The movie adaptation of Sunrise on the Reaping is set to start filming in July, with locations spanning across Germany. Hunger Games fans everywhere are SCREAMING.
The question on everyone’s lips remains the same — who will be cast as the younger versions of our beloved characters?!
It can’t be just anyone. We’ve been waiting since 2008 (when the first Hunger Games book was released) for the backstory of our favourite characters, including Katniss Everdeen’s elusive mentor Haymich.
13 years later, we’re finally getting to see a host of characters’ younger selves come to life on screen, and I just know eight-year-old me would be so jealous (and fangirling, hard).
@.alexander.hannahlton evryone saying "what young actor looks like him" NO! JUST CAST WOODY HARRELSON AS YOUNG HAYNITCH
♬ War – Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
Now that I’ve read Sunrise on the Reaping, I don’t think I’m mentally prepared to see what he’s about to go through on screen. Leave our baby boy alone, Snow (and I’m talking to you too, Suzanne Collins).
Let’s quickly recap the book before we get into the casting rumours.
PS: I’ve ensured that there are no spoilers, so you can enjoy all of the potential cast fear-free. If you’re yet to snag a copy of Sunrise on the Reaping, you can do so here.
@bansheesia I mean, we all agree right ? #hungergames #hungergamesedit #booktok #booktoker #reading #book #sunriseonthereaping #sotr #haymitch #haymitchabernathy #woodyharrelson #suzannecollins #hungergamescatchingfire #hungergamestheballadofsongbirdsandsnakes #movie #actors #fyp #viral #trend #lionsgate #relatable #reader #bookstagram @The Hunger Games ♬ War – Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
Table of Contents
- What is the Sunrise on the Reaping book about?
- When will Sunrise on the Reaping be released in Australia?
- When will Sunrise on the Reaping be released in Australia?
- Who is being cast in Sunrise on the Reaping?
- Who is going to play Louella McCoy in Sunrise on the Reaping?
- Who is going to play Lou Lou in Sunrise on the Reaping?
- Who is going to play President Snow in Sunrise on the Reaping?
- Who is going to play Wyatt Callow in Sunrise on the Reaping?
- Who is going to play Mags Flanagan in Sunrise on the Reaping?
- Who is going to play Wiress Wright in Sunrise on the Reaping?
- Who is going to play Effie Trinket in Sunrise on the Reaping?
- Who is going to play Caesar Flickerman in Sunrise on the Reaping?
- Who is going to play Beetee Latier in Sunrise on the Reaping?
- Who is going to play Maysilee Donner in Sunrise on the Reaping?
- Who is going to play Plutarch Heavensbee in Sunrise on the Reaping?
- Who is going to play Haymitch Abernathy in Sunrise on the Reaping?
- Who is going to play Lenore Dove Baird in Sunrise on the Reaping?
- Who is going to play Drusilla in Sunrise on the Reaping?
- Here’s how you could be cast in Sunrise on the Reaping
- Will the original actors be in Sunrise on the Reaping?
What is the Sunrise on the Reaping book about?
Set 24 years before the first Hunger Games book, Sunrise on the Reaping takes place during the 50th Hunger Games. We follow 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy from District 12 as he’s forced to fight in the second Quarter Quell. His one goal? Survive for his girlfriend, Lenore Dove.
Check out our Sunrise on the Reaping lore recap here for more. (FYI, there will be spoilers there. You have been warned).
@wtfaleisa 5 stars
♬ Silence – Vick Lezcano
Will Sunrise on the Reaping be a movie?
Yes, Sunrise on the Reaping will be made into a movie — set 40 years after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The film’s creators, Lionsgate, announced that the second prequel would be made into a film on June 6, 2024, coinciding with the book announcement.
The good news is that the same director, Francis Lawrence, from previous films in The Hunger Games franchise (except the OG) will be on board.
Lionsgate also confirmed that it’s bringing back the Hunger Games scriptwriter Billy Ray at CinemaCon in March 2025.
We can all breathe a collective sigh of relief that Sunrise on the Reaping is in good hands. We’d be rioting against the Capitol if not.
@hungergamesofficial Welcome to the Second Quarter Quell. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026. #TheHungerGames ♬ The Hunger Games Whistle – Lionsgate
When will Sunrise on the Reaping be released in Australia?
The film version of Sunrise on the Reaping will be released in Australia on November 20, 2026. How are we supposed to wait that long, Lionsgate?? Luckily, we’ve got casting rumours to get us by. Otherwise, I don’t know how I’d cope.
