Hunger Games Prequel Reveals Young Haymitch in 50th Games—Trailer Out

The first trailer for "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" has officially dropped. This prequel takes us back 24 years before the original film to explore young Haymitch Abernathy's story. Joseph Zada steps into the role originally played by Woody Harrelson as he competes in the deadly 50th Hunger Games. The film features an impressive cast including Elle Fanning, Ralph Fiennes, and Kieran Culkin in younger versions of familiar characters.

Key Points: Hunger Games Sunrise on the Reaping Trailer Release Date Cast

  • Film follows young Haymitch Abernathy competing in deadly 50th Hunger Games
  • Second Quarter Quell forces districts to send double tributes
  • Joseph Zada stars as young version of Woody Harrelson's character
  • Elle Fanning plays younger Effie Trinket with Ralph Fiennes as Snow
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First trailer of 'Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' out, film to hit theatres on November 20, 2026

First trailer for Hunger Games prequel reveals young Haymitch Abernathy in the 50th Games. Film hits theaters November 20, 2026 with Joseph Zada leading cast.

"The footage is the first look at Zada in the role, which was originated by Woody Harrelson in the original 'Hunger Games' series."

Washington DC, November 20

The makers have released the first trailer for 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping', the latest instalment in the 'Hunger Games' franchise. The film is slated to hit theatres on November 20, 2026.

According to Variety, the 'Sunrise on the Reaping' is based on the book of the same name and is set 24 years before the first film and follows a young Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada) who is selected to compete in the 50th Hunger Games, reported Variety.

Since the Games are the second Quarter Quell, which takes place every 25 years, each district of Panem must send twice the tributes to the capital. Here, 48 children will fight to the death to win the Hunger Games.

The first trailer reveals Joseph Zada's look in the film as he participates in the Hunger Games prequel alongside other competitors.

Lionsgate shared the first trailer of the film on their Instagram handle on Thursday.

The footage is the first look at Zada in the role, which was originated by Woody Harrelson in the original "Hunger Games" series.

'Sunrise on the Reaping' also stars Elle Fanning as a younger version of Effie Trinket, who was originally played by Elizabeth Banks.

Ralph Fiennes plays President Coriolanus Snow, previously portrayed by Donald Sutherland in the original films and Tom Blyth in the 'Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' prequel.

Kieran Culkin will play Caesar Flickerman, the TV host of the Hunger Games, played by Stanley Tucci in the original films.

Jesse Plemons will play a younger version of Plutarch Heavensbee, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the 'Mockingjay' films.

Kelvin Harrison Jr., Glenn Close, Maya Hawke, Mckenna Grace, Billy Porter, Whitney Peak, Ben Wang, Molly McCann, Iona Bell and Percy Daggs IV are also among the cast, reported Variety.

'Sunrise on the Reaping' is directed by Francis Lawrence, with a screenplay written by Billy Ray. Brad Simpson and Nina Jacobson return as producers for the film.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
November 2026 is too far away! 😭 But the premise sounds interesting - 48 tributes fighting in the Quarter Quell. Hope they maintain the same quality as the original series.
A
Arjun K
Honestly, I'm getting franchise fatigue. How many prequels do we need? The original Hunger Games was perfect. Hope this doesn't feel like a cash grab. The concept of children fighting to death is disturbing when you think about it.
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Sarah B
The cast is incredible! Ralph Fiennes as President Snow and Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman? That's some brilliant casting. Can't wait to see how they handle the 50th Hunger Games storyline.
M
Meera T
As someone who read all the books, I'm curious how they'll adapt this. Haymitch's backstory was always fascinating. Hope they do justice to the Quarter Quell concept. The trailer drop timing is perfect for building hype!
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Vikram M
The production quality looks top-notch from the trailer. Francis Lawrence directing again gives me confidence. This might be the perfect Diwali 2026 movie for us! 🍿

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