Calling all Hunger Games fans. We officially have our first trailer for the film adaptation of Sunrise On The Reaping.
The latest instalment of hugely popular dystopian series, The Hunger Games, only hit stands in March 2025, it was launched simultaneously with the news of its film adaptation.
“Suzanne Collins is a master storyteller and our creative north star,” said Adam Fogelson, the chair of Sunrise On The Reaping‘s production company, Lionsgate. “We couldn’t be more fortunate than to be guided and trusted by a collaborator whose talent and imagination are so consistently brilliant.”
The first trailer for the upcoming film introduces us to an unrecognisable Glenn Close as a chipper Drusilla Sickle, announcing the reaping for the games. Dressed in a neon yellow dress and orange bob Sickle declares, “Welcome, Panem, to the glorious reaping of District 12!”
See the full clip below.
Below, everything to know about the upcoming prequel and what we can expect to see from the stacked cast.
What Is The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping About?
Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping is a prequel to the original Hunger Games series by author Suzanne Collins. It tells the story of one of fan-favourite character from the trilogy, Haymitch, who served as a mentor to fellow District 12 Hunger Games competitors, Katniss and Peeta.
Fans of the series will be familiar with Haymitch’s origins, given some details of his backstory have previously been revealed. Namely, that he’s one of only four District 12 victors in the history of the Hunger Games. When we meet him in the original series, he’s battling his own trauma as a fallout from his experience.
Sunrise On The Reaping dives into Haymitch’s own Hunger Games journey, including his relationship with the love of his life, Lenore.
The synopsis reads: “As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honour 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 Is Sunrise On The Reaping Set?
Sunrise On The Reaping takes place 24 years before Katniss and Peeta compete in the Hunger Games.
Sunrise On The Reaping Cast
There’s no denying part of Haymitch’s fanbase is thanks to the brilliant portrayal by Woody Harrelson in the original films. With such big shoes to fill, we only hope—ok, we know!—Joseph Zada is up to the task.
If you’re wondering what Zada will bring, Hunger Games producer Nina Jacobson shared a tidbit from the studio’s quest to cast the young Haymitch. “I think that what we’re looking for in that role is, you don’t want somebody who’s impersonating Woody, but you want somebody who very credibly feels like they could be a young version of this character, before the trauma and grief and rage that the fallout of the Games create,” she said.
Whitney Peak, who you may recognise Peak from the film Molly’s Game, or the Sabrina or Gossip Girl reboots, has been cast as Lenore Dove Baird. She joins Jesse Plemons, Maya Hawke, Ralph Fiennes and Ben Wang to round out the all-star cast.
What excited fans even more was the genius casting of a young Effie Trinket to be played by Elle Fanning.
“From the moment Suzanne released the book, one question echoed from fans around the world: Who will play Effie? Elizabeth Banks made her iconic — so who could honor that legacy while bringing us back to Effie’s early, most formative days? For us, there was only one answer,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman, per Variety.
“Elle Fanning’s career has been transcendent. She has a rare presence — warm, sparkling and layered with extraordinary depth. She was the undeniable fan favourite from the start, and we’re honoured she answered the call. The odds, it turns out, were in our favour.”
Sunrise On The Reaping Movie Release Date
The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping movie is set to be released on November 20, 2026.
Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping
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