@primevideouk nobody does it quite like #rachelzegler 🫶 #thehungergames #thg #balladofsongbirdsandsnakes #tomblyth #violadavis #hunterschafer #primevideo #snowwhite ♬ original sound – Prime Video UKIE
Who is being cast in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Here’s everything we know about the Sunrise on the Reaping cast so far.
@readsbykali PUR YOUR PITCHFORKS DOWN 😭😭🫵🏻 #thehungergames #sunriseonthereaping #haymitchabernathy ♬ original sound – kali ✨🧸 booktok
Who is going to play Louella McCoy in Sunrise on the Reaping?
It’s been recently announced that Molly McCann will play Louella McCoy in Sunrise on the Reaping. If you’re yet to read the book (no spoilers, I promise), Louella is reaped alongside Haymitch for the 50th Hunger Games. He treats her like a little sister, nicknaming her “his sweetheart” — which he ends up calling Katniss. I’m not crying, you are.
If you’re not familiar, McCann is an up-and-coming Irish actress who has been in shows such as Bad Sisters, The Hardacres, The Boy That Never Was, and Star Wars: Visions. With such a hefty filmography under her belt already, I for one can’t wait to see what’s next after adding SOTR to the list.
@coconat.nat I will not tolerate any negative comments about this casting. REMEMBER: she is a KID, who’s probably excited to take on this role. Have some humanity. Also, will they cast someone else for Lou Lou??? #Booktok #Booktokph #hungergames #LouellaMcCoy #sotr #sunriseonthereaping #haymitchabernathy #sunriseonthereapingmovie #THG ♬ original sound – Joy22
Who is going to play Lou Lou in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Iona Bell has been cast as Lou Lou in Sunrise on The Reaping — and yes, the casting team did just give a minor spoiler away. This will be Bell’s first feature film, and I’m so keen to see what she’s made of.
Can I be real for a sec? I’m really not ready for this. McCann and Bell look so young. Sure, it’s bad reading about it in the books, but to visually see them on screen, battling it out in the Hunger Games?? Just like we did with Rue?? I’m going to need a moment.
Who is going to play President Snow in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Sadly, the previous President Snow actor, Donald Sutherland, passed away in 2024 at the age of 88. Sutherland left a big hole to fill, but he’ll never truly be replaced, immortalised forever in The Hunger Games movies. You can watch The Hunger Games here.
Ralph Fiennes will continue Sutherland’s legacy, taking on the role of President Snow in Sunrise on the Reaping. Fiennes nailed daddy Voldemort in the Harry Potter franchise, so it seems only fitting that he takes on yet another snazzy yet evil villain. This is the closest thing we’ll get to a fandom crossover, and I’m so here for it.
@peetamellark_4life if yall find a way to make thirst trap edits of snow again… I WILL FIND YOU. #hungergames #sunriseonthereaping #sotr #presidentsnow #ralphfiennes #voldemort #harrypotter #fyp ♬ Blue Danube: Waltz – London Symphony Orchestra
My burning question is — will young President Snow (played by Tom Blyth) make an appearance?? Can confirm that it would make me the happiest gal around.
Who is going to play Wyatt Callow in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Wyatt Callow, Haymitch’s fellow District 12 tribute in the 50th Hunger Game, will be played by Ben Wang. Without giving too much away, Wyatt organised bets for District 12, including who would win the Hunger Games. If you ask me, it’s hella ironic that he was then reaped. That’s one twisted form of karma TBH.
@emily.samantha.roman Replying to @Lionsgate UK This cannot be Wyatt. 🤯😭 #hungergames #sunriseonthereaping @The Hunger Games ♬ original sound – Emily Samantha 💕
This casting feels very fitting, since Wang has already learnt how to play-fight in Karate Kid: Legends alongside Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio. Look, all I’m saying is that karate moves would slap in the arena. Just call me a Gamemaker at this point.
Wang has also mastered the art of mental battles after his role in Mean Girls. I don’t know about you, but I’d choose the Hunger Games over going back to high school any day.
Who is going to play Mags Flanagan in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Lili Taylor will play Mags Flanagan, AKA Haymitch’s mentor (alongside Wiress) in Sunrise on the Reaping. Mag’s nurturing role to Haymitch is in safe hands, as Taylor’s known for motherly roles in some of the most fucked up scenarios such as The Conjuring, Six Feet Under, and American Crime.
