The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is the second prequel in The Hunger Games franchise and is set during the Second Quarter Quell. The film will feature new cast members alongside returning characters from the original trilogy, though as younger versions of themselves.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is based on Suzanne Collins‘ fifth book in The Hunger Games franchise, Sunrise on the Reaping, and follows Haymitch Abernathy’s experience in the Games before he becomes a victor. His Hunger Games take place during the 50th annual event, a Quarter Quell, when special rules make the Games different. In this case, each District must send twice as many tributes. Francis Lawrence, who previously directed several Hunger Games movies, returns for the upcoming film adaptation, which stars Joseph Zada as Haymitch.
It’s been previously reported that some of the original cast members will make an appearance. The book ends after the events of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, when Haymitch speaks to Katniss and Peeta. During an interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast, former Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence confirms that she will reprise her role as Katniss Everdeen and that she isn’t the only one returning. Two of her co-stars, Josh Hutcherson and Woody Harrelson, will also appear in the film. This is what she has to say:
“Oh my! Unbelievable. It was so crazy, because it was the same crew. It was the same camera guys, the same AD who I’ve worked with a million times too, because I love him. Josh and Woody. It was emotional. Josh and I didn’t walk to the bathroom without our arms around each other. It was so beautiful. And Woody obviously came through the window of my hotel room, uninvited, because it wouldn’t be the same if he listened to boundaries and used a door.”
What Is ‘The Hunger Games’ About?
The Hunger Games is a YA dystopian franchise set in the nation of Panem, led by President Snow, who resides in the Capitol and rules over the 12 districts. Following a failed rebellion, the Treaty of Treason is established, requiring each District to send two tributes, a boy and a girl between the ages of 12 and 18, to compete in an annual televised event called The Hunger Games, a battle to the death with only one victor. During the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen volunteers as tribute after her younger sister, Primrose, is reaped. Joining her as District 12’s male tribute is Peeta Mellark, while Haymitch, a former victor who struggles with alcoholism, serves as their mentor. Katniss and Peeta are marketed as “star-crossed lovers,” while Katniss earns the nickname “the girl on fire,” helping them attract sponsors who can provide supplies to survive the Games. Both Katniss and Peeta emerge victorious after a rule change initially allows two tributes from the same District to win. However, the rule is revoked when they become the final two survivors, prompting them to threaten to eat poisonous berries rather than kill each other. The Gamemakers then declare them joint victors, but the Capitol views Katniss’s actions as defiance, and she eventually becomes the face of the rebellion.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will be released in theaters on November 20, 2026. Follow Collider for more updates.
Release Date
November 20, 2026
Runtime
150 Minutes
Director
Francis Lawrence