The highly anticipated film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' latest novel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, is set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026. This new chapter in the beloved franchise promises to delve deeper into the story of Haymitch Abernathy, a character familiar to fans of the original series.
Joseph Zada has been cast to portray Haymitch, who was previously depicted by Woody Harrelson in the earlier films. Zada, an emerging actor, is also slated to appear in the upcoming series We Were Liars on Prime Video, showcasing his rising star power.
Alongside Zada, Whitney Peak will play Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend from District 12. Peak is known for her roles in Gossip Girl and Hocus Pocus 2. The casting announcement was made on April 23, 2025, and has already generated significant excitement among fans.
Additionally, McKenna Grace has been cast as Maysilee Donner, another tribute from District 12. Grace, who gained recognition for her performances in Ghostbusters: Afterlife and I, Tonya, is expected to bring depth to her role.
The story of Sunrise on the Reaping centers on the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, which requires each district to send four tributes instead of the usual two. This results in a staggering total of 48 competitors vying for survival in the arena, a twist that adds even more intensity to the already brutal competition.
In a statement, Collins shared her inspiration for the novel, saying, "With ‘Sunrise on the Reaping,’ I was inspired by David Hume’s idea of implicit submission and, in his words, ‘the easiness with which the many are governed by the few.’ The story also lent itself to a deeper dive into the use of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative. The question ‘Real or not real?’ seems more pressing to me every day.”
The film will be directed by Francis Lawrence, who has helmed several previous installments in the franchise, including Catching Fire and Mockingjay Parts 1 and 2. The screenplay is being adapted by Billy Ray, who wrote the script for the first film.
Fans of the franchise can expect to see familiar characters from the original series, including President Snow, Effie Trinket, and Caesar Flickerman, among others. This connection to the established universe is sure to resonate with long-time followers of the series.
As the franchise continues to grow, Sunrise on the Reaping is poised to explore the backstory of Haymitch Abernathy, providing insights into his character that fans have long been curious about. The anticipation surrounding the film reflects the enduring popularity of the Hunger Games series, which has sold millions of copies worldwide.
The novel Sunrise on the Reaping was released on March 18, 2025, and sold an impressive 1.2 million copies in its first week alone, doubling the first-week sales of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. This strong performance suggests that the audience is eager to return to the world of Panem.
As the casting and production of Sunrise on the Reaping progresses, fans are left to wonder how the film will portray the complex themes of survival, sacrifice, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. With a talented cast and a strong creative team behind it, the film is expected to deliver a gripping narrative that aligns with the franchise's legacy.
In summary, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping promises to be an exciting addition to the franchise, exploring new depths of character and story. As fans await its release, the combination of Zada’s and Peak’s performances, along with the unfolding story of Haymitch Abernathy, is sure to captivate both new and returning audiences.
