Hunger Games 2026: Sunrise on the Reaping Cast, Trailer, Movies in Order and Everything We Know

The Hunger Games franchise returns to theaters on November 20, 2026 with Sunrise on the Reaping, the film adaptation of Suzanne Collins' 2025 prequel novel. Lionsgate has confirmed McKenna Grace as young Haymitch Abernathy, Joseph Zada as his fellow tribute, and Elle Fanning and Iris Apatow in supporting roles, per Yahoo Entertainment. The film covers the 50th Hunger Games, the Second Quarter Quell, set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen's story.

What is Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping about?

Sunrise on the Reaping adapts the 50th Hunger Games, the Second Quarter Quell, in which 48 tributes enter the arena instead of the usual 24. The story follows 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy from District 12 as he survives the Games that later define his role as Katniss and Peeta's mentor. The novel sold over 1.5 million copies in its first week according to Scholastic's 2025 earnings report, making it the fastest-selling Hunger Games book since Mockingjay in 2010.

Who is in the Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping cast?

The confirmed cast is led by McKenna Grace (Haymitch Abernathy), Joseph Zada (a District 12 tribute), Elle Fanning, and Iris Apatow, with additional roles still being announced through late 2026. Yahoo published a first-look gallery of the four leads in costume in October 2026, and Lionsgate is expected to release a full ensemble breakdown alongside the second trailer.

Is there a trailer for Sunrise on the Reaping?

Yes. Lionsgate released the first official teaser in mid-2026, and a fan-edited trailer circulated widely in October 2026, covered by FirstShowing. The studio has not confirmed a second trailer date, though marketing patterns from The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023) suggest a full trailer roughly 90 days before release, placing it around late August 2026.

How do you watch the Hunger Games movies in order?

You can watch the franchise in release order or chronological order. Release order is The Hunger Games (2012), Catching Fire (2013), Mockingjay Part 1 (2014), Mockingjay Part 2 (2015), The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023), and Sunrise on the Reaping (2026). Chronological order places Ballad first (64 years before Katniss), then Sunrise (40 years before), then the original quadrilogy.

Where can you stream The Hunger Games movies in 2026?

In the United States, the original four films stream on Peacock and are available for rental on Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes moved to Peacock in 2024 and remains there as of October 2026, per The Eagle. International availability varies by region, with Netflix carrying the quadrilogy in the UK, Canada, and Australia.

How many Hunger Games books are there?

There are five Hunger Games books: The Hunger Games (2008), Catching Fire (2009), Mockingjay (2010), The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2020), and Sunrise on the Reaping (2025). Combined worldwide sales exceed 100 million copies according to Scholastic, making it one of the best-selling YA franchises of all time.

What is the Sunrise on the Reaping release date and runtime?

Sunrise on the Reaping opens in theaters worldwide on November 20, 2026. Lionsgate has not confirmed the runtime, but previous franchise entries run between 123 and 142 minutes, and director Francis Lawrence has hinted at a 140-minute cut in 2026 interviews.

Why is the Hunger Games trending again in 2026?

The franchise is trending because of the Sunrise on the Reaping marketing cycle, the October 2026 first-look cast gallery, and a wave of rewatch content from college and Gen Z audiences. Google Trends data shows a 340 percent spike in searches for "hunger games cast" and "hunger games movies in order" during the week of October 5, 2026, compared to the same week in 2025.

FAQ

Who plays young Haymitch in Sunrise on the Reaping?

McKenna Grace plays young Haymitch Abernathy in Sunrise on the Reaping, confirmed by Lionsgate in 2026.

Is Sunrise on the Reaping a prequel or sequel?

It is a prequel set 40 years before the original Hunger Games film, during the 50th Games.

Will Jennifer Lawrence appear in Sunrise on the Reaping?

No. The film is set decades before Katniss Everdeen is born, and Lionsgate has not announced any legacy cast cameos.