Fans of The Hunger Games franchise have their first proper look at the next chapter, as Lionsgate unveils the full-length trailer and official poster for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.
Set to hit UK cinemas on November 20, 2026, the highly anticipated prequel dives back into the dystopian world of Panem—this time focusing on a fan-favourite character long before audiences first met him.
A Return to Panem — and Haymitch’s Origin Story
Based on the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins, Sunrise on the Reaping explores the early life of Haymitch Abernathy, portrayed by Joseph Zada.
Set 24 years before the events of the original film, the story begins on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games—also known as the Second Quarter Quell. This infamous edition of the Games is etched into franchise lore, offering a darker, more brutal twist on the already deadly competition.
For fans wanting a refresher on the earlier timeline, revisit the original story in The Hunger Games or explore its most recent prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
Star-Studded Cast and Proven Creative Team
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Mckenna Grace, Maya Hawke, Whitney Peak and Kelvin Harrison Jr..
Behind the camera, franchise veteran Francis Lawrence returns to direct, having helmed multiple previous instalments. The screenplay is adapted by Billy Ray, with production led by Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson.
A Franchise That Continues to Dominate
The Hunger Games series remains one of the most successful young adult franchises of all time, grossing over $3.3 billion at the global box office.
The latest novel, Sunrise on the Reaping, has already proven a major hit, selling 1.5 million copies in its first week across key markets including the UK, US, and Australia. Notably, it has outperformed previous entries like Mockingjay and The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes in early sales.
When Is Sunrise on the Reaping Released?
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will be released exclusively in cinemas on November 20, 2026 in the UK.
With a gripping new perspective on one of the franchise’s most complex characters and a return to the brutal spectacle of the Quarter Quell, this prequel is shaping up to be one of the biggest cinematic events of 2026.
