Last week author Suzanne Collins released a new title in The Hunger Games franchise, Sunrise on the Reaping, which follows the life of a younger Haymitch Abernathy on the eve of his crowning as the victor of the 50th annual Hunger Games. At the same time, Lionsgate announced that a film adaptation of the prequel novel will also be released in November 2026.
The news comes after the release of Collins’ 2020 novel and subsequent 2023 film, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, hit $337 million at the box office and all but kickstarted our YA phases back into high gear.
It’s time to chuck on those dusty Mockingjay pins you bought way back in 2012 for this one, ‘cos we’re about to drop some tea on everything we know about the upcoming flick set to hit cinemas later next year for y’all.
What is the plot of Sunrise on the Reaping?
This novel is a prequel so don’t expect the familiar faces of Katniss and Peeta to make an appearance any time soon. It’s instead time for our favourite drunk Haymitch (played by Woody Harrelson) to take centre-stage, alongside a bunch of new characters. (I’m still holding out on an Effie cameo to fulfill my Hayffie fantasies tho!!)
The film, which will follow the novel’s plot, will focus on a teenage Haymitch living in the dystopian world of Panem, as well as his journey into becoming the 50th victor in the annual Hunger Games bloodsport. Cannot bloody wait!
When will the Sunrise on the Reaping film be out?
So far, Lionsgate has stated that the film is set to be released in November 2026, which is really quite speedy when you remember that the book was only just put on shelves last week!
In comparison, A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ film adaptation came out a whopping three whole years after Collins wrote the novel.
In an interview with Variety, longtime Hunger Games producer Nina Jacobson revealed a few tidbits about how far along they are in the production of the movie, which was developed alongside the new book’s release.
“We have a great draft that we’re still doing work on,” Jacobson said.
“We’ve established our locations. We’re very far along for a book that’s only [just come out].”
Who will play Haymitch Abernathy in Sunrise on the Reaping?
There are very few people who could fill the very large shoes left by Harrelson when he originated the role of Haymitch back in 2012, so we’re incredibly keen yet apprehensive on who Lionsgate will cast.
When asked by Variety on who they’ve discussed for the role, Jacobson revealed that the production team is too worried about leaks to begin choosing potential actors.
“We’ve been holding our breath for a long time, but I think that what we’re looking for in that role is [not] somebody who’s impersonating Woody,” said Jacobson.
“You want somebody who very credibly feels like they could be a young version of this character, before the trauma and grief and rage that the fallout of the Games create.
“Nobody can be Woody Harrelson but Woody Harrelson. But you have to find that mischief that he has in him inherently and try to understand, if you turn back time from the man you meet at the beginning of The Hunger Games, who he was before all of that, and why he became that.”
Whoever it is, I’m gonna need him to pull a Timothée Chalamet and rock up to a premiere decked out like this. (Image: AP)
Fans, however, have of course given their takes on who should take up Harrelson’s mantle.
This Reddit post included Walker Scobell, Owen Joyner, Nicholas Hamilton and Froy Gutierrez as potential choices for a teenage Haymitch.
Actors Tanner Buchanan and Tom Glynn-Carney have also been mentioned as potentials for the role of Haymitch.
Nothing is yet confirmed, so keep your eyes peeled on this space when we have more info!!
Who is directing Sunrise on the Reaping?
Who else but the GOAT, Francis Lawrence!?
Lawrence is no stranger to The Hunger Games, as he previously directed Catching Fire (the best one IMHO), Mockingjay parts one and two, and A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
I think we can rest assured knowing that Lawrence has our backs for this one, since we’re about to eat gooooood.
I don’t care that we are currently living a whole 12 years later since the first Hunger Games hit our screens, I’m so bloody excited to see this on the silver screen!!
Keep your eyes on this space, we’ll update with all the new info we have as soon as we have it!
