Casting announcements for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping continue to spark excitement among fans. Maya Hawke, known for her roles in Stranger Things and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, has been cast as Wiress, a former Hunger Games victor and District 12 mentor in the upcoming prequel. The film, set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026, dives into the 50th Hunger Games, focusing on a young Haymitch Abernathy. Directed by Francis Lawrence, this adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ latest novel promises to expand the dystopian universe that has captivated audiences for over a decade.
The news of Hawke’s casting broke recently, adding to the growing ensemble of talented actors. Wiress, a character beloved for her intelligence and tragic arc in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, will be portrayed as a younger mentor guiding tributes in the Second Quarter Quell. Fans are eager to see how Hawke brings depth to this complex figure. The film’s production is already underway, with shooting scheduled to begin in July 2025.
This prequel, set 24 years before the events of the original Hunger Games trilogy, introduces new characters while revisiting familiar faces. Alongside Hawke, the cast includes Joseph Zada as Haymitch, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, and Jesse Plemons as a young Plutarch Heavensbee. The story explores the origins of Panem’s rebellion, weaving together personal struggles and political intrigue.
Key details about the film include:
- Based on Suzanne Collins’ novel, published in March 2025, which sold 1.5 million copies in its first week.
- Directed by Francis Lawrence, who has helmed every Hunger Games film since Catching Fire.
- Focuses on the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell, with double the tributes.
- Features a budget exceeding $150 million, making it one of the franchise’s most ambitious projects.
Wiress reimagined
Maya Hawke’s casting as Wiress marks a significant moment for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. In the original trilogy, Wiress, played by Amanda Pl, was portrayed as a brilliant but eccentric victor from District 3, known for her cryptic communication style. In this prequel, set during the 50th Hunger Games, Hawke will depict Wiress at a younger age, serving as a mentor to District 12 tributes, including Haymitch Abernathy.
The role requires an actor capable of conveying both intellectual sharpness and emotional vulnerability. Hawke’s previous performances, such as her portrayal of Robin Buckley in Stranger Things, suggest she can balance these traits effectively. Her ability to embody layered characters has made her a fan favorite, and expectations are high for her interpretation of Wiress.
The announcement has generated buzz across social media, with fans praising the casting choice. Many highlight Hawke’s versatility, noting her ability to bring authenticity to complex roles. The film’s setting, 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s era, offers a fresh perspective on Wiress’s early life and her role in shaping District 12’s tributes.
A star-studded ensemble
The casting for Sunrise on the Reaping reflects Lionsgate’s commitment to assembling a talented ensemble. Joseph Zada, a rising Australian actor, takes on the lead role of Haymitch Abernathy, the District 12 tribute who later becomes Katniss’s mentor. Whitney Peak, recognized for her work in Gossip Girl and Hocus Pocus 2, plays Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend and a member of the nomadic Covey group.
Other notable additions include:
- Jesse Plemons as a young Plutarch Heavensbee, a cameraman covering the Games who later becomes a key rebel figure.
- Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, a District 12 tribute with ties to Katniss Everdeen’s iconic Mockingjay pin.
- Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier, another District 3 victor known for his technological expertise.
- Elle Fanning, eyed for the role of a young Effie Trinket, the Capitol escort for District 12.
This diverse cast, blending established stars and emerging talents, underscores the franchise’s history of launching careers. The Hunger Games series has previously elevated actors like Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson to global stardom, and Sunrise on the Reaping aims to continue this tradition.
Wiress.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026. pic.twitter.com/IPNmFoji2w
— The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) May 14, 2025
The Second Quarter Quell
Sunrise on the Reaping centers on the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell, a special edition with unique rules. Unlike the typical Games, this event doubles the number of tributes, requiring each district to send four instead of two. For District 12, this means Haymitch Abernathy, Maysilee Donner, Louella McCoy, and Wyatt Callow are thrust into the arena.
The Quell’s arena, described in Collins’ novel, is a lush but deadly landscape filled with hidden dangers, from poisonous flora to treacherous terrain. This setting demands a larger production scale than previous films, with a reported budget exceeding $150 million. The increased scope aims to capture the grandeur and brutality of the Games, setting the stage for Haymitch’s transformative journey.
