Get ready Hunger Games fans, as the story isn't over just yet. Following on from the release of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in 2023, Suzanne Collins then blessed our bookshelves again with the release of new book Sunrise on the Reaping based on the 50th Hunger Games, aka Haymitch's games. And if it couldn't possibly get any better, a movie adaptation of the novel is officially coming in 2026.
Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming Hunger Games movie Sunrise on the Reaping.
What will The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping be based on?
On 7th June 2024, it was confirmed Suzanne Collins would be releasing another Hunger Games novel on 18th March 2025, this time telling the story of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
As all Hunger Games fans will know, the 50th Hunger Games was Haymitch's games, and in "honour" of the 50th anniversary of the games, there were twice the number of tributes reaped, with two boys and two girls taken from each district.
In a post on the official Hunger Games Instagram account the news was confirmed: "Just Announced: A NEW Hunger Games novel by Suzanne Collins coming March 18, 2025! Sunrise on the Reaping will revisit the world of Panem twenty-four years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell."
And in a statement from Suzanne Collins, the writer, revealed her inspiration for the new novel, saying: "With Sunrise on the Reaping, I was inspired by David Hume’s idea of implicit submission and, in his words, ‘the easiness with which the many are governed by the few….' The story also lent itself to a deeper dive into the use of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative. The question ‘Real or not real?’ seems more pressing to me every day.”
Shortly following the announcement of the book news, Lionsgate then confirmed they would be making a movie based on the new book. Honestly, this is too much for us to handle.
What is The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping about?
Sunrise on the Reaping will tell the story of the 50th Hunger Games, which was a quarter quell year and saw 48 tributes reaped for the games. It's told from Haymitch's point of view, as he celebrates his birthday on reaping day, which turns into a disaster and sees him gets called up for the games. He must leave behind his mother and younger brother Sid, as well as the love of his life Lenore Dove. So how will he fare?
Well we're not in the business of giving spoilers away so if you want to find out exactly what happens to Haymitch and Lenore Dove in granular detail before the movie next year so you can emotionally prepare yourself (trust us you'll need tissues) then pick up a copy of Collins' novel.
Who will star in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping?
Ok, it's the question we all want to know, who is going to play Haymitch? In the original Hunger Games movies the adult Haymitch was portrayed by Woody Harrelson.
Now it has finally been confirmed who will be leading The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping as Haymitch. Drum roll please...Joseph Zada will be playing Haymitch Abernathy. Sunrise on the Reaping will be Joseph's first leading film role, but before that you can catch him in Prime Video's We Were Liars series later this summer.
And who is his Lenore Dove Baird? Whitney Peak will be taking on the role. Whitney is best known for her role as Zoya Lott in the revival of Gossip Girl and for playing Judith Blackwood in Netflix's The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
Following the announcement of the news, fans of the book and movies were beyond thrilled with the casting news, with many commenting on the Instagram posts about the casting. Many praised the casting team for picking more unknown actors for the roles and a lot of fans commented on how perfect both seem for their roles.
Since the confirmation of who will be playing Haymitch and Lenore was announced, the Hunger Games team has been on a roll and announced more exciting cast news.
Confirmed to be playing Maysilee Doner is McKenna Grace, Plutarch Heavensbee is being played by Jesse Plemmons, and Mufasa: The Lion King's Kelvin Harrison Jr. will be playing Beetee.
Most recently it's been confirmed Maya Hawke will be playing Wiress and Lili Taylor will be joining as Mags.
Honestly, someone give the cast teaming a raise because they are smashing these bookings.
When is The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping being released?
Good news! While it's a long time to wait, we do have already have a release date for Sunrise on the Reaping, which is set to arrive in cinemas on 20th November 2026.
