A new day is dawning for The Hunger Games.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled to hit theatres across the country on November 20, 2026. Based on the 2025 novel of the same name written by Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins, Sunrise on the Reaping takes place after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and 24 years before the events of the original Hunger Games novel-turned-film.
The upcoming sixth installment in the dystopian film franchise will transport viewers to Panem for the 50th annual games, in which Haymitch Abernathy (originally played by Woody Harrelson) — Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence)’s future mentor in the original films — must compete in the bloody and brutal battle.
Here’s everything that we know about the highly-anticipated The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping movie.
When will Sunrise on the Reaping be released?
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will be released in theatres across North America on Friday, November 20, 2026.
What is Sunrise on the Reaping about?
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is based on Suzanne Collins’ novel of the same name, which hit bookstores in March 2025. Like the book, the upcoming film is set 24 years before 2008’s The Hunger Games and will follow a young Haymitch Abernathy (Katniss Everdeen’s future mentor) as he competes in the 50th annual games, also known as the second Quarter Quell. The brutal games feature 48 tributes—double the usual amount.
This time, we know who wins, but what did Haymitch have to do to make his competitors fall?
Who is in the cast of Sunrise on the Reaping?
Joseph Zada will play Haymitch, while Whitney Peak will portray his girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird.
“The Hunger Games franchise has long been a launching pad for remarkable young actors, and Jo and Whitney carry that legacy forward with incredible heart, depth, and fire,” co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Erin Westerman said in a April 2025 press release, per Deadline.
Other members of Sunrise on the Reaping‘s cast include: McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Maya Hawke as Wiress, Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle and Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman.
Watch the trailer for Sunrise on the Reaping
The first official teaser trailer for Sunrise on the Reaping was released on November 20, 2025, one year ahead of the movie’s premiere date.
On April 13, 2026, a new trailer was released for the upcoming film.
“Twice the number of tributes, twice the glory.”
Who is behind-the-scenes?
Francis Lawrence — who directed Catching Fire, Mockingjay Part 1, Mockingjay Part 2 and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes — will return to direct Sunrise on the Reaping. Gary Ross helmed the first film, The Hunger Games, which premiered in 2012.
Among the film’s crew is screenwriter Billy Ray, who is returning to the franchise after penning 2012’s The Hunger Games. The film is produced by: Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, and Francis Lawrence.
