Lionsgate has officially started production onThe Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, with cameras rolling in Spain on the highly anticipated adaptation ofSuzanne Collins’latest novel. A new behind-the-scenes video released by the studio shows the crew anddirectorFrancis Lawrencekicking off the shoot, signaling the first step toward the film’sNovember 20, 2026worldwide release.
Returning to the franchise he helped define, Lawrence is directing from a screenplay byBilly Ray, with long-time producersNina JacobsonandBrad Simpsonof Color Force once again steering the project.Cameron MacConomyserves as executive producer, whileMeredith WieckandScott O’Brienoversee for Lionsgate.
Set24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s name was drawn,Sunrise on the Reapingbegins on the morning of the50th Hunger Games— the infamous Second Quarter Quell.The story follows District 12’sHaymitch Abernathy(played byJoseph Zada)through the brutal arena experience that forged the sharp-tongued, battle-hardened mentor fans first met in the original films. Collins’ novel debuted in March 2024 with1.5 million copies sold in its first weekand has held the top spot onThe New York Timesbestseller list ever since.
Who’s in ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’?
The prequel’s sprawling cast featuresGlenn Close,Kieran Culkin,Elle Fanning,Ralph Fiennes,Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Jesse Plemons, Billy Porter, Lili Taylor, and rising starsJoseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, andBen Wang.Iris ApatowandEdvin Rydingrecently joined as Capitol University students Proserpina and Vitus, assigned to the prep team for District 12’s tributes.
They’re joined by a large ensemble of new and returning talent, includingLaura Marcus(Silka),Percy Daggs IV(Ampert),Rada Rae(Wellie),Jhaleil Swaby(Panache),John Doeble(Buck),Alina Reid(Kerna),Salimou Thiam(Clayton),Kaine Buffonge(Hull),Sky Frances(Maritte),Tatyana Muzondo(Ringina),Kara Tointon(Willamae),Smylie Bradwell(Sid),Melody Chikakane Brown(Hattie Meeny),Grace Ackary(Asterid),Scot Greenan(Burdock),Jeffrey Hallman(Clerk Carmine),Sandra Förster(Hersilia),Serafin Mishiev(Woodbine Chance),Jax Guerrero(Tibby), andJefferson White(Mr. McCoy). Speculation is abound thatWoody Harrelson, Jennifer LawrenceandJosh Hutchersonmay also reprise their roles from the original trilogy in the movie’s epilogue.
The Hunger Games:Sunrise on the Reapingopens in theatersNovember 20, 2026.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
