The long wait is nearly over. The next installment of The Hunger Games, Sunrise on the Reaping, finally hits theaters on Nov. 20.
The cast is set and the full trailer is here, so we know a lot more about the film than we did when the book first arrived in March of last year. Here’s everything you wanted to know.
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What Is the Film About?
Sunrise on the Reaping tells the story of Haymitch Abernathy’s participation in the Hunger Games, based on Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel of the same name.
The film begins on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, the second Quarter Quell. To mark the milestone, the Capitol doubles the number of tributes, sending 48 kids into the arena instead of the usual 24.
Haymitch’s birthday falls on Reaping Day, July 4. His girlfriend in District 12 is Lenore Dove Baird, with a unique Covey connection (much like Lucy Gray Baird of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes).
Once in the arena, Haymitch allies with fellow District 12 tribute Maysilee Donner. When he discovers a secret advantage, the Capitol punishes him.
(Photo credit: Murray Close)
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What Have the Trailers Revealed?
The first teaser arrived Nov. 20, 2025, exactly one year before the film’s release, and the first full trailer followed on April 13. Lionsgate released a second trailer on Sept. 16.
They show a 16-year-old Haymitch preparing for the Games, along with a coalition of young tributes seeking a way to challenge the Capitol.
It also gives us a chilling look at a young President Snow, who warns, “How you die is all up to me.”
In the trailer, Haymitch pushes back, saying, “We’re not animals to kill for their entertainment.”
Notably missing is any sign of Jennifer Lawrence or Josh Hutcherson, though reports since December 2025 say they are returning as Katniss and Peeta. Since this story takes place 24 years before the original Hunger Games stories begin, we’re curious to see how that plays out.
The second trailer opens in District 12, where a young Plutarch Heavensbee (Jesse Plemons) films the reaping before meeting Haymitch.
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When Does It Premiere?
The film opens exclusively in theaters on Nov. 20, 2026. Like all of the other films in the franchise, it’s getting a theatrical release from Lionsgate.
Tickets for all showtimes are on sale now, and you can buy tickets for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping on Fandango. Check your local theater’s listings for showtimes and availability.
Fans who can’t wait until Nov. 20 have an option, too. Lionsgate has scheduled IMAX and premium large format exclusive early-access screenings nationwide, beginning Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m. Participating formats include IMAX, Dolby Cinema, 4DX, ScreenX, Cinemark XD, Regal RPX and AMC Prime, along with other exhibitor-branded premium large formats.
The film is rated PG-13 for strong violence, bloody images, disturbing material, some smoking and teen drinking.
The soundtrack arrives a week earlier, on Nov. 13, and you can see the full tracklist for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (The Album) now.
Fans also got a sneak peek at the film in September, when all five previous Hunger Games movies returned to theaters from Sept. 3 to 7.
It’s the sixth Hunger Games film and the second prequel movie, following 2023’s The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, telling the origins of President Snow.
Who Stars in It?
Joseph Zada stars as Haymitch, the role Woody Harrelson first played in the original films. To catch up on his earlier work, see Where to Watch Joseph Zada Before Sunrise on the Reaping. Ralph Fiennes takes over as a younger President Snow, following the passing of Donald Sutherland in 2024, and Whitney Peak plays Lenore Dove Baird.
Mckenna Grace plays fellow District 12 tribute Maysilee Donner, while Elle Fanning plays a young Effie Trinket. To catch up on Mckenna’s earlier work, see Where to Watch Mckenna Grace Before Sunrise on the Reaping. Curious how the original characters stack up? See our ranking of the most important Hunger Games characters.
(Photo credit: Murray Close/Lionsgate)
Jesse Plemons steps in as a young Plutarch Heavensbee, Kieran Culkin plays broadcast host Caesar Flickerman and Maya Hawke plays a young Wiress.
Glenn Close appears for the first time in the films as District 12 official Drusilla Sickle, with Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee and Ben Wang also joining the cast.
Francis Lawrence, who has directed every Hunger Games film since Catching Fire, also returns behind the camera to bring a screenplay by Billy Ray and Michael Lesslie to life. For a character-by-character breakdown, see Meet the Cast and Characters of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.
(Photo credit: Murray Close/Lionsgate)
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What Happened at the London Fan Screening?
Lionsgate held a U.K. fan screening of Sunrise on the Reaping at Westfield London on Wednesday, Oct. 28, and much of the cast and creative team walked the red carpet.
Joseph Zada, Elle Fanning, Mckenna Grace, Whitney Peak, Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close and Kieran Culkin attended, along with director Francis Lawrence and producer Nina Jacobson.
Fanning went full Effie Trinket in a pink Robert Wun couture look from the designer’s fall 2026 collection. It came with a sculptural double bodice and a pillbox-style fascinator topped with a tiny ballerina. Grace, who plays Maysilee Donner, also turned heads in an arena-inspired gown.
(Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Lionsgate UK)
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What Are People Saying About the Movie?
The first reactions started pouring in on social media right after the London screening, and they are overwhelmingly positive.
Nikita Francois of The Nerds of Color called it “easily the best film in the Hunger Games franchise.” Critic Griffin Schiller compared it to “the Rogue One/Andor of the franchise,” praising its story of loss and the cost of rebellion.
Collider’s Perri Nemiroff highlighted the film’s craftsmanship, cast and gripping story. Several viewers also said book readers should be happy with the adaptation, especially the ending.
Zada is getting some of the loudest praise for his turn as Haymitch, with early viewers calling out his emotional performance. Plemons as Plutarch and Grace as Maysilee were also singled out.
Keep in mind that early social reactions tend to run enthusiastic, and some of the first viewers were influencers as well as critics. Full reviews and wider audience responses will tell us more closer to Nov. 20.
How Does It Connect to the Original Trilogy?
Katniss Everdeen’s story started with the 74th Annual Hunger Games.
In 2020, we learned how President Snow’s rise began with the 10th Hunger Games and his victor, Lucy Gray.
Now, Sunrise on the Reaping takes us to the 50th Hunger Games, 24 years before the original story, as Haymitch becomes the District 12 victor during the second Quarter Quell.
How Can I Show My Love for the Franchise?
November is closer than ever, but you still have plenty of time to dive back into everything Hunger Games.
You could reread the saga in chronological order, starting with The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and Sunrise on the Reaping, then continuing from The Hunger Games through Mockingjay. Or you can rewatch all the films before Nov. 20.
For more on the world of The Hunger Games, click HERE to read our interview with Sherri German Laurence on creating the makeup looks for The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
