The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping: Everything We Know (No Spoilers, Just Facts!)

What’s the Big Deal? The Plot (As We Know It)

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping adapts Suzanne Collins' 2025 novel and is the sixth film in the series. It's a prequel set at the 50th Hunger Games — the second Quarter Quell — decades before Katniss volunteered, and it tells the story of a young Haymitch Abernathy.

Spoiler warning: if you've read the book, you know this isn't a cheerful one. If you haven't, bring tissues anyway.

Who’s In This Cast? (Because You Know You’ll Love Them All)

Joseph Zada plays young Haymitch Abernathy, with Mckenna Grace, Whitney Peak and Ben Wang among the cast. Joining the franchise for the first time are some heavyweights: Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, Elle Fanning, Kieran Culkin and Jesse Plemons.

That's a lot of award nominations in one Capitol. Expect the costume department to have been very busy.

Who’s Behind the Camera? The Crew

Francis Lawrence directs again — he's helmed every Hunger Games film since Catching Fire, plus The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. The screenplay is by Billy Ray and Michael Lesslie, and cinematographer Jo Willems, who has shot the series under Lawrence, is back behind the camera.

When’s the Release? And What’s the Buzz?

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled for Friday, 20 November 2026. Early coverage has picked up on the film's bold, colourful look set against a very dark story — and the red-carpet photos suggest the cast is ready for its close-up.

Trailers and Teasers: What We’ve Seen So Far

The teaser for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping gave fans a sneak peek into the origins of some key characters, offering a glimpse into the early days of the Hunger Games. It highlighted the struggles and triumphs of the tributes, showing how they became the iconic figures we know from later installments. The trailer masterfully blends action and emotion, setting the tone for a story that’s both thrilling and deeply human. Fans have praised the way it balances the dark themes of the Capitol with the hope and resilience of the tributes, making it feel both fresh and familiar.

The film’s poster has already sparked a lot of conversation, with many calling it ‘beautiful propaganda.’ The striking visuals and bold design perfectly capture the grandeur and control of the Capitol, while also hinting at the chaos and suffering of the districts. This description has been widely appreciated, as it reflects the film’s ability to merge aesthetic appeal with a powerful narrative. The poster’s design is seen as a strong visual representation of the film’s themes, making it a standout piece of marketing.

Fans are buzzing about seeing Haymitch’s story on screen — and bracing for the emotional damage.

What’s Still Unconfirmed? (Spoiler Warning)

Until the film is out, the finer plot choices — what's kept from the book, what's cut, and how it ends on screen — are unconfirmed. Reviews and box office figures will follow after release, and we'll add the scores to our movie page as soon as they arrive.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Will this film be a standalone?

No, it’s tied to the rest of the series, so you’ll want to check out the previous movies if you haven’t already.

Is this film a sequel or prequel?

Both: it's set after The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and before the original Hunger Games.

What can I expect in terms of action?

Expect epic battles, emotional moments, and a few surprises — just don’t expect any plot twists that are too hard to follow.