The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping arrives in theaters and IMAX on Friday, November 20, 2026. This new movie takes fans back to Panem and tells the story of a young Haymitch Abernathy during the 50th Hunger Games.
The story takes place 24 years before the original Hunger Games film. At just 16 years old, Haymitch must face a deadly competition that changes his life forever. Joseph Zada plays the young Haymitch, while Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Ralph Fiennes, and Elle Fanning join the cast.
If you want to know the release date, cast, story, trailer, tickets, and runtime, this guide covers the important details before the movie arrives.
Sunrise on the Reaping: Quick Facts
| Movie detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full title | The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping |
| Release date | November 20, 2026 |
| Early-access screenings | November 18, 2026, at participating theaters |
| Director | Francis Lawrence |
| Lead actor | Joseph Zada |
| Main character | Haymitch Abernathy |
| Setting | Panem, 24 years before the original story |
| Main event | 50th Hunger Games / Second Quarter Quell |
| Based on | Suzanne Collins’ novel |
| Screenwriters | Billy Ray and Michael Lesslie |
| Distributor | Lionsgate |
| Rating | PG-13 |
| Runtime | Cinema listings differ; check your local theater |
| First release | Theaters and IMAX |
When Does Sunrise on the Reaping Come Out?
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled to open in US theaters on Friday, November 20, 2026.
However, fans may not have to wait until the official release day. Some participating theaters are offering early-access screenings on Wednesday, November 18, starting at 6 p.m. local time.
These advance screenings may include premium cinema formats. However, not every theater will offer them. Therefore, check your local cinema website for showtimes, available formats, and tickets.
Francis Lawrence directs the movie. He has also directed several earlier films in the Hunger Games series. In addition, the new movie adapts Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel of the same name.
Lionsgate is distributing the film.
What Is Sunrise on the Reaping About?
Sunrise on the Reaping begins on the morning of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
Every 25 years, the Capitol changes the rules for a special Hunger Games. This time, each district must send twice as many tributes as usual. As a result, 48 young people enter the arena instead of 24.
At the center of the story is 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy from District 12. He must leave his home and face a competition where survival becomes his main goal.
However, Haymitch is not alone. He meets other tributes, including Maysilee Donner, and forms an alliance during the Games. Together, they face the Capitol’s control and the dangers inside the arena.
Fans already know that Haymitch survives and later becomes a mentor to Katniss and Peeta. Therefore, this movie focuses on a different question: what happened to him during the Games, and how did those events change his life?
The story gives viewers a closer look at the young man behind the character they know from the original films.
Why Is the 50th Hunger Games So Important?
The 50th Hunger Games is known as the Second Quarter Quell.
Every 25 years, the Capitol introduces a special rule to mark an anniversary of the Games. These events are called Quarter Quells. Each one brings a new challenge for the districts.
For the Second Quarter Quell, the Capitol requires every district to send twice the usual number of tributes.
That means four competitors from each of the 12 districts. In total, 48 tributes enter the arena.
This rule makes the competition larger and more dangerous. It also creates the setting for Haymitch’s story, which becomes an important part of Panem’s history.
Sunrise on the Reaping Cast: Who Plays Whom?
The cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping brings together young actors and well-known Hollywood stars. Joseph Zada leads the movie as young Haymitch Abernathy.
Meanwhile, other actors take on familiar characters from the Hunger Games world. Here is a look at the main cast and their roles.
| Actor | Character | Connection to earlier films |
|---|---|---|
| Joseph Zada | Haymitch Abernathy | Younger version of Woody Harrelson’s character |
| Whitney Peak | Lenore Dove Baird | Important figure in Haymitch’s story |
| Mckenna Grace | Maysilee Donner | Fellow District 12 tribute |
| Elle Fanning | Effie Trinket | Younger version of Elizabeth Banks’ character |
| Jesse Plemons | Plutarch Heavensbee | Younger version of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s character |
| Kieran Culkin | Caesar Flickerman | Younger version of Stanley Tucci’s character |
| Ralph Fiennes | President Coriolanus Snow | Played by Donald Sutherland in the original films |
| Glenn Close | Drusilla Sickle | District 12 escort |
| Maya Hawke | Wiress | Character played by Amanda Plummer in the earlier films |
| Kelvin Harrison Jr. | Beetee | Character played by Jeffrey Wright in the earlier films |
Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy
Joseph Zada plays 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, the main character of the movie.
