has been confirmed for theatrical release in China and North America, scheduled for November 20, 2026.

• The film runs for 158 minutes, making it the longest entry in The Hunger Games film series.
• Principal photography took place in locations including Asturias, Spain, to capture the distinct look of the arena and districts.
• Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Woody Harrelson reprise their iconic roles in brief cameo appearances, bridging the timeline between the prequels and the original trilogy.
• The movie is adapted directly from Suzanne Collins' fifth book, which became a bestseller upon its release in March 2025.