Lionsgate just dropped the first teaser for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The prequel reveals Joseph Zada as a young Haymitch Abernathy competing in the 50th Hunger Games. The film releases on November 20, 2026. Fans finally see the origin story behind one of the franchise’s most beloved characters.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Joseph Zada plays 16-year-old Haymitch in the prequel film
- The story takes place 24 years before the original Hunger Games events
- This is the Second Quarter Quell, also known as the 50th Hunger Games
- Elle Fanning, Glenn Close, and Ralph Fiennes round out the cast
- Director Francis Lawrence returns to helm the prequel
Haymitch’s Story Finally Comes to Life
The teaser arrived on November 20, 2025, giving fans their first glimpse. It shows Joseph Zada waking on the morning of the reaping from District 12. The 20-year-old Australian actor perfectly captures the character we know from earlier films.
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This is the backstory Woody Harrelson‘s Haymitch could never fully tell. We discover his journey through Panem’s deadliest games. According to search results, the 50th Hunger Games featured a brutal twist. 48 tributes competed, with 18 deaths happening in the bloodbath alone.
The prequel is based on Suzanne Collins’s 2025 novel released on March 18, 2025. Fans who read the book already know the tragic details. But seeing it onscreen promises to be far more impactful and emotional.
An All-Star Cast Joins the Games
The ensemble brings serious talent to Panem’s darkest era. Elle Fanning takes on young Effie Trinket, the Capitol’s bubbly escort. Kieran Culkin plays Caesar Flickerman, the Games’ famous announcer.
Ralph Fiennes returns as President Snow, showing his rise to power. Glenn Close portrays Drusilla Sickle, a Capitol official. Jesse Plemons appears as Plutarch Heavensbee in his younger days.
Rising star Mckenna Grace plays Maysilee Donner, a fellow tribute. Maya Hawke and Whitney Peak complete the cast. Director Francis Lawrence also directed Catching Fire and Mockingjay films, so the franchise stays in trusted hands.
What’s Next for the Prequel
| Release Date | November 20, 2026 |
| Setting | 24 years before original trilogy events |
| Title | The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping |
| Director | Francis Lawrence |
| Lead Actor | Joseph Zada (age 20) |
The film arrives one year from now in theaters worldwide. Lionsgate is betting big on this prequel. The studio knows fans crave backstory on beloved characters like Haymitch.
Marketing will likely kick into high gear throughout 2026. Movie studios always drop more teasers, clips, and interviews as release dates near. This first glimpse sets the tone perfectly.
Will This Become the Next Major Franchise?
The Hunger Games universe spans multiple stories beyond the original trilogy. Collins has written other novels in this world. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes prequel film released successfully.
That success paved the way for Sunrise on the Reaping. If it performs well, expect more prequels and spin-offs. The fanbase clearly wants more Panem content. Young adult franchises like this can sustain multiple films.
What angle intrigues you most about Haymitch’s origin? Are you excited to see Joseph Zada bring this tragic character to life onscreen?
Sources
- Deadline – Official teaser trailer coverage and release details
- Entertainment Weekly – Cast announcements and production information
- Variety – Joseph Zada casting and director confirmation
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.