In the original Hunger Games films, Woody Harrelson plays the older Haymitch. Fans know him as the sarcastic mentor who helps Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark face the Games.
Now, the prequel takes viewers back to his teenage years. It explores the events that shaped his personality and changed his relationship with the Capitol.
Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird
Whitney Peak plays Lenore Dove Baird, an important person in Haymitch’s life.
Her character brings a personal side to the story. In particular, her connection with Haymitch helps show what he stands to lose when the Capitol pulls him into the Games.
Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner
Mckenna Grace plays Maysilee Donner, a fellow District 12 tribute.
Her character becomes connected to Haymitch during the Second Quarter Quell. Their story adds another layer to the struggle for survival inside the arena.
Ralph Fiennes as President Snow
Ralph Fiennes plays President Coriolanus Snow, the leader of Panem.
Snow is one of the most important characters in the Hunger Games franchise. His control over the districts and the Games creates the political backdrop for Haymitch’s story.
Returning Hunger Games Stars
The new movie also connects with the original film series through familiar actors.
Jennifer Lawrence returns as Katniss Everdeen. Josh Hutcherson returns as Peeta Mellark, while Woody Harrelson appears again as the older Haymitch.
Their involvement brings the new prequel closer to the original story. However, the main focus remains on Haymitch’s younger years and the events of the 50th Hunger Games.
Who Is Directing Sunrise on the Reaping?
Francis Lawrence directs The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.
He has already directed several movies in the franchise, including Catching Fire, Mockingjay – Part 1, Mockingjay – Part 2, and The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
His return gives the new prequel a connection to the earlier films. In addition, the screenplay comes from Billy Ray and Michael Lesslie.
The producers include Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, and Francis Lawrence. Lionsgate handles the film’s distribution.
Sunrise on the Reaping Trailer: Where to Watch
The official trailers give fans their first look at the 50th Hunger Games. They also introduce Joseph Zada as young Haymitch and show the Capitol preparing for the Second Quarter Quell.
In addition, viewers get a glimpse of Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner and Ralph Fiennes as President Snow. The footage also shows the danger waiting inside the arena.
However, the trailers do not reveal the full story. Fans will need to watch the movie to discover how Haymitch’s journey unfolds.
You can find official movie updates through the Hunger Games movie website and the Lionsgate Movies YouTube channel.
Sunrise on the Reaping Tickets and Early-Access Screenings
Tickets went on sale on October 28, 2026. Fans can check participating cinema websites for available seats and showtimes.
The main theatrical release takes place on November 20. However, some theaters will hold early-access screenings on November 18, starting at 6 p.m. local time.
These screenings may include premium formats such as:
- IMAX
- Dolby Cinema
- 4DX
- ScreenX
- Cinemark XD
- Regal RPX
- AMC Prime
- Other participating premium large-format screens
Not every cinema offers every format or early screening. Therefore, check your local theater’s schedule before making plans.
You can also visit the official Hunger Games website for movie information and ticket links.
Is Sunrise on the Reaping Streaming on Netflix or Prime Video?
The movie will first arrive in theaters on November 20, 2026. At the moment, Lionsgate has not announced a streaming release date.
Therefore, viewers should not expect a confirmed Netflix or Prime Video date yet. The studio may share digital and streaming details later.
For now, the first way to watch the movie at launch is to book a theater ticket. We will update this section when Lionsgate announces official streaming information.
How Long Is Sunrise on the Reaping?
Current movie listings do not all show the same runtime.
Some listings give the film a runtime of 2 hours and 38 minutes, while Fandango has shown a shorter listing of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Because these listings differ, check the runtime displayed by your local cinema before booking tickets.
What Is Sunrise on the Reaping Rated?
Current movie listings show a PG-13 rating.
The rating information mentions strong violence, bloody images, disturbing material, some smoking, and teen drinking.
Parents should consider these details when deciding whether the movie is suitable for younger viewers. They can also check the latest rating information before buying tickets.