@tessa.chb miss ma’am we love u #foryou #fyp #booktok #books #yabooks #thehungergames #hungergames ♬ My baby my baby – madsendlesswrld
If you put Taylor and Lynn Cohen (who plays Mags in Catching Fire) side by side, it’s eerie how alike they look. The casting directors truly blessed us with this film.
Who is going to play Wiress Wright in Sunrise on the Reaping?
It’s official — Maya Hawke is set to star as Wiress Wright, Haymitch’s mentor, in Sunrise on The Reaping. Someone give the casting directors a raise, as Hawke is truly MADE to play the cooky ‘Nuts’ — she’s the perfect pick to capture the ‘before’ of all the psychological torture that the Capitol put Wiress through.
@holdensmith962 Love this #PopCulture #popculturenews #fyp #hungergames #hungergamesedit #thehungergames #katnisseverdeen #mayahawke #movienews ♬ Chill Vibes – Tollan Kim
Take her role in Stranger Things as Robin Buckley, playing Steve Harrington’s quirky best friend. Real ones remember her role as the scatterbrained Anxiety in Inside Out 2, which foreshadows what’s to come for Wiress.
I was so immersed in the wholesome bond Wiress had with Haymitch when reading the book — so I’m keen to see how those actors recreate the bond. If anyone can master it, it’s these guys.
Who is going to play Effie Trinket in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Elle Fanning has officially been announced as the young Effie Trinket in Sunrise On The Reaping!
While the casting was originally reported by Nexus Point News and confirmed by an anonymous source to The Wrap, it has now been officially confirmed.
All I have to say is EEEKKKKK. Fanning was literally my fan cast for Effie, so all my dreams are coming true!
Fanning has Effie’s innocent look down pat — just look at her in Maleficent. Her character, Briar, is a stark contrast to Effie, who (initially) turns a blind eye to kids getting killed.
@natthebeesknees Replying to @🍑Peaches🍑 effie trinket, who couldn’t understand the horrors of the world and so put sparkles on frowns. #booktok #booktokfyp #thehungergames #hungergames #hungergamescatchingfire #hungergamesrenaissance #hungergamestheballadofsongbirdsandsnakes #hungergamestok #effietrinket #effietrinkethungergames #effiehungergames #haymitchabernathy #presidentsnow #coriolanussnow #katnisseverdeen #peetamellark #district13 #mockingjay #catchingfire ♬ original sound – Nat 📚(remy the rat’s version)
Plus, take a look at Fanning’s Instagram. It’s soooo Effie-coded.
She’d be obsessed with Fanning’s ball gowns that combine different textures and patterns.
Set long before she became an escort for District 12, Fanning’s (alleged) role follows Effie as an assistant stylist, where she meets young Haymitch for the first time.
If grown-up Haymitch (played by Woody Harrelson) and Effie (played by Elizabeth Banks) don’t get together in Sunrise on the Reaping… I will stab the mahogany with a butter knife. Mark my words.
@carofreespirit if you don't like this fancast feel free to KEEP SCROLLING (; also, I do not ship a twenty year old woman with a sixteen year old boy, this are just edits about their dynamic at that time! #effietrinket #haymitchabernathy #sunriseonthereaping #ellefanning #charlieplummer #hayffie #thehungergames ♬ sonido original – carofreespirit
Who is going to play Caesar Flickerman in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Proving that these casting directors are really not playing, Succession baddie Kieran Culkin has been cast as Ceaser Flickerman, aka the telly host who was previously portrayed by Stanley Tucci in the OG film series.
The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the news that the former child star has been chosen for the iconic role, fresh from his Oscars win.
May the odds be ever in his favour!
@emily.samantha.roman I was NOT expecting that… 😳#HungerGames #sunriseonthereaping @The Hunger Games ♬ original sound – Emily Samantha 💕
Who is going to play Beetee Latier in Sunrise on the Reaping?
In an epic reveal, Mufasa: The Lion King Kelvin Harrison Jr. has been cast to play the zaddy we all know as Beetee Latier.
Let me be the first to say…. BOOM SHAKALAKA! YES GAWD!!! YES GAWD!
While I am excited for a Sunrise on the Reaping film, I keep forgetting that it’s packed with heartbreaking moments. Just like most of the bloody characters here, Beetee’s storyline is fucking tragic. You see, as punishment for messing with the Capitol’s communication systems, his son Ampert was reaped for the 50th Hunger Games.
