Lionsgate dropped a surprise teaser Thursday for "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," arriving exactly one year before the film's theatrical debut. The two-minute preview offers the first glimpse of Joseph Zada as young Haymitch Abernathy, the character originally portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the franchise's earlier films.
The prequel film chronicles the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, which takes place 24 years before Katniss Everdeen's story unfolds. This particular games proves deadlier than most—each of Panem's twelve districts must send double the usual number of tributes to compete.
The ensemble includes Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow, Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle, and Kieran Culkin stepping into the role of Caesar Flickerman, previously played by Stanley Tucci. Elle Fanning portrays a younger Effie Trinket, while Jesse Plemons takes on Plutarch Heavensbee, a role originated by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Additional cast members include Billy Porter as Magno Stift, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier, Maya Hawke as Wiress, and Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan. Ben Wang rounds out the cast as Wyatt Callow.
The franchise has generated more than $3.3 billion at the global box office across five films, cementing its position as one of cinema's most profitable dystopian series. Francis Lawrence, who helmed all but the franchise's first installment, returns to direct from a screenplay by Billy Ray.
The source novel sold 1.5 million copies in its first week across the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, signaling strong audience interest ahead of the film adaptation. Suzanne Collins' book was published in March 2025, with both the novel and film announced simultaneously in June 2024.
The teaser showcases a noticeably darker tone than previous entries, with Glenn Close's character announcing, "Welcome, Panem, to the glorious reaping of District 12. Twice the number of tributes, twice the glory. It's time for the second Quarter Quell. Let the 50th Hunger Games begin!"
The film features a distinctive 1970s-inspired aesthetic, distinguishing it visually from earlier installments. Zada's Haymitch declares at one point, "I think these games are gonna be different," hinting at the strategic gameplay that helped him become District 12's only surviving victor before Katniss.
Color Force's Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson are producing, with Cameron MacConomy serving as executive producer. The production represents a strategic bet for Lionsgate, which funded much of the project through international sales and German tax credits.
Starting November 20, 2026, "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" will open exclusively in theaters worldwide. The release date marks exactly one year from the teaser's premiere, building anticipation for what franchise veterans hope will revitalize the series follow.