The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping opens in US theaters on November 20, 2026, with Joseph Zada as the young Haymitch Abernathy. Francis Lawrence directs this prequel, which is based on Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel and set during the 50th Hunger Games, 24 years before the first movie.
Last updated on October 22, 2026. We update this page as Lionsgate shares tickets, reviews and streaming details.
Sunrise on the Reaping at a Glance
| Question | Answer |
| US release date | November 20, 2026, in theaters and in IMAX |
| Studio | Lionsgate |
| Director | Francis Lawrence |
| Based on | “Sunrise on the Reaping,” the 2025 novel by Suzanne Collins |
| Setting | The 50th Hunger Games, 24 years before the first movie |
| Stars | Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Ralph Fiennes, Jesse Plemons, Elle Fanning |
| Runtime | About two and a half hours |
| Rating | PG-13 for strong violence, bloody images, disturbing material, some smoking and teen drinking |
| Where to watch | Theaters only. No streaming or digital date has been announced |
Sunrise on the Reaping Cast and Characters
| Actor | Character |
| Joseph Zada | Haymitch Abernathy |
| Whitney Peak | Lenore Dove Baird |
| Mckenna Grace | Maysilee Donner |
| Ralph Fiennes | President Snow |
| Jesse Plemons | Plutarch Heavensbee |
| Elle Fanning | Effie Trinket |
| Kieran Culkin | Caesar Flickerman |
| Glenn Close | Drusilla Sickle |
| Billy Porter | Magno Stift |
| Lili Taylor | Mags Flanagan |
| Maya Hawke | Wiress |
| Kelvin Harrison Jr. | Beetee Latier |
| Ben Wang | Wyatt Callow |
| Molly McCann | Louella McCoy |
| Iona Bell | Lou Lou |
Ralph Fiennes plays President Snow, the role Tom Blyth played in The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
What Is Sunrise on the Reaping About?
The story follows 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, who is selected as a tribute for the 50th Hunger Games. It is a Quarter Quell, a special anniversary edition in which every district sends twice the usual number of tributes, 48 in all. In the arena, Haymitch forms an unlikely alliance with fellow tribute Maysilee Donner. This section is spoiler-free.
Are Katniss and Peeta in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline have reported that Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson will appear as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. Lionsgate has not described the scenes. We will update this page when the studio does.
Do You Need to Watch the Other Hunger Games Movies First?
No. Sunrise on the Reaping is a prequel, set 24 years before the first Hunger Games movie and after The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes in release order. Several characters will be familiar from the original films, including Haymitch, Effie Trinket, Plutarch Heavensbee, Beetee, Wiress, Mags and Caesar Flickerman, now played by younger or new actors.
Tickets, Showtimes and IMAX
Showtimes are listed on Fandango, Atom Tickets and Cinemark, and ticket availability depends on your theater. Atom Tickets also lists a separate IMAX version for the November 20 opening.
Where to Watch Sunrise on the Reaping
The movie is only in theaters. Lionsgate has not announced a digital rental or streaming date. For other movies people are searching for now, see our Verity ending explained and Street Fighter movie guide, or the Netflix Top 10 this week for something to stream at home.
Sunrise on the Reaping FAQ
When does The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping come out?
It opens in US theaters on November 20, 2026, from Lionsgate.
Who plays Haymitch in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Joseph Zada plays the young Haymitch Abernathy.
Who is in the cast of Sunrise on the Reaping?
Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Ralph Fiennes, Jesse Plemons, Elle Fanning, Kieran Culkin, Glenn Close, Billy Porter, Lili Taylor, Maya Hawke, Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Ben Wang, among others. See the full table above.
Is Sunrise on the Reaping PG-13?
Yes. It is rated PG-13 for strong violence, bloody images, disturbing material, some smoking and teen drinking.
Is Sunrise on the Reaping based on a book?
Yes. It is based on Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel of the same name.
Is Katniss in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline have reported that Jennifer Lawrence will appear as Katniss, but Lionsgate has not detailed her role.
Who plays President Snow in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Ralph Fiennes.
Where can I watch Sunrise on the Reaping?
Only in theaters, including IMAX. No streaming date has been announced.
Photo credits: Joseph Zada by Bronte Gossling (CC BY 4.0), Whitney Peak by Annabel Amethyst (CC0) and Mckenna Grace by Kevin Paul (CC BY 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons. If you are the rights holder of an image on this page and would like it removed, see our terms of service or contact us and we will act promptly.
