The Ultimate Guide To The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping Cast—The New Stars And Returning Legends
The Hunger Games universe is expanding once again, and as of this December 2025 update, the highly anticipated prequel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, has officially unveiled a stunning ensemble cast of rising stars and veteran actors. This film, based on Suzanne Collins’s 2025 novel and set during the brutal 50th Hunger Games—known as the Second Quarter Quell—will finally show fans the harrowing story of a young Haymitch Abernathy and his fight for survival in a double-sized arena. The casting announcements have generated massive buzz, confirming key roles that will bridge the gap between the original trilogy and the recent *Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes* prequel.
The new film, directed by franchise veteran Francis Lawrence, is slated for a theatrical release on November 20, 2026. The production is currently underway, and the confirmed list of actors promises a faithful yet fresh take on the beloved characters, including the young tributes from District 12 and the nascent Capitol figures who will shape Panem's future. Below is the definitive breakdown of the confirmed cast, their roles, and a look at the impressive careers they bring to the arena.
The Confirmed Cast of Sunrise on the Reaping: A Full Roster of Tributes and Capitol Figures
The official casting reveals for Sunrise on the Reaping have brought clarity to who will portray the iconic figures of the Second Quarter Quell. This list focuses on the most prominent and confirmed roles, providing a detailed look at the new faces stepping into the *Hunger Games* lore.
- Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy: The Australian actor takes on the challenging lead role of the 16-year-old Haymitch, the future mentor of Katniss Everdeen. Zada is a rising star best known for his work in the Prime Video series *We Were Liars* and the film *Bilched*. His portrayal will explore Haymitch’s journey from a defiant District 12 youth to a traumatized victor, a pivotal moment in the series’ history.
- Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner: Grace, a highly acclaimed young actress, is cast as Maysilee Donner, the female tribute from District 12 who enters the arena alongside Haymitch. Grace’s extensive filmography includes critically praised roles in *Gifted*, *I, Tonya*, and *Ghostbusters: Afterlife*, showcasing her ability to handle complex, emotionally demanding characters, which will be essential for Maysilee’s tragic arc.
- Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird: Peak is cast as Lenore, a significant new character who is Haymitch Abernathy’s girlfriend and a key emotional anchor in his life before the Games. Peak is widely recognized for her leading role as Zoya Lott in the *Gossip Girl* revival series and her work in the Apple TV+ series *Home Before Dark*.
- Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman: In one of the most exciting casting announcements, *Succession* star Kieran Culkin will step into the flamboyant shoes of Caesar Flickerman, the long-running host of the Hunger Games. This prequel will show the early, perhaps less-polished, days of the Capitol’s most famous television personality. Culkin’s recent Emmy-winning performance as Roman Roy has cemented him as one of the most versatile actors working today.
- Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee: The Oscar-nominated actor Jesse Plemons is confirmed to play a young Plutarch Heavensbee, who at this time is a rising cameraman for the Hunger Games. Plemons is a powerhouse of contemporary cinema, with recent notable roles in films like *Kinds of Kindness*, *The Power of the Dog*, and *Breaking Bad* on television. His casting as the future Head Gamemaker is a brilliant piece of continuity, showing the origins of the rebel sympathizer.
- Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier: Harrison Jr., known for his powerful performances in *Waves* and *Chevalier*, is cast as a young Beetee Latier, the brilliant District 3 victor who later becomes a key figure in the rebellion. This role, previously played by Jeffrey Wright, will depict Beetee's early life and his first exposure to the Capitol's manipulation. Harrison Jr. has received critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, confirming the high caliber of the ensemble.
- Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow: Fiennes will return to the franchise, taking on the role of the older President Coriolanus Snow, the tyrannical leader of Panem. While Fiennes did not appear in *The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes*, he is a perfect choice to embody the character previously played by Donald Sutherland, representing the fully-formed, cold-hearted dictator at the time of the 50th Hunger Games.
- Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle: Veteran actress Glenn Close is also confirmed, reportedly playing Drusilla Sickle, a high-ranking Capitol official.
