The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping: New Casting Rumors
Rumors about actors for Haymitch, President Snow and more
New rumors from the world of Panem: Next year we can expect the film "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping". Now there are fresh rumors about the casting of the characters in the new prequel.
The film is based on the recently published novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins. This time, Katniss' later mentor Haymitch Abernathy is the focus of the story. In terms of plot, it is about the 50th Hunger Games, involving twice as many tributes competing against each other due to it being the second Quarter Quell. Haymitch is chosen as a tribute for the games and is separated from the love of his life and his family.
Haymitch Abernathy
The online portal Nexus Point News recently attracted attention with a casting rumor for the protagonist. According to them, those responsible for the movie are considering to cast Charlie Plummer as Haymitch. Plummer was last seen in Roland Emmerich's "Moonfall" and as the lead actor in the teen series "Looking for Alaska". In the previous movies, Haymitch was of course played by Hollywood star Woody Harrelson. However, it is not known for sure whether Plummer will now follow in Harrelson's footsteps. Nexus Point News emphasizes that the actor hasn't been formally offered the role yet.
Coriolanus Snow
There are also rumors about other central characters in the story. Hollywood insider Daniel Richtman reports that Ralph Fiennes is being discussed for the role of Coriolanus Snow. In the prequel film "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes", the character was played by actor Tom Blyth. In the first four movies, the recently deceased Donald Sutherland was of course seen as the President of Panem.
Ralph Fiennes has already gained plenty of experience with villain roles. He is probably best known to many for his portrayal of Lord Voldemort in the "Harry Potter" films. In some fan circles, however, another obvious option for President Snow has long been desired: Kiefer Sutherland. The resemblance to his father Donald makes the "24" star a perfect candidate. The actor is also around the right age. However, Kiefer Sutherland remains only a casting wish for the time being, and so far there are no rumors linking him to the role.
Caesar Flickerman and Plutarch Heavensbee
According to Daniel Richtman, those responsible for the film are considering two other actors for important roles. Richtman claims that "Succession" star Kieran Culkin is in talks for the role of Hunger Games host Caesar Flickerman. The character was previously played by Stanley Tucci in the "Hunger Games" movies.
According to the insider, "Breaking Bad" star Jesse Plemons is also in talks, namely for the role of Plutarch Heavensbee. From "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" onwards, Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman was seen as Heavensbee.
Which rumors turn out to be true remains to be seen. After all, director Francis Lawrence recently confirmed that the casting process is currently in full swing. Filming of "The Hunger Games" prequel is expected to start in July 2025. The theatrical release has been slated for November 20, 2026.
"The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes"
"Sunrise on the Reaping" will be the second prequel film in "The Hunger Games" series. After the great success of the first four films, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" was released in 2023. Once again based on a book by Suzanne Collins, the movie delves deep into the history of Panem and tells of the early days of the Hunger Games.
The story follows 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow, a young, ambitious man from a formerly wealthy family living in poverty. Snow is chosen as a mentor in the 10th Hunger Games and is tasked with assisting young Lucy Gray Baird, a tribute from District 12.
The film highlights not only the brutal competitions, but also the political and social tensions that characterize the future Panem. It becomes clear how power, manipulation and the will to survive shape Snow and prepare him for his later path as a ruthless president.
"The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" offers fans of the series a new perspective on the dystopian universe of Panem and provides exciting insights into the emergence of the system that rules the world of Panem.
