Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping!

Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are returning for "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping"! Multiple media outlets are reporting on this spectacular casting. The actors will once again reprise their iconic roles as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. They are known to have played the two main characters in the first four "Hunger Games" films.

The casting is surprising for many because "Sunrise on the Reaping" is a prequel. The focus is on Katniss' future mentor Haymitch, who is taking part in the 50th Hunger Games. The story takes place 24 years before the first movie, which likely means there will be a time jump in the storyline. Those familiar with the book may already have an idea of what's in store.

The involvement of Lawrence and Hutcherson only increases the anticipation for the new "Hunger Games" film. You can already get an impression with the first trailer. Next year, "Sunrise on the Reaping" will be shown on the big screen: The theatrical release awaits us on November 20, 2026.

The novel by Suzanne Collins

The prequel is already generating great expectations thanks to the strong book and impressive cast. Like all parts, this prequel is also based on a novel by Suzanne Collins. After the original trilogy and the already filmed predecessor "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes", the fifth novel in the series was published in 2025. Even before the book was published, Lionsgate announced the film adaptation – a clear sign of confidence.

The plot

The 50th Hunger Games are what is known as a Quarter Quell – a concept familiar to "Panem" fans from "Catching Fire". This time, twice as many tributes have to compete against each other. The focus is on young Haymitch Abernathy from District 12, who is chosen as a tribute on his 16th birthday after a tragic incident and has to leave his family and the love of his life, Lenore Dove, behind.

The story sheds light on how the traumatic events shape Haymitch into the cynical mentor fans later come to know. Collins stays true to the core themes of the series – abuse of power, control and propaganda – in her original novel. Fans will also meet younger versions of well-known characters such as Plutarch Heavensbee, Effie Trinket and Coriolanus Snow.

Cast & Crew

Newcomer Joseph Zada has been cast in the lead role, while Whitney Peak plays Lenore Dove. Mckenna Grace plays Maysilee Donner, another important tribute from District 12, while Ben Wang takes on the role of Wyatt Callow. Also joining the cast: Molly McCann as Haymitch's girlfriend Louella McCoy and Iona Bell as Lou Lou.

One of the biggest casting decisions is Ralph Fiennes as Coriolanus Snow. The great antagonist of the "Hunger Games" series was played by acting legend Donald Sutherland in the first four films. Elle Fanning appears as the young Effie Trinket, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee and Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman. Glenn Close is also on board as Drusilla Sickle. In addition, characters such as Wiress, Beetee and Mags return in their younger versions, played by Maya Hawke, Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Lili Taylor.

Francis Lawrence, who is responsible for every film since "Catching Fire", will once again direct. The screenplay was written by Billy Ray, who was also involved in the script for the first part.

What can we expect from the new prequel?

Expectations are high for the new "Hunger Games" film. The book in particular is giving many fans hope: on Goodreads, "Sunrise on the Reaping" has an impressive 4.51 out of 5 stars – the best rating of all the "Hunger Games" novels. Many readers describe the story as the darkest in the series to date.

Whether these strengths can be easily transferred to the movie remains to be seen. However, with Lawrence as director and a strong cast, the signs are good. If the film captures the intensity of the original, it could be a exciting addition to the "Hunger Games" series. So we can look forward to November 2026 with anticipation.