The Teaser Trailer for "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" is Reportedly on the Way!
According to insider sources, the first footage from the prequel is expected to drop soon
"The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" is one of the most anticipated films of 2026. According to Hollywood insider Daniel Richtman, we could soon get our first glimpse of the blockbuster. Reportedly, we can expect the first official footage of the film on November 20. This fits in with the release date of "Sunrise on the Reaping": In exactly one year, the film will hit U.S. theaters.
Trailer or Teaser?
Exactly what kind of preview will be shown remains open for the time being. Whether it is a real trailer is at least slightly doubtful. A look back at the last "Panem" film "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" could provide a clue: Here, a first short teaser appeared more than a year before the movie's release. A first real trailer appeared a good seven months before the movie was released. Of course, this concept does not necessarily apply to "Sunrise on the Reaping". But we expect it to be more of a teaser.
But whether it's a teaser, trailer or something else – we're excited to see what's in store. As soon as available, we'll add the footage here in this article! You can find out all the information known so far about "Sunrise on the Reaping" in our movie preview!
Everything about Sunrise on the Reaping
Before Katniss Everdeen challenged the Capitol, her mentor Haymitch Abernathy faced the brutal Hunger Games. The prequel "Sunrise on the Reaping" takes us back to the 50th Games – 24 years before Katniss' participation.
The original novel
Like the previous films, the prequel is also based on a novel by Collins. "Sunrise on the Reaping" was published in March 2025, but Lionsgate announced the film adaptation even before publication, a clear signal of confidence.
The story highlights the 50th Hunger Games, a so-called Quarter Quell with double the number of tributes. On Haymitch's 16th birthday, he is nominated as a replacement after the death of one of the original tributes. He has to leave his family and the love of his life, Lenore Dove, behind and face the cruel games. The prequel shows how these traumatic experiences shape Haymitch into the cynical mentor that fans know from the original series. At the same time, Collins deals with central themes of the saga such as abuse of power, social control and propaganda.
The cast
The cast of "Sunrise on the Reaping" is already known. Newcomer Joseph Zada has been cast in the lead role as young Haymitch Abernathy, following in the footsteps of Woody Harrelson. At Haymitch's side, Whitney Peak plays the love of his life, Lenore Dove. McKenna Grace takes on the role of Maysilee Donner, an arrogant tribute girl from District 12.
Ben Wang embodies the third tribute from District 12, Wyatt Callow, who comes from an unpopular family and knows all about the Hunger Games betting odds. Haymitch's close friend Louella "Lou Lou" McCoy is played by Molly McCann.
Ralph Fiennes has been cast in the iconic role of Coriolanus Snow as the authoritarian ruler of Panem, taking over from Donald Sutherland. Elle Fanning will play the young Effie Trinket, Jesse Plemons the young Plutarch Heavensbee and Kieran Culkin will take on the role of the young Caesar Flickerman. Glenn Close will be seen as Drusilla Sickle, who has a similar role to Effie, but is much more career-oriented and uncompromising. Fans can also look forward to seeing other familiar faces: Maya Hawke plays Wiress, the winner of the 49th Hunger Games, Kelvin Harrison Jr. is on board as Beetee Latier and Lili Taylor slips into the role of Mags Flanagan.
What can we expect?
Francis Lawrence, who has directed every "Panem" film since "Catching Fire", is once again directing. The screenplay was written by Billy Ray ("Captain Phillips") and filming began in July 2025. Many fans are asking themselves: Can the prequel enrich the world of Panem? The original book gives hope: the phenomenal Goodreads rating of 4.51/5 stars shows how popular the novel is among fans. We can expect one of the darkest stories in the saga.
With Francis Lawrence in the director's chair, there is also reason to be confident that the qualities of the novel will be transferred to the screen. If "Sunrise on the Reaping" captures the atmosphere and intensity of the book, the prequel could definitely enrich the "Panem" saga. We are excited!