Beetee is then forced to mentor his son, only to watch him die in the games.
It’s brutal, it’s necessary for the plot, and this is not a spoiler because the book is out.
BRB, gonna buy a box of tissues for this scene.
Who is going to play Maysilee Donner in Sunrise on the Reaping?
McKenna Grace has officially been announced as Maysilee Donner in Sunrise on the Reaping. My reaction? I AM SCREAMING. We grew up with Grace on our screens, playing the younger version of stars such as Margot Robbie in I, Tonya and Brie Larson in Captain Marvel.
Excited as I am, this casting is also heartbreaking, as we know Maysilee dies at the end. And no, that’s not a spoiler, it’s just common sense. She’s Haymitch’s fellow District 12 tribute in the Hunger Games… and we all know that he’s the only one who makes it out alive.
Excuse me. I need a moment.
@jackietodd_ Mckenna Grace was born to play our Maysilee!! #sunriseonthereaping #sotr #maysileedonner ♬ original sound – Jackie Todd
Who is going to play Plutarch Heavensbee in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Jesse Plemons has been confirmed to play Head Gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee. Plemons has previously been in many blockbuster hits and TV shows — Black Mirror, Breaking Bad and Game Night, to name a few. Personally, I reckon Plemons would absolutely nail Plutarch’s nonchalant vibe. I dig it.
Plemons will continue on Philip Seymour Hoffman‘s legacy, who played Plutarch Heavensbee in The Hunger Games. He sadly passed away in 2014 at 46 years old. Hoffman played Plutarch brilliantly — I really wouldn’t have known he was on the good guys’ team if I hadn’t read the books first.
The silver lining is that we can trust Plemons to carry on his legacy. He’s definitely got the acting chops for it.
@mochtheweek #plutarchheavensbee #sunriseonthereaping #thehungergames #hungergames #casting #panem #fyp #viral @Lionsgate UK @Lionsgate @The Hunger Games ♬ original sound – Moch the Week
Who is going to play Haymitch Abernathy in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Lionsgate has officially revealed that Joseph Zada will play Haymitch Abernathy in Sunrise on the Reaping. WE FINALLY HAVE OUR LEAD. Fans are going wild in the comments, frothing that the casting team chose an up-and-coming actor.
“HES UNKNOWN THANK GODSJDJQJDICJSJDJDJJW,” one fan commented on the post, which has been liked by 4,000 people and counting.
@nerysreads I’m actually so ready #sunriseonthereaping #sunriseonthereapingmovie #sotr #haymitchabernathy #lenoredove #thehungergames #thg #suzannecollins #booknews #booktok ♬ original sound – SpedUpSongs</3
It turns out Zada is actually Australian (!!), hailing from Sydney. I’m so excited for all the Australian challenges we’re about to see, specifically the cast trying Vegemite.
If you’re wondering why Zada looks familiar, the trailer for his recent role in We Were Liars has been circulating. The TV show follows a wealthy family on a private island (that’s definitely not a recipe for disaster), where Zada plays cousin Johnny Sinclair.
Who is going to play Lenore Dove Baird in Sunrise on the Reaping?
We’ve officially had Haymitch’s love interest Lenore Dove Baird confirmed — she’ll be played by Whitney Peak. Peak and Zada are going to look so cute together — I’m already excited for the TikTok edits. I bet you their ship name is going to be Zeak.
@cinenerys official: this is our lenore dove 🥹🫶 #hungergames #hungergamessunriseonthereaping #lenoredove #lenoredovebaird #whitneypeak #lenoredoveedit #whitneypeakedit #hungergamesedit ♬ original sound – tities ⭐️
“The Hunger Games franchise has long been a launching pad for remarkable young actors, and Jo and Whitney carry that legacy forward with incredible heart, depth, and fire,” Lionsgate told Deadline. “After auditioning hundreds of gifted performers from around the world, these two stood out—not just for their talent, but for the emotional truth they brought to these iconic roles.”
Peak is a Ugandan-Canadian, most widely known for her role in the Gossip Girl reboot. She plays Zoya Lott, the younger half-sister of an Instagram influencer.
@xoxogmz ICONIC. #zoyalott #whitneypeak #gossipgirlreboot #gossipgirl #fyp #viral ♬ som original – xoxogmz
Who is going to play Drusilla in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Emma Thompson is “in talks” to play Drusilla Sickle in Sunrise on the Reaping, per Nexus Point News. If you haven’t heard of Drusilla before, all you need to know is that she’s Haymitch’s escort to the Capitol.
