The Hunger Games universe is expanding once again with the release of the first teaser trailer for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Lionsgate unveiled the trailer on November 20, 2025, giving fans a first look at the prequel that explores the origin of Haymitch Abernathy, the mentor famously portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the original film series.
The prequel is set to hit theaters one year from now, on November 20, 2026, promising an action-packed journey back into Panem’s deadly world.
Joseph Zada Takes on Haymitch Abernathy
In Sunrise on the Reaping, 20-year-old Joseph Zada stars as a young Haymitch Abernathy, exploring his formative years and his harrowing experiences as a tribute in the 50th Hunger Games. The film chronicles how Haymitch evolved into the sharp, battle-hardened mentor fans know from the original movies.
“We were thrilled to bring Haymitch’s backstory to life with Joseph Zada,” said director Francis Lawrence, who returns to the franchise after directing previous Hunger Games films.
Star-Studded Cast
The prequel features an ensemble cast of rising stars and established talent, including:
- Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird
- McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner
- Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, Ben Wang, Edvin Ryding, Elle Fanning, Kieran Culkin, Glenn Close, Billy Porter, and Iris Apatow
Additionally, Ralph Fiennes steps into the iconic role of President Snow, adding gravitas to the prequel’s political intrigue.
What the Trailer Reveals
The teaser showcases the dark and perilous world of Panem, with intense training sequences, political maneuvering, and the deadly spectacle of the Reaping itself. Fans get a glimpse of Haymitch’s early struggles and the beginnings of his transformation into a key figure in the Hunger Games saga.
“It’s exciting to see the story of Panem from a new perspective,” Lawrence said. “Sunrise on the Reaping highlights how the Games have shaped the people who lived through them, including Haymitch.”
A Timeline of the Hunger Games Films
Sunrise on the Reaping will be the sixth installment in the Hunger Games cinematic universe:
- The Hunger Games (2012) – Katniss Everdeen debuts
- Catching Fire (2013)
- Mockingjay: Part 1 (2014)
- Mockingjay: Part 2 (2015)
- The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023) – Prequel starring Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth
- Sunrise on the Reaping (2026) – Upcoming prequel featuring Joseph Zada
Francis Lawrence directed Katniss’ story in the original series and now returns to explore Panem’s origins through Haymitch’s eyes.
When and Where to Watch
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set to release in theaters nationwide on November 20, 2026. Fans can expect the same thrilling action, political drama, and survival stakes that made the original films a cultural phenomenon.
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