Is Sunrise on the Reaping Based on a Book?
Yes. The movie is based on Suzanne Collins’ novel Sunrise on the Reaping, which was published on March 18, 2025.
The book returns to Panem and tells the story of Haymitch Abernathy during the 50th Hunger Games.
Readers who want to explore the story before watching the movie can look for the novel through Scholastic and established booksellers.
The film brings the novel to the big screen. However, viewers should remember that movie adaptations can change the order of events or focus on different details.
Where Does Sunrise on the Reaping Fit in the Hunger Games Timeline?
The movie takes place between The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and the original Hunger Games story.
Here is the chronological order of the main stories:
- The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes — follows a younger Coriolanus Snow during the 10th Hunger Games.
- Sunrise on the Reaping — follows Haymitch during the 50th Hunger Games.
- The Hunger Games — follows Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark during the 74th Hunger Games.
- Catching Fire — continues Katniss and Peeta’s story during the 75th Hunger Games.
- Mockingjay – Part 1 — follows the growing rebellion against the Capitol.
- Mockingjay – Part 2 — brings the original film storyline to its conclusion.
This timeline helps explain why the new movie matters. It explores an earlier generation of Panem and gives more background to a character who plays a major role in Katniss’s story.
Is Sunrise on the Reaping Worth Watching If You Have Not Read the Book?
You do not need to read Suzanne Collins’ novel before watching the movie.
The central story is easy to follow. A teenager from District 12 enters a dangerous competition controlled by the Capitol.
However, viewers who know the original Hunger Games films may understand more of the connections between Haymitch’s past and his future role as a mentor.
Book readers may also notice differences between the novel and the film. For that reason, you may prefer to watch the movie before reading detailed plot discussions if you want to avoid spoilers.
Sunrise on the Reaping: Frequently Asked Questions
When does Sunrise on the Reaping come out?
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled to open in US theaters on Friday, November 20, 2026. Some participating theaters will also offer early-access screenings on November 18.
Who plays young Haymitch in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Joseph Zada plays 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy. Woody Harrelson plays the older version of Haymitch in the original Hunger Games films.
Who is in the Sunrise on the Reaping cast?
The cast includes Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Elle Fanning, Jesse Plemons, Kieran Culkin, Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, Maya Hawke, and Kelvin Harrison Jr.
Is Jennifer Lawrence returning in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Jennifer Lawrence returns as Katniss Everdeen. Josh Hutcherson and Woody Harrelson also return as Peeta Mellark and the older Haymitch Abernathy.
What is Sunrise on the Reaping about?
The movie follows Haymitch Abernathy as a 16-year-old tribute from District 12 during the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
How many tributes compete in the Second Quarter Quell?
There are 48 tributes. Each of the 12 districts must send four competitors instead of the usual two.
How long is Sunrise on the Reaping?
Some movie listings show 2 hours and 38 minutes, while others show 2 hours and 30 minutes. Check your local cinema’s listing for its current runtime.
Is Sunrise on the Reaping rated PG-13?
Yes. Current movie listings show a PG-13 rating for strong violence, bloody images, disturbing material, some smoking, and teen drinking.
Will Sunrise on the Reaping be on Netflix?
Lionsgate has not announced an official Netflix or other streaming release date. The movie is scheduled for a theatrical release first.
Do I need to watch the other Hunger Games movies first?
No. The prequel tells an earlier story and can be followed on its own. However, watching the original films can help viewers understand Haymitch’s future and the wider history of Panem.
Do I need to read the Sunrise on the Reaping book first?
No. The movie adapts Suzanne Collins’ novel, but viewers do not need to read it before watching the film.
Final Thoughts
Sunrise on the Reaping takes fans back to one of the most important events in Panem’s history. This time, Haymitch Abernathy gets the spotlight as the story explores his experience in the 50th Hunger Games.
Joseph Zada leads the cast, while Francis Lawrence returns to direct another chapter of the franchise. In addition, the Second Quarter Quell gives longtime fans a chance to learn more about a character they already know.
Whether you have followed the Hunger Games for years or are new to the series, this prequel offers another reason to return to Panem.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping opens in theaters and IMAX on November 20, 2026.
