The Hunger Games Sunrise On The Reaping Teaser: Joseph Zada Introduced As Young Haymitch - Watch

Based on Suzanne Collins' prequel novel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, has revealed its first teaser trailer. The new footage introduces newcomer Joseph Zada as young Haymitch Abernathy, who

goes on to mentor Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games franchise. Besides Zada, the new film in the franchise also reveals the first looks of Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, and Ben Wang as the story follows the 50th Hunger Games.

Sunrise on the Reaping trailer with Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak

On X (formerly Twitter), the official account of The Hunger Games posted the newest footage with the caption, "Let the 50th Hunger Games begin. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters & IMAX November 20, 2026." Produced by Lionsgate, Sunrise on the Reaping takes place 24 years before the Jennifer Lawrence starrer. Woody Harrelson plays the older Haymitch in the original films.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPjxijuBuSo

The prequel is the origin story of young Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada), who is chosen from District 12 to compete in the 50th Hunger Games. It turns out that because it is the second Quarter Quell, each district of Panem has to send double the number of tributes to compete in the deadly games. Therefore, 48 children will participate in this version of the Hunger Games. Francis Lawrence is back to direct Sunrise on the Reaping. The screenplay has been written by Billy Ray. The previous five films in the franchise have grossed more than $3 billion at the box office. ALSO READ: The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping Casts THESE Young Actors In Lead Roles; All About Upcoming Franchise Film

Other cast and characters in Sunrise on the Reaping

There are other characters returning to the franchise in this new film as Elle Fanning will be playing young Effie Trinket. Elizabeth Banks made the role famous in the first four films. Meanwhile, Ralph Fiennes will be the third actor to play Panem's President Coriolanus Snow, after Donald Sutherland in the original films and Tom Blyth in The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Kieran Culkin is taking over the role of Hunger Games' TV host Caesar Flickerman, from Stanley Tucci in the franchise, while Jesse Plemons will play a younger version of Plutarch Heavensbee. The late Philip Seymour Hoffman originated the role in the Mockingjay films. Other actors joining the franchise include Kelvin Harrison Jr., Glenn Close, Maya Hawke, Billy Porter, Molly McCann, Iona Bell and Percy Daggs IV are also among the cast.