Kelvin Harrison Jr. has been officially cast as Beetee in Lionsgate’s upcoming film “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” which is based on the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins. Harrison adds to a notable ensemble, which includes Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, and Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee.
In addition to this role, Harrison Jr. has recently lent his voice to the character Taka in “Mufasa: The Lion King.” He is also set to star as Jean-Michel Basquiat in the film “Samo Lives,” where he will take on the dual role of lead actor and executive producer.
Beetee Latier was previously portrayed by Jeffrey Wright in the original “Hunger Games” series, starting with “Catching Fire.” Known as the champion of the 34th Hunger Games, Beetee is also the father of Ampert Latier, a Tribute in the 50th Hunger Games.
“Sunrise on the Reaping” is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. Francis Lawrence, who helmed the previous films in the franchise, will direct, while Billy Ray is adapting the screenplay. The production will be led by Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson from Color Force, with Cameron MacConomy serving as executive producer.
This latest installment opens with a young Plutarch Heavensbee situated in District 12 during the critical moment of the Tributes’ reaping. The novel revisits Panem, taking place 24 years prior to the events of the original “Hunger Games,” and begins on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
The book version of “Sunrise on the Reaping” has achieved remarkable success, selling 1.5 million copies in its initial week across markets including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the U.S. alone, it sold 1.2 million copies, setting new records compared to previous titles in the series—double the first-week sales of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” and triple that of “Mockingjay.”
With Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien overseeing the project for Lionsgate, and Robert Melnik negotiating on behalf of the studio, the excitement surrounding this adaptation is palpable. Harrison Jr. is represented by WME, Anonymous Content, and Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein Lezcano Bobb & Dang.
The adaptation of such a beloved series continues to draw attention, and with a cast rich in talent and an experienced director at the helm, there is a strong anticipation surrounding the film’s release.