The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping: Every Confirmed Cast So Far
As soon as The Hunger Games franchise announced a new book and movie, we were back in the arena (mentally, of course). The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will hit cinemas on 19 November 2026 and we can’t wait to dive back into Panem.
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This new chapter is based on Suzanne Collins’ bestselling prequel and takes us 24 years before Katniss' story. The movie begins on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. This time, the Games are even more brutal—48 tributes are thrown into the arena instead of the usual 24, doubling the danger and the heartbreak.
At the centre of the story is 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, long before he became Katniss’ grumpy mentor. Before the new Haymitch was announced, the internet went wild guessing who should take on the iconic role. So far, a number of confirmed cast members have been revealed, including a few big names.
Keep reading to meet the confirmed cast so far!
Meet the Cast
Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy
Photo from Getty Images
Joseph Zada will be potraying Haymitch Abernathy, a smart, fast-thinking boy from District 12 who’s suddenly picked to fight in the Games. Woody Harrelson played the older version of Haymitch in the original series, who mentored Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark during the 74th Games.
Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow
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We’ll see a younger, colder Snow in this movie, with Ralph Fiennes stepping into the role to show how his thirst for power was already taking shape. The late Donald Sutherland played the older Snow in the original films, while Tom Blyth portrayed a young Coriolanus in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird
Photo from @whitneypeak via Instagram
Lenore is Haymitch’s girlfriend and fellow District 12 tribute. She shares the same last name as Lucy Gray Baird, hinting at a possible family link. Whitney Peak is set to bring her character to life with a strong, heartfelt performance.
Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner
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Maysilee is another tribute from District 12 who becomes an important ally to Haymitch. Mckenna Grace will show a softer but brave side in the middle of the chaos.
Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee
Photo from Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Before becoming a Head Gamemaker, Plutarch starts off as a Capitol cameraman capturing the Games. Jesse Plemons brings his own style to this younger version of the well-known character. The role was orginally played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier
Photo from @kelvharrjr via Instagram
Beetee was a victor in the 34th Hunger Games. He is known for his tech smarts and clever thinking. Kelvin Harrison Jr. plays the younger version of him before the days we saw him as a mentor in Katniss’ time.
Maya Hawke as Wiress
Photo from Getty Images
Wiress won the 49th Hunger Games and now mentors in this story. Amanda Plummer played her in the original films, but Maya Hawke takes on the younger version in this chapter. The upcoming film also shows Wiress' past, her legacy, and the trauma left by the Games long before Katniss' time.
Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket
Photo from Steve Granitz/Getty Images
Effie gets a fresh introduction here before she became Katniss’ escort. Elle Fanning is stepping into this iconic role, ready to show us Effie’s early Capitol days.
Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman
Photo from The Mega Agency
The famous Capitol host is back! Kieran Culkin takes over as Caesar, bringing his own twist to the fun but dramatic interviewer everyone remembers. The iconic role was once portrayed by Stanley Tucci.
Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan
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Mags, a former Hunger Games champion from District 4, now guides tributes as a mentor. The late Lynn Cohen first brought Mags to life in Catching Fire, and Lili Taylor will play her younger version in this new chapter.
Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle
Photo from John Lamparski/Getty Images
Drusilla is the strict Capitol escort for District 12, and Glenn Close brings the perfect mix of power and control to this role.
Billy Porter as Magno Stift
Photo from Getty Images
Magno is Drusilla’s estranged husband and the District 12 stylist. Billy Porter is ready to bring flair and bold fashion to the story.
Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow
Photo from Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
Wyatt is another tribute from District 12. He’s known as an oddsmaker, with a family deeply tied to gambling on the Hunger Games. His sharp instincts and risky mindset make him an interesting player in the arena. Ben Wang will be bringing this unique character to life.
Jhaleil Swaby As Panache
Photo from @jhaleilswaby via Instagram
Panache is a bold and fierce career tribute from District 1. He’s known for his arrogant attitude and brutal fighting style, always ready to dominate the arena. Jhaleil Swaby will take on this intense role in the upcoming film.
Molly McCann as Louella McCoy
Photo from @mollymccannactress via Instagram
Louella is a fellow District 12 tribute who faces a heartbreaking twist during the reaping. She is known for her close relationship with Haymitch, who refers her as "sweetheart". Molly McCann is set to bring a lot of heart to her role.
Iona Bell as Lou Lou
Photo from @iona_bell_official_actor via Instagram
Lou Lou is Louella’s Capitol body double, created to keep up appearances. Iona Bell plays this mysterious character whose story is tightly connected to Louella’s.
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