Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping New Promo Teases Prequel Cast

Lionsgate has released a new promo for the upcoming film The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, providing a first look at the cast and the setting of the new prequel. The promotional video, released on April 10, 2026, consists of a 15-minute feature that recaps the previous five films in the franchise.

The final 30 seconds of the promo offer a sneak peek at the new production, utilizing before-and-after shots to compare characters from the original four-film saga with the younger versions appearing in the prequel. This sequence includes a transition from Elizabeth Banks’ portrayal of Effie Trinket to the new actor, with Banks’ version of the character asking Remember? as the clip flashes to the younger version.

Plot and Setting

The film is set in the world of Panem 24 years before the events of Katniss Everdeen’s saga. The narrative begins on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, an event also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

The story focuses on a young Haymitch Abernathy, who is a participant in the 50th Games. The movie is based on a book by Suzanne Collins.

Cast and Characters

The prequel introduces several younger versions of established characters from the franchise. The promo highlights the following casting choices:

• Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy
• Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket
• Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman
• Maya Hawke as Wiress
• Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee
• Kelvin Harrison Jr. As Beetee Latier
• Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan
• Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow

In addition to these returning roles, the film stars a supporting cast that includes Glenn Close, Billy Porter, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, and Ben Wang.

Production and Release

Francis Lawrence returns to direct the prequel, while the screenplay was written by Billy Ray.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled to open in cinemas and IMAX on November 20, 2026.