Synopsis: What We Know So Far About the Plot
Panem is back on the big screen. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping goes back in time to 24 years before the original The Hunger Games. It opens on the day of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games.
That edition is no ordinary year. It is the Second Quarter Quell, a special anniversary Games, as the official tagline makes clear: “Welcome to the Second Quarter Quell.”
The film is a prequel based on a young adult novel. It explores the dystopian, post-apocalyptic world that fans already know, at an earlier and darker point in its history.
At the centre of the cast is a young Haymitch Abernathy, played by Joseph Zada. Around him are several names that longtime followers of the series will recognise, including:
- President Coriolanus Snow
- Effie Trinket
- Caesar Flickerman
- Plutarch Heavensbee
The studio has not revealed more story details beyond this premise. This guide will stay spoiler-free and stick to what has been officially shared.

What Makes It Notable: Cast, Director and Context
Director. Francis Lawrence directs. He is a familiar name for Hunger Games fans.
Writers. The screenplay is credited to Billy Ray and Michael Lesslie.
Cast. The ensemble is packed with recognisable talent:
- Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy
- Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow
- Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee
- Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner / Merrilee Donner
- Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird
- Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket
- Maya Hawke as Wiress
- Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan
- Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle
- Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman
Genre and production. This is a science fiction action-adventure, made in English. It is a United States–Germany production from Lionsgate, Color Force and Studio Babelsberg.
Runtime. The listed runtime is 158 minutes, or about 2 hours and 38 minutes. That makes it a sizeable cinema outing.
Reviews. Looking for a review? The film has not been released yet, so there are no critic reviews or audience ratings so far.
Who Will Enjoy It
- Fans of the Hunger Games books and films who want to see an earlier chapter of Panem
- Viewers who enjoy dystopian sci-fi with high-stakes action and survival themes
- Moviegoers drawn to big ensemble casts featuring stars like Ralph Fiennes, Elle Fanning and Glenn Close
- Readers of young adult fiction curious to see a novel adapted for the big screen
- Anyone looking for a major cinema event to catch in November 2026
Release Date in the Philippines and Where to Watch
Theatrical release. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is listed for a theatrical release in the Philippines on November 18, 2026. That is the same date as its worldwide release.
Rating. A local rating classification has not been announced yet.
Where to watch. The film is expected to be shown first in Philippine cinemas. No streaming platforms are listed for the Philippines at this time. Streaming details will likely come after the cinema run, but nothing has been announced.
Trailer. A trailer is available. It is the best way to get a first look at the film before release.
Trailer
Cast
Joseph Zadaas Haymitch AbernathySee credits →
Ralph Fiennesas President Coriolanus SnowSee credits →
Jesse Plemonsas Plutarch HeavensbeeSee credits →
Mckenna Graceas Maysilee Donner / Merrilee Donner
Whitney Peakas Lenore Dove Baird
Elle Fanningas Effie Trinket
Maya Hawkeas Wiress
Lili Tayloras Mags Flanagan
Photo: TMDB
FAQ
- When is The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping released in the Philippines?
- It is listed for a theatrical release in the Philippines on November 18, 2026, the same date as its worldwide release.
- Where can I watch The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping in the Philippines?
- It is expected to open in Philippine cinemas. No streaming platform is listed for the Philippines yet.
- Who is in the cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping?
- Joseph Zada plays Haymitch Abernathy, alongside Ralph Fiennes, Jesse Plemons, Mckenna Grace, Whitney Peak, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, Glenn Close and Kieran Culkin. Francis Lawrence directs.
- What is the plot of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping?
- Set 24 years before the original The Hunger Games, the prequel begins on reaping day for the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell. Further story details have not been revealed.
- How long is The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping?
- The listed runtime is 158 minutes, or about 2 hours and 38 minutes.

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