The story also explores the Capitol’s tightening grip on Panem, showcasing the early seeds of rebellion. Characters like Plutarch Heavensbee, depicted as a young cameraman, begin questioning the system, laying groundwork for the resistance seen in the original trilogy.
Expanding the Hunger Games universe
The Hunger Games franchise, launched with Collins’ 2008 novel, redefined dystopian storytelling. Its blend of action, political commentary, and character-driven drama has sustained a global fanbase. Sunrise on the Reaping, the fifth book in the series, connects the timelines of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and the original trilogy, offering cameos from familiar characters and new insights into Panem’s history.
The novel’s release in March 2025 was a commercial triumph, selling 1.5 million copies in its first week across the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This success fueled anticipation for the film, which Lionsgate announced alongside the book’s debut. The franchise’s box office track record, with over $3.3 billion earned globally across five films, underscores its enduring appeal.
Sunrise on the Reaping also builds on the success of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the 2023 prequel that grossed $348 million worldwide. That film, centered on a young Coriolanus Snow, proved audiences remain invested in Panem’s past. The new prequel aims to replicate this by delving into Haymitch’s formative years and the origins of key rebellion symbols.
Director and production team
Francis Lawrence, a cornerstone of the Hunger Games franchise, returns to direct Sunrise on the Reaping. Having helmed every installment since 2012’s Catching Fire, Lawrence brings continuity and a deep understanding of Panem’s world. His vision for the prequel emphasizes emotional depth and visual spectacle, aiming to honor Collins’ novel while appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers.
The screenplay, penned by Billy Ray, who co-wrote the original Hunger Games, balances fidelity to the source material with cinematic flair. Producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, who have overseen every film in the series, are joined by executive producer Cameron MacConomy. The team’s experience ensures a polished production, with filming set to begin in July 2025.
Key production details include:
- A budget north of $150 million, making it the largest Hunger Games project to date.
- Filming locations yet to be announced, though past films used sites in Georgia and Hawaii.
- A release date of November 20, 2026, aligning with the franchise’s tradition of late-fall premieres.
- Distribution by Lionsgate, with international sales planned for the Cannes market.
Fan reactions to casting
The announcement of Maya Hawke as Wiress has ignited discussions across fan communities. Social media platforms are abuzz with praise for Hawke’s casting, with many citing her ability to portray nuanced characters. Fans of the books are particularly excited to see Wiress’s mentorship role explored, given her brief but impactful appearance in Catching Fire.
Other casting choices, like Joseph Zada as Haymitch and Whitney Peak as Lenore, have also drawn positive feedback. Zada’s resemblance to a young Woody Harrelson, who played Haymitch in the original films, has been noted as a thoughtful touch. Peak’s casting as Lenore, a Covey descendant, has sparked speculation about connections to Lucy Gray Baird, the protagonist of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
Fans have also expressed curiosity about uncast roles, such as Mags Flanagan, the District 4 victor, and the District 1 and 2 tributes, who serve as antagonists. An open casting call for these teenage villains suggests Lionsgate is seeking fresh talent to round out the ensemble.
Ties to the original trilogy
Sunrise on the Reaping strengthens its connection to the original Hunger Games trilogy through returning characters and symbolic elements. Wiress, Beetee, and Plutarch, all pivotal in Catching Fire and Mockingjay, appear in their younger forms, offering insight into their early motivations. The prequel also highlights Maysilee Donner, played by Mckenna Grace, whose Mockingjay pin becomes Katniss’s iconic emblem.
One notable difference arises from a change in the first Hunger Games film. In the book, Maysilee’s pin is explicitly linked to Katniss, but the movie altered this detail, meaning the film adaptation of Sunrise on the Reaping may downplay this connection. Despite this, the prequel emphasizes District 12’s resilience, with Haymitch and Maysilee forging a bond amid the Games’ horrors.
The story also sheds light on the Capitol’s propaganda machine, with Plutarch’s role as a cameraman revealing how the Games are staged for Panem’s audience. This perspective adds depth to his later rebellion, showing the seeds of dissent planted decades before Katniss’s uprising.