The Second Quarter Quell: What The 50th Hunger Games Means for the Story
The core of Sunrise on the Reaping is the 50th Hunger Games, an event of historic brutality and a major turning point in the life of Haymitch Abernathy. The term "Quarter Quell" signifies a special, more savage version of the Games that occurs every 25 years to remind the districts of the price of their rebellion. For the Second Quarter Quell, the Capitol announced a twist that shocked all of Panem: four tributes—two boys and two girls—would be reaped from each of the twelve districts, doubling the usual number of participants to 48.
This increased death toll is what makes the 50th Games so significant, setting the stage for Haymitch’s legendary victory and the deep-seated cynicism that defines his character in the original trilogy. The film will explore the dynamic between Haymitch and Maysilee Donner, his fellow District 12 tribute, and the unexpected alliance they form within the arena. Their story is one of the franchise's most tragic, filled with moments of desperate hope and inevitable betrayal, which will be a powerful showcase for the talents of Joseph Zada and Mckenna Grace.
The film is adapted from the fifth book in the *Hunger Games* saga, continuing the trend of successful prequels that explore the dark history of Panem. The book, penned by author Suzanne Collins, ensures that the cinematic adaptation will be deeply rooted in the established lore, providing a rich narrative for the talented cast to explore.
Topical Authority: The Star Power and Entity Connections
The casting choices for *Sunrise on the Reaping* are a clear strategy by Lionsgate to infuse the franchise with both fresh, compelling talent and established, respected acting heavyweights. This approach helps to build "topical authority" and excitement around the new installment. The casting of Joseph Zada as the young Haymitch is a major career milestone, immediately positioning him as the next face of a global phenomenon, following in the footsteps of previous leads like Jennifer Lawrence and Tom Blyth.
The inclusion of seasoned actors like Jesse Plemons and Kieran Culkin is a masterstroke. Plemons' recent work with director Yorgos Lanthimos in *Kinds of Kindness* demonstrates his range, while Culkin's iconic portrayal of a privileged, dysfunctional heir in *Succession* proves he can handle the complex, satirical nature of the Capitol’s elite. The character of Caesar Flickerman is a perfect vehicle for Culkin’s sharp wit, promising a memorable performance that will set the groundwork for Stanley Tucci’s later portrayal.
Furthermore, the return of President Snow, played by Ralph Fiennes, provides a direct narrative link back to the origins of the Capitol's tyranny. Fiennes’s gravitas adds significant weight to the political machinations surrounding the Games. The film is directed by Francis Lawrence, who has helmed four previous *Hunger Games* movies, ensuring a consistent visual and narrative tone. His experience with the source material and the world of Panem is a massive entity connection that reassures long-time fans.
The Return of Victors: Beetee and Plutarch’s Early Days
One of the most intriguing aspects of the new film is the inclusion of young versions of future allies and antagonists. Kelvin Harrison Jr.’s casting as Beetee Latier, the technological genius from District 3, suggests the film will explore the early life of this key rebel figure. Beetee is known for his intellect and engineering prowess, which he later uses to aid the rebellion. His appearance in the 50th Games, which occurred 24 years before Katniss’s Games, will be a fascinating glimpse into the history of District 3 and the victors’ network.
Similarly, Jesse Plemons' Plutarch Heavensbee is a crucial piece of the puzzle. In the original trilogy, Plutarch is the Head Gamemaker who secretly works for the rebellion. In *Sunrise on the Reaping*, he is merely a young cameraman, suggesting the film will show the subtle ways the Capitol’s inner circle is beginning to fracture or how the brutality of the Games first sows the seeds of his eventual dissent. This focus on the origins of key characters—the young Haymitch, Maysilee, Beetee, and Plutarch—makes the film a vital piece of the *Hunger Games* timeline, offering a deeper understanding of the world Katniss Everdeen would later fight to change.
With a release date set for November 2026, the anticipation for *Sunrise on the Reaping* will only continue to build. The confirmed cast, from the young, talented leads to the established, award-winning veterans, promises a cinematic experience that will honor the brutal legacy of the 50th Hunger Games and continue the tradition of high-quality storytelling that defines the *Hunger Games* franchise.
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