After the success of "The Hunger Games" prequel "Ballads of Songbirds and Snakes," fans are thrilled to revisit Panem and learn the story of fan favorite character, Haymitch Abernathy.
"The Hunger Games" author Suzanne Collins’ hit book "Sunrise on the Reaping" is set 24 years before the events of the first book series.
New 'Hunger Games' prequel 'Sunrise of the Reaping' to be released on March 18, 2025
The much-awaited film will feature central character Haymitch alongside tributes and returning characters in the Second Quarter Quell Hunger Games.
Haymitch will be played by Joseph Zada and his love interest Lenore Dove Baird by Whitney Peak.
Ralph Fiennes will play the role of the series’ antagonist, tyrant President Snow, while the iconic role of Effie Trinket is set to be played by Elle Fanning.
Fans are commending the casting for the adaptation especially noting how Fanning is the 'perfect fancast' suggesting the resemblance from the original series' Effie portrayer, Elizabeth Banks.
Younger versions of familiar characters from 'The Hunger Games" are to be played by Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier, and Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan.
Also in the cast are McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Maya Hawke as Wiress, Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow, Molly McCann as Louella Mccoy, Iona as Lou Lou, and Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman.
As of writing, the cast reveal series have accumulated 107.9 million views with fans excited to watch the film adaptation which tackles the second film in the new origin franchise.
"Sunrise on the Reaping" will feature twice the number of tributes with 48 tributes from all districts featuring an arena described to be shaped in the "likeness of an eye."
New ‘Hunger Games’ novel and movie to be released in 2025 and 2026
The film is set to premiere on November 20, 2026 and released by Lionsgate which previously released the original "The Hunger Games" movies that grossed at $3.3 billion worldwide.