Sunrise on the Reaping Promises a Star-Studded Return to Panem’s Dark Past
The Hunger Games saga is heading back to the arena with an exciting new chapter. Lionsgate is reportedly developing another prequel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, which will explore the backstory of fan-favorite mentor Haymitch Abernathy and delve deeper into the origins of President Coriolanus Snow.
According to Nexus Point News, rising star Charlie Plummer is in discussions to portray a young Haymitch. Plummer’s striking resemblance to the character, previously played by Woody Harrelson, coupled with his collaboration with Hunger Games veteran Francis Lawrence in The Long Walk, suggests he’s a strong contender for the role. The film will reportedly cover Haymitch’s own traumatic Hunger Games victory during the 50th Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell—a turning point that shaped his cynical personality.
Ralph Fiennes Poised to Join Franchise as a New Face of Snow
In addition to casting Haymitch, the studio is reportedly eyeing Ralph Fiennes—a three-time Oscar nominee known for roles in Schindler’s List and The Grand Budapest Hotel—to take on the role of President Snow. The villainous Snow, originally played by Donald Sutherland in the original films and by Tom Blyth in The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, could be seen in an earlier stage of his political rise in this prequel.
Interestingly, Fiennes and Plummer recently co-starred as father and son in The Return, which may set the stage for a powerful dynamic between Snow and Haymitch in the new installment—though this time, as ideological enemies rather than family.
Josh Hutcherson Open to Revisiting Peeta Mellark
While the prequel focuses on earlier generations, nostalgia for the original series remains strong. In a recent interview, Josh Hutcherson, who played Peeta Mellark, expressed interest in reprising his role—if author Suzanne Collins pens a new continuation of the story.
“I’m curious to know what happens between when they have their family and when the story ends… If you can talk to Suzanne Collins and tell her to write a book, I’m in. Sign me up,” Hutcherson said in a recent interview.
With Sunrise on the Reaping still in early development, there’s speculation that Lionsgate could include present-day sequences, potentially allowing for cameos from legacy characters such as Peeta or Katniss. If that’s the case, Hutcherson’s return might happen sooner than expected.
How ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ Fits Into the Hunger Games Timeline
Sunrise on the Reaping is set to take place 24 years before the events of the original Hunger Games trilogy, showcasing Haymitch’s brutal experience during the 50th Hunger Games. This prequel will offer a fresh perspective on the Capitol’s manipulation and how key figures like Snow influenced the Games long before Katniss Everdeen entered the scene.
The upcoming film continues the expansion of Collins’ dystopian universe, following the commercial success of The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes—which grossed over $337 million globally.
Lionsgate has not officially confirmed the casting, but with talent like Plummer and Fiennes in talks, Sunrise on the Reaping is shaping up to be a major event for fans of the franchise. Whether it’s a return to the Games or a deeper dive into Panem’s political underbelly, this prequel promises to deliver high-stakes drama and iconic characters once again.