Jesse Plemons has been cast to play Plutarch Heavensbee in the upcoming film "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping." This film adapts the new "Hunger Games" prequel novel by Suzanne Collins, which was released on March 18, 2025. The character Plutarch Heavensbee previously appeared in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" and the two "Mockingjay" films, portrayed by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, whose performances in these films were among his last before his untimely death in 2014.
Plemons, known for his roles in acclaimed series such as "Breaking Bad" and films like "The Master," has a unique connection to Hoffman, having played his son in the 2012 film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. This casting decision is seen as a full-circle moment, as Plemons steps into the shoes of a character that Hoffman brought to life with great depth and complexity.
In "Sunrise on the Reaping," a young Plutarch Heavensbee is depicted as a cameraman responsible for capturing the reaping of tributes in District 12. This new narrative unfolds 24 years before the events of the original "Hunger Games" trilogy, providing fans with insights into the early days of the dystopian world of Panem.
The film is set to begin filming in July 2025, with Francis Lawrence returning as the director. Lawrence previously directed the last three films in the original series, ensuring a continuity of vision for the franchise. In a statement, Lionsgate expressed excitement about Plemons’ casting, highlighting his talent and the significance of his collaboration with Hoffman in the past.
Erin Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, praised Plemons, stating, "Jesse is one of the most talented actors of his generation, with a proven record of picking his roles selectively. We are honored that he has chosen to bring his own take to one of the most fascinating figures in Panem, and feel that his previous collaboration with Philip Seymour Hoffman makes it all the more special." This sentiment underscores the legacy that Hoffman left behind and the impact he had on the franchise.
Alongside Plemons, the cast of "Sunrise on the Reaping" includes Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak as his girlfriend Lenore Dove Baird, and Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner. Zada’s character, Haymitch, is a significant figure in the original series, played by Woody Harrelson, and his backstory is expected to be further explored in this prequel.
The plot of "Sunrise on the Reaping" centers around the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, where the stakes are raised as twice as many tributes are chosen from each district. This event is pivotal in the lore of the Hunger Games, as it sets the stage for the rebellion that eventually leads to the events witnessed in the original trilogy.
As fans eagerly await the film's release on November 20, 2026, they are also reminded of the broader narrative that Collins has crafted, which explores themes of power, rebellion, and sacrifice. The novel "Sunrise on the Reaping" serves as a bridge between the original trilogy and the prequel "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," which was adapted into a film featuring Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth.
In addition to his role in "Sunrise on the Reaping," Plemons is set to appear in Yorgos Lanthimos’ upcoming film "Bugonia," which is scheduled for release on November 7, 2026. This further establishes Plemons as a versatile actor capable of tackling a variety of roles across different genres.
As the Hunger Games franchise continues to expand, the casting of Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee not only honors the legacy of Philip Seymour Hoffman but also brings a new perspective to a character that has become integral to the series. With the upcoming film, fans can look forward to a deeper exploration of the Hunger Games universe, filled with intrigue, drama, and the ever-present question of survival.
As anticipation builds for "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," it is clear that the franchise remains a powerful cultural phenomenon, drawing in new audiences while keeping longtime fans engaged with its rich storytelling and complex characters.