This is the first time Drusilla’s character will be introduced on screen, so her interpretation needs to be on the ball.
@_.milo____ #DRUSILLA Emma Thompson would play such a good Drusilla are you kidding me #sunriseonthereaping #thehungergames #sotr #thg #cruella #baroness #emmathompson #fancast #milo #ilomilobillieellish ♬ original sound – ✪
Drusilla’s character is in good hands if the rumours are true, as Thompson kills it in any role she plays. The way she makes me cry every single time that I watch Love Actually is wild.
Here’s how you could be cast in Sunrise on the Reaping
That’s right, if you’ve ever wanted to step into the Hunger Games universe (without, you know, the actual threat of being reaped), now’s your chance. Lionsgate has announced an official open casting call for Sunrise on the Reaping, as shared on the movie’s X (formerly Twitter) account on May 24, 2025.
Here’s the deal: one lucky fan will be selected for an undisclosed role in the film. To audition, all you need to do is upload a solo video — act out a scene, belt out a song, or just show off whatever makes you unique. No acting experience required. Video submissions must be posted on X, Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram, and the winner even gets to bring a guest to set.
The chosen tribute will join the likes of Kieran Culkin, McKenna Grace, Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Ben Wang, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, and Jesse Plemons in the Haymitch-centric prequel.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to be a part of Panem (and have a story to tell at every party for the rest of your life), now’s your moment. May the odds be ever in your favour!
Will the original actors be in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Going off the book, the original movie actors could be in Sunrise on the Reaping if they do a time jump ahead. We also get Woody Harrelson’s (who plays the older Haymitch) voice in the trailer, confirming that he’ll be in the movie.
“I think these games are gonna be different,” he voices. Okay, elusive king.
@hungergamesofficial Forty-eight tributes. One victor. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026.
♬ original sound – The Hunger Games
If Harrelson is in the movie, this means that we could actually have a glimpse of our favourite star-crossed lovers, Katniss Everdeen (played by Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (played by Josh Hutcherson).
@milo_edits24 Effie is such an icon 😌 #mentality #effietrinket #Hungergames #Katniss #fyp #fypシ ♬ original sound – 𝐍𝐢𝐧𝐞
Do you know what the cherry on top would be? If they put a snippet of Lucy Gray Baird (played by Rachel Zegler) at the end. Life = made.
Oh, and don’t forget: one role is still up for grabs via Lionsgate’s open casting call (details on their official X account). So technically, the next cast announcement could be you.
Do you have any fan casts or Sunrise on the Reaping theories? If so, send me an email below. I’d love to discuss them with you!
May the odds be ever in your favour with The Hunger Games merch below.
Sunrise on the Reaping special edition
Can’t you just imagine how this special edition of Sunrise on the Reaping will look on your bookshelf? I’m obsessed with the gold detailing and velvet wrap.
A personalised letter from Haymitch (no, I’m not kidding)
You can finally live out your Haymitch fantasy with a personalised letter from him. Also, $10 for a 1500+ word count? What a bargain.
Peeta engraved wooden spoon
Now, YOU can bake bread with Peeta. He’ll even help you stir the dough. Move aside, Katniss; he’s feeding us bread this time.
The Hunger Games candle
Hopefully, your family will get the hint that you want to be left alone with your book. You can even personalise the candle with your name or the names of your book besties.
Katniss’s bow and arrow
You can look just like Katniss with this cosplay bow and arrow by wearing your hair in a braid.
‘That is mahogany!’ jumper
I think we all fell in love with Effie Trinket based on this quote alone. So why not get this iconic saying on a jumper?
Mockingjay epilogue bookmark
How cute are these bookmarks???
Mockingjay pin leather bracelet
Now, you can proudly wear the sign of the resistance with this badass Mockingjay pin leather bracelet.
Baby girl Josh Hutcherson stickers
When I showed my editor the baby girl stickers, she said, “Need.”
Girl dinner flag
This girl dinner flag is also a need.
Happy Hunger Games tributes.
Image Credits: Lionsgate, Warner Bros. Pictures.
Social Image Credits: @Mckennagraceful, @Josephzada.
The post There Are 2 New Casting Updates For Sunrise On The Reaping But Warning: It’s A ‘Yuge Spoiler appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
