Hunger Games Prequel “Sunrise on the Reaping” Announced for 2026 Release

Lionsgate Greenlights ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ as Sixth ‘Hunger Games’ Film

Lionsgate has announced plans to adapt Suzanne Collins’ latest novel, “Sunrise on the Reaping,” into the sixth installment of “The Hunger Games” film franchise. The prequel, which focuses on a young Haymitch Abernathy, was greenlit for production in 2024, even before the book’s release on March 19.

Since its launch, “Sunrise on the Reaping” has sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide, solidifying its position as the second successful prequel in the series following “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.”

The film, officially titled “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” is slated for a November 20, 2026 release. Francis Lawrence, who helmed previous entries in the franchise, is in negotiations to return as director. Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson are set to produce under their Color Force banner.

While the script is still in development, production locations have already been established. The casting process for young Haymitch is ongoing, with the creative team drawing inspiration from Woody Harrelson’s portrayal in the original trilogy. The film is expected to feature an expansive cast due to the story’s premise of twice as many tributes being reaped.

To maintain secrecy during the film’s early development stages, extraordinary measures were taken to protect the book from leaks. Jacobson and Lawrence were required to read the manuscript at the literary agent’s home. Jacobson later revealed that the book’s emotional impact made it challenging to keep project details confidential.

As “The Hunger Games” franchise continues to expand, fans eagerly anticipate this new chapter in the dystopian saga, which promises to shed light on one of the series’ most beloved characters.