- The new film follows up The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes
- It will focus on Haymitch Abernathy in his youth
- It will be set 24 years before the first Hunger Games book
Just over a decade after the film adaptation of The Hunger Games, a new film took us back to Panem – and back in time – with resounding success.
Set 64 years before the events of the first book, The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes told the backstory of the series’ antagonist President Snow. Released in 2023, it was an adaptation of a new book written by Suzanne Collins that was published in 2020.
It performed well at the box office, having grossed $337 million at the box office, but didn’t quite rake in as much as the original four films.
Now, there’s a new story coming. Collins will release a new novel, Sunrise On The Reaping, in March and a film adaptation is also on the way.
For the second prequel, Collins is moving a little further forward in time to explore Haymitch Abernathy’s backstory and his experience in his own Hunger Games.
But what else do we know about Sunrise On The Reaping?
When will Sunrise On The Reaping be released?
A release date for Lionsgate’s adaptation of the book has already been confirmed.
The book itself isn’t far away either, as it is scheduled to hit shelves on March 18. Is story will come to the big screen on November 20, 2026.
What is the plot of Sunrise On The Reaping?
We will likely know more about the direction of Sunrise On The Reaping’s plot when the book comes out.
However, based on details about Haymitch’s past from the original films, we do know a fair amount about what’s coming.
Haymitch won the 50th Hunger Games for District 12 24 years before he guided Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark to victory. This Games was an especially significant one as it was the Second Quarter Quell, meaning that there was an extra nasty twist in store. When Haymitch participated in the Hunger Games, he had twice as many tributes to compete against than usual.
In the main series, Haymitch is surly, cynical and frequently drunk, so we will likely get to see how he turned out that way.
The book’s synopsis reads: “As the day dawns on the 50th annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.
“Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.
“When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight … and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.”
Who will star in Sunrise On The Reaping?
We don’t know much for the moment about who could star in Sunrise On The Reaping. Production is not due to start for some months till after the book’s release. No cast members have been confirmed so far.
Woody Harrelson portrayed Haymitch in the original films, but it is unknown if he will reprise the role.
Elsewhere, It has been confirmed that Francis Lawrence, who has directed every film in the series since Catching Fire is in talks to direct again
