New Hunger Games Prequel ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ Set for November Release
The 'Hunger Games' franchise is set to release a new prequel film, "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," on November 20. The movie will explore the brutal origin story of Haymitch Abernathy as a teenage tribute from District 12,…
Detroit, MI, November 11, 2026 —
Lionsgate has announced that a new installment in The Hunger Games franchise, titled “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” is scheduled for release on November 20. This upcoming film will serve as a prequel, delving into the past of a key character from the original series.
The prequel is set to explore the origin story of Haymitch Abernathy, a mentor figure known from the earlier films. The narrative will focus on his experiences as a teenage tribute hailing from District 12, highlighting the brutal challenges he faced. This period in Abernathy’s life is expected to provide new context to his character.
Joseph Zada is slated to portray the lead role of Haymitch Abernathy in his youth. The film will also feature an ensemble cast comprising established actors who will bring younger iterations of other well-known characters to life. Specific details regarding the casting of these supporting roles have not yet been fully disclosed.
The decision to focus on Haymitch Abernathy’s journey as a tribute offers an opportunity to expand on the lore of Panem and the intricate system of the Hunger Games. His history as a victor from District 12, a district often associated with hardship and scarcity, is anticipated to be a central element of the prequel’s plot. The film aims to shed light on the formative events that shaped the character audiences have come to know.
“Sunrise on the Reaping” adds to the expanding universe of The Hunger Games, following previous installments that have adapted Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novels. The franchise has consistently explored themes of survival, rebellion, and the consequences of power within a dystopian society. This prequel is expected to continue that tradition by offering a new perspective on the series’ established world. Further details about the plot, themes, and the full cast are anticipated as the release date approaches.
Story summarized from the original created by Lindsey Bahr, Associated Press on www.clickondetroit.com, see more information here.
