Everything You Wanted to Know About The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

Happy release day!

The next installment of The Hunger Games, Sunrise on the Reaping, is officially here. So, you know what that means. It's only a matter of time before we discover more news about the film adaptation.

As you dive into the new book, here's everything you wanted to know about the upcoming film.

What Is the Film About?

We don't want to give too many spoilers because the book hasn't been out for more than 48 hours. However, we have known Sunrise of the Reaping will tell the story of Haymitch Abernathy's Games.

In an exclusive first look form People, we learned Haymitch's birthday is on Reaping Day—and he has a girlfriend in the District named Lenore Dove, who is rumored to be Covey (like Lucy Gray Baird of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) because of her naming convention.

Once in the arena, Haymitch allies himself with another District 12 tribute, Maysilee Donner. When Haymitch discovers a secret advantage within the arena, the Capitol punishes him.

 

Also read about: The Perfect Gifts for Fans of The Hunger Games

 

When Does It Premiere?

Though the book released today, March 18, we won't see the movie until Nov. 20, 2026. Like all the other films, it will receive a theatrical release.

 

Who Stars in It?

Since we're far out from the movie's premiere, we haven't heard any news about casting. However, there have been rumors that Mike Faist (Challengers, West Side Story) will play young Haymitch. Meanwhile, fans have advocated for Donald Sutherland's son, Kiefer, to revive the role of President Coriolanus Snow.

 

Also read about: Hair Designer Nikki Gooley Shares Her Experiences on The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

 

How Does It Connect to the Original Trilogy?

We know Katniss Everdeen's story started with the 74th Annual Hunger Games. In 2020, we learned the beginning of President Snow's reign at 18 after the 10th Hunger Games with his victor, Lucy Gray. Haymitch becomes the District 12 victor during the 50th Hunger Games, which marks a Quarter Quell, featuring double the number of tributes.

 

How Can I Show My Love for the Franchise?

November 2026 is a ways away. You have so much time to dive back into everything THG. Maybe, you'll reread the entire story. Instead, you can reread the saga in chronological order, from Songbirds and Snakes to Mockingjay. Or, you can rewatch the all the films, which are available to stream now.

 

Missing the Songbirds and Snakes era? Click HERE to revisit everything we knew about the book and film during November 2023.