Francis Lawrence, the director of the Hunger Games franchise, has revealed exciting new details about the upcoming prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping, at CinemaCon 2025. Set during the 50th Hunger Games, this highly anticipated film will follow a young Haymitch Abernathy, long before he became the hardened mentor played by Woody Harrelson in the original series.
While the actor stepping into Haymitch’s younger shoes hasn’t been announced yet, Lawrence confirmed that casting is well underway, and filming is set to begin in July. Producer Nina Jacobson has also hinted at what they’re looking for in the role—someone who captures Haymitch’s wit and rebellious spirit without simply mimicking Harrelson’s performance.
Lawrence described Sunrise on the Reaping as a “return to form”, suggesting it will bring back the intense survival drama that made the original films so gripping. With the film slated for a November 2026 release, fans can expect official casting news in the coming months, followed by sneak peeks from the set once filming kicks off this summer.