Ben Wang has officially joined the cast as District 12 Tribute Wyatt Callow in the upcoming film “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” based on Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novel. He will be sharing the screen with an impressive ensemble that includes Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Maya Hawke as Wiress, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee, along with Lili Taylor as Mags.
Wang, who gained recognition for his lead role as Jin Wang in the Disney+ series “American Born Chinese,” is set to continue his rise in Hollywood. His next major project includes the titular role in Sony Pictures’ “Karate Kid: Legends,” scheduled for a worldwide release on May 30. His casting for “Sunrise on the Reaping” came after a rigorous selection process that attracted over 10,000 auditions, highlighting the competitive nature of the industry.
In addition to these high-profile films, Wang has recently wrapped up lead roles in two independent projects. He stars in the coming-of-age film “Brian” alongside esteemed actors like William H. Macy and Randall Park. This project is produced by Seth Meyers. Wang is also part of the ensemble cast for an R-rated comedy titled, currently known as the Untitled Celebrity Pass Movie, in which he will share screen time with Zoey Deutch and Jon Hamm. His previous work includes appearances in the musical “Mean Girls” and the Disney+ film “Chang Can Dunk,” showcasing his versatility as an actor.
The adaptation of “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” is set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026. Directed by Francis Lawrence, who has been at the helm of the series since “Catching Fire,” the screenplay will be adapted by Billy Ray. The franchise is known for its significant box office success, having accumulated over $3.3 billion from the first five films.
The novel “Sunrise on the Reaping” has made a remarkable debut, selling 1.5 million copies in its first week across various regions, including the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This strong sales performance underscores the continuing popularity of the franchise, outpacing the opening week sales of both “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” and “Mockingjay.”
With the film adaptation bringing together a talented cast and crew, expectations are high as the franchise continues to engage audiences with its compelling narratives and richly developed world. Wang’s involvement marks an exciting chapter not only in his career but also in the continuing evolution of the beloved “The Hunger Games” series.