Discover everything about The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, starring Joseph Zada as young Haymitch Abernathy. Explore cast details, storyline, trailer insights, and what to expect from the 2026 prequel set during the Second Quarter Quell.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ Brings Panem Back to Life With Joseph Zada as Young Haymitch Abernathy
Lionsgate is officially taking fans back to Panem with The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, a highly anticipated prequel set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen ever stepped into an arena. With a star-studded cast and a fresh look at one of the franchise’s most beloved characters, the film’s newly released teaser trailer has already ignited massive excitement across the fandom.
At the center of the story is Joseph Zada, who steps into the role of a young Haymitch Abernathy—a character fans previously knew through Woody Harrelson’s iconic performance in the original film series. Now, audiences will finally witness Haymitch’s own Games, which shaped him into the hardened mentor we met in the first movie.
A Return to the Second Quarter Quell
Sunrise on the Reaping revisits one of the darkest chapters in Panem’s history: the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. This particular event stands out in the lore for its brutal twist—each district was forced to send double the number of tributes, doubling the bloodshed, fear, and emotional impact.
The teaser trailer opens on the morning of the reaping, capturing the tense quiet that precedes a national nightmare. Zada’s Haymitch is young, observant, and already defiant, hinting at the rebellious spirit that later becomes a defining trait. In a brief but gripping moment, he says, “I think these games are gonna be different,” foreshadowing the cunning and resilience that would one day help him survive—and win—against overwhelming odds.
The trailer also provides a glimpse of Haymitch inside the arena, showcasing his tactical mind and fierce survival instincts. Though Lionsgate keeps plot specifics tightly guarded, fans familiar with Suzanne Collins’ novels know that Haymitch’s Games remain some of the most shocking and emotionally devastating in the franchise.
Joseph Zada Takes on an Iconic Role
Landing the role of young Haymitch Abernathy places Joseph Zada at the heart of one of the most successful film franchises of the last two decades. While he is still an emerging talent, Zada’s appearance in the teaser demonstrates a strong screen presence and an intensity well suited for the violent, unpredictable world of the Hunger Games arena.
Taking over a character previously portrayed by Woody Harrelson presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Fans already have a deep emotional connection to Haymitch, who served as Katniss and Peeta’s cynical yet loyal mentor. Sunrise on the Reaping offers the rare chance to explore the trauma behind his alcoholism, distrust of the Capitol, and eventual hidden hope for rebellion.
A Star-Packed Ensemble Cast
Alongside Zada, Lionsgate has assembled an impressive cast worthy of a blockbuster prequel. Major names include:
- Ralph Fiennes, taking on the role of Panem’s ruthless dictator
- Glenn Close, in a yet-undisclosed but undoubtedly powerful role
- Kieran Culkin
- Elle Fanning
- Billy Porter
- Whitney Peak
- Mckenna Grace
- Jesse Plemons
- Kelvin Harrison Jr.
- Maya Hawke
- Lili Taylor
- Ben Wang
The combination of acclaimed veterans and rising stars strongly suggests the film will deliver both emotional depth and massive cinematic impact.
Francis Lawrence Returns to Direct
Behind the camera, Francis Lawrence, who directed Catching Fire, Mockingjay Part 1, and Mockingjay Part 2, returns to helm the adaptation. He brings unparalleled familiarity with Panem’s tone, world-building, and character-driven storytelling.
The screenplay is written by Billy Ray, known for his sharp, emotionally resonant writing. Together, they adapt Suzanne Collins’ novel Sunrise on the Reaping, which revisits Panem before the first trilogy and dives deeper into the Capitol’s psychology and history.
The Growing Hunger Games Universe
The teaser arrives as Lionsgate continues expanding the franchise beyond the screen. The studio recently launched a stage adaptation of The Hunger Games in London, extending the world of Panem into live theater. The film series, which has grossed over $3.4 billion worldwide, continues to demand new stories, new histories, and new characters to explore.
Sunrise on the Reaping follows the success of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the 2023 prequel that examined President Snow’s early life. Now, fans are shifting focus from the Capitol’s future villain to District 12’s most complex victor.
A Story That Deepens the Franchise’s Heart
While Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence, remains the central figure of the original films, Haymitch Abernathy has long fascinated fans. His bitterness, humor, and reluctant mentorship hinted at extraordinary pain buried beneath his rough edges. This film finally uncovers that buried history.
Through young Haymitch, viewers see not only how he survived the Capitol’s cruelty but how he learned to outthink it. His Games were unusually strategic—and notoriously tragic—which makes this chapter one of the most important in Hunger Games lore.
Mark Your Calendar: November 20, 2026
With the film slated for release on November 20, 2026, the teaser serves as the perfect kickoff to a long but thrilling anticipation period. Early reactions from fans suggest Sunrise on the Reaping could become one of the franchise’s most emotionally powerful entries yet.
Between a gripping storyline, a seasoned director, a powerhouse ensemble cast, and Joseph Zada’s promising performance as young Haymitch, Lionsgate appears ready to deliver a fresh yet faithful return to Panem.
The Games are back—darker, deeper, and more personal than ever.
