Joseph Zada leads the prequel Sunrise on the Reaping, portraying a teenage Haymitch thrust into the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell. District 12 must send twice the usual tributes, joining Maysilee (Mckenna Grace), Wyatt (Ben Wang) and Louella (Molly McCann) in a deadly contest. Audiences familiar with the franchise will recognize Haymitch’s eventual victory, but the film promises emotional stakes.

Supporting talent includes Jesse Plemons as rookie cameraman Plutarch, Ralph Fiennes returning as President Snow, and Glenn Close as District 12 chaperone Drusilla Sickle. Younger versions of franchise fixtures appear: Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, and Billy Porter as stylist Magno Stift. Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor and Kelvin Harrison Jr. reprise past victors, deepening the prequel’s lore.

The film opens nationwide on November 20, 2026, distributed by Lionsgate. By linking the original heroes Katniss and Peeta in a flash-forward cameo, the sequel aims to bridge the prequel’s backstory with the beloved trilogy, giving longtime fans a concrete origin for iconic characters. Its ensemble cast and expanded mythology position the franchise for another box‑office surge.