A high-stakes narrative
The Second Quarter Quell’s doubled tributes create a more chaotic and brutal Hunger Games, testing Haymitch’s cunning and resolve. As a 16-year-old from District 12, he faces not only rival tributes but also the Capitol’s manipulative Gamemakers. The prequel delves into his relationships, particularly with Lenore Dove Baird, whose Covey heritage ties her to Panem’s cultural past.
Wiress’s role as a mentor adds another layer to the narrative. Her experience as a District 3 victor equips her to guide Haymitch, but her eccentric demeanor hints at the trauma she carries. Hawke’s portrayal is expected to capture this duality, blending Wiress’s brilliance with her vulnerability.
The Quell’s rules also amplify the stakes for other tributes, like Maysilee Donner, whose arc is both tragic and pivotal. Her connection to Katniss’s mother, Asterid, revealed in the novel, underscores District 12’s intergenerational struggles. These personal stories, set against the Games’ spectacle, drive the prequel’s emotional weight.
Cultural significance
The Hunger Games franchise has long resonated for its critique of inequality, authoritarianism, and media manipulation. Sunrise on the Reaping continues this tradition, exploring the Capitol’s control over Panem’s districts and the human cost of the Games. Haymitch’s journey, from a reluctant tribute to a hardened victor, mirrors the series’ themes of survival and resistance.
The casting of diverse actors like Whitney Peak and Kelvin Harrison Jr. reflects the franchise’s commitment to representation. The inclusion of the Covey, a nomadic group with musical traditions, adds cultural richness, building on their prominence in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. These elements ensure the prequel appeals to a broad audience while staying true to Collins’ vision.
The film’s release in 2026 will mark nearly two decades since the first Hunger Games novel. Its enduring relevance speaks to the story’s universal themes, which continue to captivate readers and viewers worldwide.
Anticipation for the arena
The design of the Second Quarter Quell’s arena is a focal point for fans and filmmakers alike. Described as a deceptively beautiful landscape, it contrasts vibrant flora with lethal traps, from venomous creatures to unstable terrain. This setting requires advanced visual effects, contributing to the film’s substantial budget.
Previous Hunger Games films have showcased innovative arenas, from the clock-inspired layout of Catching Fire to the war-torn Capitol in Mockingjay. Sunrise on the Reaping aims to surpass these, leveraging modern technology to create an immersive experience. Early reports suggest the production team is exploring expansive outdoor locations to capture the arena’s scale.
The arena also serves as a metaphor for Panem’s facade of prosperity, hiding cruelty beneath its surface. Haymitch’s navigation of this space, guided by mentors like Wiress, will test his resourcefulness and shape his future as a victor.
Casting calls and new talent
While major roles like Wiress and Haymitch are filled, Lionsgate is still seeking actors for key parts, particularly the District 1 and 2 tributes. These characters, traditionally the Games’ antagonists, are described as teenage villains with ruthless ambition. An open casting call, announced in May 2025, targets young actors to bring fresh energy to these roles.
The franchise’s history of discovering talent through auditions, as seen with Jennifer Lawrence’s breakout role, fuels excitement for these additions. The casting process, overseen by Lionsgate and director Francis Lawrence, prioritizes authenticity and emotional depth, ensuring the tributes feel both formidable and human.
Emerging actors like Joseph Zada and Mckenna Grace, already cast, represent the next generation of Hunger Games stars. Their performances, alongside veterans like Jesse Plemons and Maya Hawke, will bridge the franchise’s past and future.
A global release
Sunrise on the Reaping is poised for a worldwide theatrical release on November 20, 2026, aligning with the Thanksgiving season, a prime slot for blockbusters. Lionsgate’s marketing campaign, already underway, includes social media teasers and casting reveal videos, building anticipation. The film’s presence at the Cannes market, where international distribution deals will be finalized, highlights its global appeal.
The Hunger Games franchise has a strong international fanbase, with past films performing well in markets like the U.K., Germany, and Australia. The prequel’s focus on universal themes, combined with its high-profile cast, positions it for similar success. Advance ticket sales and promotional tie-ins are expected to begin in mid-2026, further amplifying excitement.
