Lionsgate Reveals First Look at ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’: Young Haymitch, Elle Fanning, and 48 Tributes in the Arena
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26.08.2026 23:16
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2 min read
Film studio Lionsgate has released the first batch of stills from “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.” The photos offer a first look at the participants of the anniversary Second Quarter Quell, young Haymitch Abernathy, President Snow, and new escort Effie Trinket.
The prequel takes place 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s victory and will explain how Haymitch survived the bloodiest Games in Panem history.
The Second Quarter Quell and 48 Tributes
The plot centers on 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, played by Joseph Zada. Under the rules of the 50th anniversary Games, each district sent twice as many teenagers to the arena — putting 48 tributes into deadly combat all at once.
According to director Francis Lawrence, filming the massive battle scenes around the Cornucopia proved to be the most challenging in the franchise due to coordinating dozens of actors and stunt doubles simultaneously. The movie will show Haymitch’s journey, his romantic bond with Lenore Dove, and the early seeds of the rebellion against the Capitol.
Star-Studded Cast and Glenn Close’s Transformation
According to Entertainment Weekly, the prequel features a massive ensemble cast:
- Elle Fanning plays young Effie Trinket, revealing the backstory of her work with District 12 tributes;
- Ralph Fiennes appears as authoritarian President Coriolanus Snow;
- Jesse Plemons plays young Plutarch Heavensbee;
- Kieran Culkin plays longtime TV host Caesar Flickerman;
- Mckenna Grace portrays Haymitch’s ally, Maysilee Donner.
Particular attention was drawn to Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle. The actress personally took part in developing her character’s terrifying appearance, using complex prosthetic makeup, a fake nose, and false teeth.
Global Release Date
The film is based on Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel of the same name.
The global release of “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” is scheduled for November 20, 2026, including screenings in IMAX theaters.
