Second trailer for “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping”: Haymitch plots the revolution that will change Panem

Lionsgate has released the second trailer for “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” the new prequel in the famous franchise, which opens in cinemas on November 20, 2026. The film is directed by Francis Lawrence, who has also directed all the other films in the series. The screenplay was adapted by Billy Ray and Michael Lesslie based on Suzanne Collins’ novel of the same name, published in March 2025.

Set 24 years before the events of “The Hunger Games,” the story follows Haymitch Abernathy (played by Joseph Zada) in the arena of the 50th Games — the Second Quarter Quell. Haymitch forms an unexpected alliance with fellow tribute Maysilee Donner (McKenna Grace) and joins a coalition determined to challenge the Capitol’s control under President Snow (played by Ralph Fiennes). As the race unfolds, Haymitch risks everything to bring down the Games from inside the arena — setting in motion the revolution that will change Panem forever.

The cast also includes Jesse Plemons, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Whitney Peak and Kelvin Harrison Jr. The original films’ stars, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson, also return.

The film shows how Haymitch — the disillusioned mentor played by Woody Harrelson in the original films — won his own Games himself, and the trauma that shaped him. This is the first of the two trailers, followed by the film’s cinema debut two months later.

Source: Cinema Express