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The Confirmed Cast Of 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping'—And 10 Shocking New Roles

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The anticipation for the next chapter in the dystopian saga of Panem is reaching a fever pitch. As of today, December 20, 2025, the casting announcements for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping have been finalized, revealing a powerful mix of fresh faces and beloved returning veterans to bring the story of the 50th Hunger Games—the one that scarred a young Haymitch Abernathy—to the big screen. Set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s fateful Reaping, this prequel promises a darker, more brutal look at the Capitol’s reign, and the ensemble cast Lionsgate has assembled is nothing short of breathtaking.

The film, directed by franchise veteran Francis Lawrence, is scheduled to hit theaters on November 20, 2026. This cinematic adaptation of Suzanne Collins's 2025 novel will center on the Quarter Quell—a special, more deadly edition of the Games—that saw District 12's future mentor emerge as a victor. The casting choices for the pivotal roles, from the young tributes to the familiar Capitol figures, are designed to bridge the gap between the original trilogy and the new prequel era, ensuring topical authority and fan excitement.

The Main Tributes and New District 12 Faces

The heart of Sunrise on the Reaping lies in the desperate fight for survival within the arena of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. The casting for the District 12 tributes and their allies is crucial for establishing the emotional weight of Haymitch’s origin story.

  • Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy: The Australian actor steps into the role of the 16-year-old Haymitch, the male tribute from District 12. Zada has the immense task of portraying the character before he became the cynical, alcoholic mentor played by Woody Harrelson, showing his cunning and the trauma that defined him.
  • Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner: Grace, a rising star known for her roles in Ghostbusters: Afterlife and The Handmaid's Tale, is cast as the female tribute from District 12. Maysilee is a key figure in Haymitch’s story, as she is the other tribute from his district and a pivotal relationship during the Games.
  • Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird: Peak, known for her work in the Gossip Girl reboot, takes on a new character, Lenore Dove Baird. Her role is a major addition to the lore, though specific details remain under wraps, fueling speculation about her connection to the future of District 12.

The Shocking Capitol Recastings and Returning Icons

One of the most exciting aspects of the Sunrise on the Reaping cast is the reimagining of classic Capitol figures. These casting decisions introduce younger versions of characters fans know well, offering a fresh perspective on their origins and rise to power.

1. The Return of Coriolanus Snow—But Not the Young Version

In a surprising move, the film will feature a more established, but still younger, version of the tyrannical leader, President Coriolanus Snow.

  • Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow: Fiennes, a powerhouse actor, is confirmed to play the President. This is a departure from the younger version seen in The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, and his casting suggests Snow will be a prominent, manipulative figure already entrenched in the Capitol’s power structure during the 50th Games.

2. The New Faces of Capitol Mainstays

The following actors have been cast in roles previously defined by other stars, offering a new take on beloved and despised Capitol personalities:

  • Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee: Plemons, celebrated for his intense performances in Breaking Bad and Fargo, will play a younger Plutarch Heavensbee. He is described as a young cameraman for the Hunger Games, a fascinating glimpse into the early career of the future Head Gamemaker and rebel.
  • Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman: Fresh off his Emmy-winning role in Succession, Culkin steps into the flamboyant shoes of Caesar Flickerman. His casting as the iconic host promises a compelling look at Caesar’s early days in the Capitol’s propaganda machine.
  • Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket: Fanning is cast as a younger version of Effie Trinket, the eccentric escort previously played by Elizabeth Banks. This role will explore Effie's early career and her development into the highly organized, if slightly naive, Capitol official.

The Surprising Star-Studded Ensemble and Returning Victors

Beyond the main story of the 50th Games, the ensemble cast is packed with A-list talent playing other significant figures from Panem’s history, including past victors and new Capitol officials. The film aims to deepen the Hunger Games lore by introducing these characters.

  • Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle: The legendary Glenn Close is confirmed to play Drusilla Sickle, a sinister and villainous official of the Capitol. Early reports suggest Close is nearly unrecognizable in the role, hinting at a dramatic, high-fashion transformation for this new antagonist.
  • Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier: Harrison Jr. will portray a younger Beetee Latier, the District 3 victor and technology expert who later plays a key role in the rebellion. This casting is crucial for establishing the history of the victors' network.
  • Maya Hawke as Wiress: Hawke is set to play Wiress, the District 3 victor who is known for her quiet, observant nature and her technical knowledge. Her inclusion, along with Beetee, confirms the film will explore the victors who participated in the 50th Games and beyond.

The Mystery of Katniss and Peeta’s Return

Perhaps the most talked-about news is the confirmed return of original franchise stars, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson, reprising their roles as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. Since Sunrise on the Reaping is set 24 years before Katniss’s games, their return is chronologically impossible for the main narrative.

Industry speculation suggests their appearance will be limited to a "framing device." This could take the form of an opening or closing scene where an older Katniss, now a mentor or historian, recounts the events of the 50th Hunger Games, or perhaps a flashback sequence to the events of the original trilogy. Regardless of the method, the inclusion of Lawrence and Hutcherson is a major draw for the film, connecting the prequel directly to the emotional core of the original saga.

Topical Authority and The Significance of the 50th Games

The 50th Hunger Games was the Second Quarter Quell, a unique event where the number of tributes was doubled—four tributes from each district instead of two. This means 48 children were thrown into the arena, making the Games twice as brutal and traumatic. This event is the definitive turning point in Haymitch’s life, explaining his future cynicism, his alcoholism, and his deep-seated hatred for the Capitol.

The deep bench of talent, including Joseph Zada, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Kieran Culkin, and Elle Fanning, signifies Lionsgate's commitment to making Sunrise on the Reaping a fresh, high-stakes cinematic event. By casting actors who can handle both the emotional depth of the tributes and the theatricality of the Capitol, the film is poised to be a worthy successor to the franchise, exploring the darkest corners of Panem’s history and providing crucial context for the rebellion that followed.

The Confirmed Cast of 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping'—And 10 Shocking New Roles
hunger games sunrise on the reaping cast
hunger games sunrise on the reaping cast

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