The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping Cast Revealed for 2026 Release!
The Hunger Games prequel novel Sunrise on the Reaping was published in March of this year detailing the dawn of the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.
Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves. When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.
When the novel's publication was announced last year, Lionsgate immediately confirmed a film adaptation of the same name. The movie will be directed by Francis Lawrence, who helmed previous installments, with Billy Ray, the screenwriter for the first film, returning to pen the script. It's tentatively scheduled for release in November of next year. This film is set 24 years before the events of the original movie, focusing on the 50th Hunger Games (the "Second Quarter Quell"). Therefore, many characters who appeared in the original films, particularly those connected to the 75th Hunger Games in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, will also appear in this installment.
Here's a look at the newly revealed cast:
Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy
This prequel centers on Haymitch Abernathy's youth and his participation in the Hunger Games, a character portrayed by Emmy-winning actor Woody Harrelson in the original films. The younger version will be played by Joseph Zada, star of the recently premiered series We Were Liars.
Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee
Plutarch Heavensbee first appeared in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire as the Head Gamemaker, secretly a high-ranking rebel. In this prequel, he is just a photographer assigned to District 12. In the original films, this role was played by Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, who tragically passed away during the filming of the final installment. The younger version will be portrayed by Cannes Best Actor winner Jesse Plemons (Kinds of Kindness), who notably played Hoffman's son in The Master, making this casting particularly fitting.
Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier
Beetee Latier first appeared in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire as an intellectual tribute and ally to Katniss. In this prequel, his son, Ampert, is chosen as a tribute from District 3, leading Beetee to become his mentor. The original role was played by Emmy-winning actor Jeffrey Wright, while Kelvin Harrison Jr., who voiced Taka in last year's Mufasa: The Lion King, will play the younger version.
Maya Hawke as Wiress
Wiress, also from District 3, first appeared in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire as an ally to Katniss before being killed. In this prequel, she serves as a mentor for District 12. The original role was played by Emmy-winning actress Amanda Plummer, and the younger version will be portrayed by Maya Hawke (Stranger Things).
Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan
Mags first appeared in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire as an elderly tribute from District 4, an ally to Katniss who sacrificed herself for the protagonists' escape. In this prequel, she becomes a mentor for District 12. The original role was played by Lynn Cohen, and Lili Taylor (The Conjuring), will now take on the role.
Ralph Fiennes as President Snow
President Snow, the antagonist of the original films and dictator of Panem, was also the protagonist of the previous prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, where he served as a mentor for the 10th Hunger Games. In this film, he has already become President. The role was played by Emmy-winning actor Donald Sutherland in the original films and Tom Blyth in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Now, Ralph Fiennes, known for playing Voldemort in the Harry Potter film series and for his BAFTA-winning role in Schindler's List, will portray him.
Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket
Effie Trinket served as Katniss's escort in the original films. In this movie, she is the stylist for the District 12 tributes. The original role was played by Elizabeth Banks, and the younger version will be portrayed by Elle Fanning (Maleficent).
Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman
Caesar Flickerman serves as the host who interviews tributes in both the original films and this prequel. The original role was played by Emmy winner Stanley Tucci, and the new version will be portrayed by freshly minted Oscar winner Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain).
Other new characters making their debut in this film will be played by Whitney Peak (Gossip Girl), Mckenna Grace (Ghostbusters series), Ben Wang (Karate Kid: Legends), Golden Globe winner Glenn Close (The Wife), and Emmy winner Billy Porter (Pose), among others.
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