Panem is calling again. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping arrives in theaters and IMAX on November 20, 2026, taking fans back to the most brutal chapter of the franchise yet: the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. Adapted from Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novel, the film tells the origin story of fan favorite Haymitch Abernathy.
Here is everything you need to know before the reaping begins: the release date, cast, plot, trailer and what to expect.
Sunrise on the Reaping Release Date
Lionsgate releases the film in theaters and IMAX on Friday, November 20, 2026. Some international markets get it a day earlier, on November 19. No streaming date has been announced, so cinemas are the only place to see it for now.
Sunrise on the Reaping Plot
The film is set 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games and about 40 years after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. It begins on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, the Second Quarter Quell, where a young Haymitch Abernathy is chosen to compete. In this edition, twice the number of tributes enter the arena, a twist the trailer sums up with the line “twice the number of tributes, twice the glory.”
Haymitch’s story is the one fans first met through Woody Harrelson in the original films, which makes this prequel an origin story for one of the series’ most beloved survivors.
Sunrise on the Reaping Cast
- Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy
- Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird
- McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner
- Ralph Fiennes as President Snow
- Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee
- Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket
- Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle
- Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman
- Maya Hawke as Wiress
- Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan
- Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow
- Kelvin Harrison Jr.
The ensemble gives younger versions of characters that fans already know, including Effie, Plutarch and Snow, alongside new faces from the book.
Who Directed Sunrise on the Reaping?
Francis Lawrence, who has directed every Hunger Games film except the first, returns behind the camera. The screenplay is by Billy Ray, based on Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel of the same name. Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson are among the producers.
Sunrise on the Reaping Trailer
The first teaser arrived in November 2025 and drew about 109 million views in its first 24 hours, according to Deadline. It opens with Glenn Close’s character announcing the reaping of District 12 and features Fiennes as a younger Snow, Fanning as young Effie and Plemons as young Plutarch. Haymitch’s closing line, “I think these games are going to be different,” hints at how brutal this edition will be.
Is It Based on a Book?
Yes. The novel Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins was published on March 18, 2025, and sold 1.5 million copies in its first week across the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the biggest opening yet for the franchise’s books. The five earlier films have earned more than $3.3 billion at the worldwide box office, so expectations are high.
Sunrise on the Reaping FAQs
When does Sunrise on the Reaping come out?
It releases in theaters and IMAX on November 20, 2026.
Who plays Haymitch Abernathy?
Joseph Zada plays the young Haymitch.
When is it set?
It takes place 24 years before the first Hunger Games, during the 50th Hunger Games.
Who directed the movie?
Francis Lawrence, the director of most films in the series.
Is it on streaming?
No streaming date is announced. It is a theatrical release.
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