The anticipation for the Hunger Games franchise continues to build as Lionsgate has unveiled a new teaser trailer for their upcoming prequel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The trailer, released on November 20, invites fans back into the dystopian world that first captivated audiences over a decade ago.
Set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026, the film is directed by Francis Lawrence and draws inspiration from Suzanne Collins’ novel. It focuses on the early life of Haymitch Abernathy, the character famously portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the previous films that starred Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen. This time, young Haymitch will be portrayed by 20-year-old Joseph Zada, who finds himself thrust into the harrowing reality of the 50th Hunger Games.
The cast is remarkable, featuring talents such as Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, and many more. Notably, Ralph Fiennes takes on the role of President Snow, setting the stage for an intriguing exploration of this significant character’s past.
As fans reflect on the journey that began with the 2012 release of The Hunger Games and continued through the sequels, including Catching Fire and the Mockingjay two-parter, they are eager for this new chapter. The last prequel film, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, debuted in 2023, reaffirming the franchise’s resilience and relevance in contemporary cinema.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping promises to deliver not just nostalgia but also new stories that expand the universe fans have come to love. With a blend of fresh talent and a beloved legacy, the excitement for the film’s release is palpable as it approaches its one-year countdown.