The Hunger Games franchise returns with its most anticipated prequel yet. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled to premiere on November 20, 2026, taking fans back 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s story to witness young Haymitch Abernathy’s brutal journey through the Second Quarter Quell—where twice the tributes meant twice the bloodshed.

The Hunger Games Release & Production Details

Movie Details	Information
Release Date	November 20, 2026 (IMAX)
Director	Francis Lawrence
Screenwriter	Billy Ray
Based On	Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel
Installment	6th in franchise
Production Started	July 2025 (Spain)
Filming Location	Somiedo Natural Park, Teverga
Watch Updates	Lionsgate Official

The Story: Haymitch’s Origin

The film centers on 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy during the 50th Hunger Games, set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s story. This wasn’t an ordinary Games—the Second Quarter Quell required each district to send double the usual tributes, creating a bloodbath of 48 competitors fighting for survival.

The story revolves around Haymitch’s struggle for survival, his relationship with Lenore Dove Baird, and his growing rebellion against the Capitol, which ultimately leads to his unexpected victory and the genesis of his future as Katniss’s cynical mentor. Fans will finally understand how the charming young tribute transformed into the alcoholic mentor Woody Harrelson portrayed in the original trilogy.

Star-Studded Cast

Joseph Zada features as young Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, and Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner—the original owner of Katniss’s iconic mockingjay pin.

Returning Characters:

Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow (connecting to Tom Blyth’s younger Snow from Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes)
Jesse Plemons as young Plutarch Heavensbee, a Capitol cameraman assigned to District 12 tributes
Elle Fanning as younger Effie Trinket, the Capitol stylist
Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman
Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier
Maya Hawke as Wiress
Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan

New Characters:

Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow (District 12 tribute)
Molly McCann as Louella McCoy (youngest District 12 tribute)
Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle (District 12 escort)
Billy Porter as Magno Stift (Drusilla’s estranged husband)

First Look & Production Updates

Principal photography began in late July in Spain, and was teased by official Hunger Games social media accounts on August 6, 2025. Shooting locations included Somiedo and Teverga, with Spain’s stunning natural landscapes serving as the deadly arena where 48 tributes fought to survive.

Director Francis Lawrence, who helmed Catching Fire, Mockingjay Parts 1 & 2, and The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, returns to bring his signature dystopian vision. Screenwriter Billy Ray, who adapted the original Hunger Games, completes this full-circle creative reunion.

In October 2025, Devon Singletary won an open audition to join the cast, embodying the franchise’s tradition of discovering fresh talent alongside established stars.

When Can We Expect a Trailer?

No official trailer has been released yet. With filming having begun in summer 2025 and a late 2026 release date, fans can likely expect the first trailer around mid-2026—approximately six months before the November premiere. The anticipation builds as behind-the-scenes glimpses continue emerging on social media.

What Makes This Different?

The Second Quarter Quell represents the darkest chapter in Hunger Games history. Forty-eight tributes instead of the usual twenty-four meant double the alliances, double the betrayals, and exponentially more carnage. Haymitch’s victory came at tremendous cost—a trauma that shaped him into the broken mentor we met in the original films.

This story bridges the gap between President Snow’s rise to power in The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (set 40 years earlier) and Katniss’s rebellion. It explores how the Capitol’s cruelty evolved and why certain victors, like Haymitch, never truly escaped the arena.

Box Office Expectations

The franchise has generated over $3 billion globally across five films. With passionate fans, star power, and Suzanne Collins’ literary reputation, Sunrise on the Reaping is positioned as one of 2026’s biggest blockbusters.

For more sci-fi and fantasy movie updates, explore our upcoming film releases guide. Stay connected for dystopian cinema coverage and franchise news.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping be released?

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will premiere in theaters on November 20, 2026, in IMAX format. The film began production in July 2025 in Spain, with director Francis Lawrence returning to helm this sixth installment in the franchise. The November 2026 release represents a remarkably fast turnaround considering Suzanne Collins’ novel was only published in March 2025—much quicker than previous adaptations in the series.

Who plays young Haymitch Abernathy in Sunrise on the Reaping?

Joseph Zada plays young Haymitch Abernathy in the prequel film. Zada is a relatively unknown actor who has previously appeared in television series like Invisible Boys and Total Control. He’ll star opposite Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird (Haymitch’s girlfriend and Lucy Gray Baird’s descendant) and Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner (the original owner of Katniss’s mockingjay pin). The film follows 16-year-old Haymitch competing in the brutal Second Quarter Quell, where 48 tributes fought instead of the usual 24.