Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson is reportedly in negotiations to join the cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, the much-anticipated prequel in Lionsgate’s dystopian franchise. Thompson is set to play Drusilla Sickle, the long-standing Capitol escort assigned to District 12’s tributes.
The character of Drusilla, first introduced in Suzanne Collins’ 2025 prequel novel Sunrise on the Reaping, is known for her cold, distant demeanor and her tense interactions with characters like Maysilee Donner. Drusilla’s role spans multiple Games, having conducted reapings since the 25th Hunger Games.
Filming and Creative Team Confirmed
Production for Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled to begin in July 2025 in Germany, as confirmed by Lionsgate at CinemaCon. Returning to direct is Francis Lawrence, who helmed three prior Hunger Games films, with Billy Ray penning the screenplay.
Producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson are also back, having previously worked on The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The film is slated for release on November 20, 2026.
More Casting Buzz: Fiennes, Culkin, Plummer in the Mix
In addition to Thompson, multiple casting rumors have emerged. Industry insider Daniel Richtman reports that Ralph Fiennes has been offered the role of a younger President Snow, while Kieran Culkin is being eyed to play Caesar Flickerman, the eccentric Games commentator.
Nexus Point News also reports that Charlie Plummer is a top contender to portray a young Haymitch Abernathy, winner of the brutal 50th Hunger Games, which is expected to be a central storyline in the film.
Meanwhile, Jesse Plemons has reportedly been offered the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, although that casting remains unconfirmed.
A Franchise with Enduring Fire
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping expands the universe of Suzanne Collins’ literary world, exploring the politics, trauma, and spectacle of the Games through a new generation of tributes and Capitol figures. Set 24 years before the original series, the story explores the events that shaped Panem and set the stage for future rebellion.
The film’s producers and casting team are expected to finalize roles by early summer, with fans eagerly anticipating more announcements as production ramps up.