When is The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping released?

The film is scheduled to open worldwide from 18 November 2026. In the United States, it opens in cinemas on 20 November 2026.

Where can I watch The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping?

It is set for a theatrical release first. No streaming service has been announced in the US so far.

Who is in the cast of Sunrise on the Reaping?

Joseph Zada plays Haymitch Abernathy. The cast also includes Ralph Fiennes, Jesse Plemons, Mckenna Grace, Whitney Peak, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, Glenn Close and Kieran Culkin.

What is The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping about?

It is set 24 years before the original Hunger Games and begins on reaping day for the 50th Hunger Games, the Second Quarter Quell. Further plot details have not been revealed.

How long is the film and what is it rated?

The current listed runtime is 158 minutes, and it is rated PG-13 in the United States.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (2026) Guide

Plot Summary: What We Know So Far

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping takes audiences back to Panem, setting its story nearly a quarter of a century before the original Hunger Games. The action opens on reaping day for the 50th edition of the Games. This is a milestone year known as the Second Quarter Quell, a point the film’s tagline makes clear: “Welcome to the Second Quarter Quell.”

As both a prequel and a sequel within the franchise, the film is adapted from a young adult novel. It returns to the dystopian, post-apocalyptic world that made the series famous. Joseph Zada heads the cast as Haymitch Abernathy, a name long-time fans will recognise. Several other familiar figures appear in their earlier years, including Effie Trinket, Caesar Flickerman, Plutarch Heavensbee and President Coriolanus Snow.

The studio has not revealed plot details beyond this starting point. That makes the film a chance to see how the Capitol’s brutal spectacle looked a generation earlier, through characters whose later lives are already part of Hunger Games lore. A trailer has been released for anyone wanting a first look at the tone and setting.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping — Mood illustration, not a still from the film — Mood illustration, not a still from the film

What Makes It Notable

Director: Francis Lawrence returns to Panem to direct.
Screenplay: The film is written by Billy Ray and Michael Lesslie.
Cast: Joseph Zada (Haymitch Abernathy) leads a high-profile ensemble:
- 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: The film blends science fiction, action and adventure, set in a dystopian future.
Origin: It is an English-language co-production between the United States and Germany. Lionsgate, Color Force and Studio Babelsberg are involved.
Runtime: The current listing is 158 minutes, which would make it a substantial big-screen event.

Review status: The film has not been released yet, so there are no reviews or audience ratings so far. Check back after release for critical and audience reception.

Who Will Enjoy It

Fans of the Hunger Games books and films who want to explore Panem’s earlier history
Viewers drawn to dystopian science fiction with high stakes and political intrigue
Anyone curious to see well-known franchise characters in a new era
Audiences who enjoy large ensemble casts mixing rising talent with acclaimed veterans
Moviegoers who prefer epic, long-form blockbusters on the big screen

Release Date & Where to Watch

Worldwide release: The first release is scheduled for 18 November 2026.
United States: The theatrical release is set for 20 November 2026, rated PG-13.
Streaming: No streaming platform has been announced for the US yet. The film is expected to debut in cinemas first, and digital or streaming availability should be confirmed closer to or after release.
Trailer: An official trailer is available now.

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?: The film is scheduled to open worldwide from 18 November 2026. In the United States, it opens in cinemas on 20 November 2026.
Where can I watch The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping?: It is set for a theatrical release first. No streaming service has been announced in the US so far.
Who is in the cast of Sunrise on the Reaping?: Joseph Zada plays Haymitch Abernathy. The cast also includes Ralph Fiennes, Jesse Plemons, Mckenna Grace, Whitney Peak, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, Glenn Close and Kieran Culkin.
What is The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping about?: It is set 24 years before the original Hunger Games and begins on reaping day for the 50th Hunger Games, the Second Quarter Quell. Further plot details have not been revealed.
How long is the film and what is it rated?: The current listed runtime is 158 minutes, and it is rated PG-13 in the United States.

Sources

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