Ever since the release of the first “Hunger Games” film in 2012, the franchise has been a cultural phenomenon. With two more movies wrapping up the original trilogy in 2015, fans wanted more out of the story. In 2023, a prequel to the original franchise was released. It was only a matter of time before another one would be announced. Now, in 2026, we have confirmation of another prequel: this time following Haymitch’s story.

  In late 2025, the official Lionsgate social media accounts confirmed the release of the newest installment, “Sunrise on the Reaping”. The official trailer has confirmed the fan-favorite theory about the movie’s plot. If you watched the original movie series, you would remember Haymitch Abernathy, a memorable character who served as the mentor to Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson). Now, we are getting a glimpse at his story of winning the 50th annual Hunger Games. With the book version of the story already released in March of 2025, fans know what to expect, but that doesn’t diminish the atmosphere of the upcoming film.

As for the film’s plot, most major details have been revealed.

  So far, we know that this movie covers Haymitch’s experience of winning the second Quarter Quell, an event that occurs every 25 years. Cineworld.com explains just how much fans have been wanting this, saying, “Hunger Games fans have been wanting to read about the games that District 12 victor Haymitch Abernathy won. In fact, fans have wanted it basically since we met him in the first Hunger Games book.” According to the book, twice as many tributes are sent to fight in the 50th arena. A side plot will also include the unseen side of Haymitch’s love life with a newly introduced character named Lenore Dove. It is also confirmed that Haymitch will be portrayed by Joseph Zada. Other cast members will include Ralph Fiennes (President Snow), Maya Hawke, McKenna Grace, and Jesse Plemons, just to name a few. Another major plot point of the film will center around the evolution of President Snow, much like the last movie did. Now expected to be around 50 years old, fans are excited to see how President Snow’s tyrannical reign will lead up to the original saga.

Now, the question everyone is wondering: When should we expect the film’s release?

  All official trailers from the Lionsgate and Hunger Games accounts all point to the movie being released on November 20th, 2026. In other news, Francis Lawrence was announced to return as director for the film. Every “Hunger Games” film since “Catching Fire” has been directed by him, so we can expect the same intensity from the previous movies. Now, for arguably the most hyped part of the movie: Will Katniss and Peeta return? Not much has been revealed about how they will return, but BCC.com has confirmed that Lawrence and Hutcherson will reprise their roles. “US magazines The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline reported that Lawrence, 35, returns as Katniss Everdeen while Hutcherson, 33, will reprise his role of Peeta Mellark in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.” Though they will likely appear for a short time, possibly in a fast-forward scene, it doesn’t take away from the overall hype of their returns.

  There is so much to be excited about with the upcoming release of this film this year. Even if you are not yet a fan of the Hunger Games franchise, there is enough time to get up to date before the newest installment of The Hunger Games hits the big screen. From uncovering beloved characters’ pasts to having an iconic duo return, this film will be sure to not disappoint.