Maya Hawke has officially joined the cast of “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” a new adaptation by Lionsgate based on Suzanne Collins’ bestselling book. Hawke, who gained fame from her role as Robin in Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” will portray Wiress, a Hunger Games champion who later becomes a mentor for District 12.
She joins a talented ensemble cast that includes Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy and Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird. Other notable cast members are Mckenna Grace, playing Maysilee Donner, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee.
The upcoming film, which is set to be released on November 20, 2026, takes place 24 years before the original Hunger Games series, focusing on the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games known as the Second Quarter Quell. The protagonist, a resourceful 16-year-old named Haymitch, finds himself unexpectedly chosen to compete in a game that presents a harrowing twist: there will be twice the number of tributes, totaling 48 children fighting for survival.
Francis Lawrence returns as director, with a script by Billy Ray. The film is produced by Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson of Color Force, along with executive producer Cameron MacConomy. The previous entries in the Hunger Games franchise have collectively grossed over $3.3 billion worldwide.
Hawke’s recent work also includes voicing the character Anxiety in “Inside Out 2” and performing in prestigious projects like “Maestro,” directed by Bradley Cooper, and the upcoming “Wildcat,” where she portrays Lucia Joyce, the daughter of famed writer James Joyce.
The announcement of Hawke’s casting brings excitement to fans as the franchise continues to expand its universe with fresh narratives and characters. This evolution exemplifies the ongoing appeal of Collins’ dystopian world, promising new adventures while building on the beloved original storylines.