The Hunger Games Sunrise Reaping movie: release date, plot, cast, and more

Hunger Games fans rejoice! Lionsgate announces a sixth film, "Sunrise on the Reaping," focusing on a young Haymitch Abernathy. Coming 2026.

Hunger Games fans, rejoice! Lionsgate has just announced that a sixth film in the franchise is already in the works, hot on the heels of the recent release of The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Titled The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, this new movie will dive into the backstory of fan-favorite character Haymitch Abernathy.

Set 24 years before the original Hunger Games and 40 years after the events of Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Sunrise on the Reaping will follow a young Haymitch as he navigates the treacherous world of the Quarter Quell games. These games are known for their unique and twisted challenges, making them a spectacle like no other.

Author Suzanne Collins has hinted that the new film will explore timely themes such as propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative. With Haymitch at the center of the story, fans can expect a deep dive into the character's past and the events that shaped him into the mentor we know today.

While casting details are still under wraps, it's likely that a new actor will take on the role of young Haymitch, with the possibility of Woody Harrelson making a cameo as the present-day character. Director Francis Lawrence, who has helmed several films in the franchise, is in talks to return for this installment, ensuring a sense of continuity and familiarity for fans.

Despite the quick turnaround from book to film, Lionsgate has ample time to ensure that Sunrise on the Reaping meets the high standards set by previous Hunger Games movies. With a release date set for November 20, 2026, fans can look forward to another thrilling chapter in the saga of Panem. So gear up, tributes, because the odds are ever in your favor!