The upcoming prequel to the iconic The Hunger Games franchise is building major anticipation as Lionsgate drops its first official footage from The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The newly revealed visuals showcase an impressive lineup of actors stepping into pivotal roles from the world of Panem.
Among the standout cast members, Elle Fanning takes on the role of Effie Trinket, while Kieran Culkin appears as Caesar Flickerman. Ralph Fiennes portrays the formidable President Coriolanus Snow, joined by Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier. Additional cast includes Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan, Maya Hawke as Wiress, and Joseph Zada stepping into the role of Haymitch Abernathy.
Directed by Francis Lawrence and written by Billy Ray, the film adapts the novel by Suzanne Collins. The story is set 24 years before the original events, focusing on the morning of the 50th Hunger Games—also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
This installment expands the already massive franchise, which began in 2012 and has earned over $3.3 billion globally. The original films featured Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen alongside Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth.
Interestingly, reports suggest that Lawrence and Hutcherson may return to reprise their roles, adding continuity to the expanding universe. Their last appearance was in 2015’s The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2.
Serving as a follow-up to 2023’s The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, this new chapter continues to explore Panem’s complex history. Produced by Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, the film is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 20.