2026’s Hunger Games Movie Officially Brings Back 7 Characters from the First Movie

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The next Hunger Games movie, coming out in 2026, will bring back more than six characters from the very first film in 2012. Although the Hunger Games series has a long history of movies, Lionsgate hasn’t released a new one since The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in 2023, which was the fifth film overall.

The new Hunger Games movie, Sunrise on the Reaping, set to release in 2026, will feature seven characters that audiences first met in the 2012 film The Hunger Games. This prequel takes place almost 25 years before the original story and centers around the 50th Hunger Games, showcasing the younger versions of characters we later come to know.

Every Character From Original Hunger Games in 2026 Prequel

Haymitch Abernathy

In the 2012 film The Hunger Games, Woody Harrelson plays Haymitch Abernathy. He mentors Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence, during the 75th Hunger Games. It’s later revealed that he’s working with other past winners in a secret plan to take down the Capitol.

Following speculation about who would take over the role previously held by Harrelson in Sunrise on the Reaping, Joseph Zada has been cast. Zada will play a young Haymitch, only 16 years old when he’s selected as District 12’s tribute in the 50th Hunger Games, and the film is expected to show him winning the competition.

Coriolanus Snow

Donald Sutherland, who recently passed away, famously played Coriolanus Snow, the tyrannical president of Panem, in the original Hunger Games films. As the leader of Panem, he was a cruel and intimidating figure, becoming furious when both Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen won the Hunger Games, and constantly fearing a rebellion against his rule.

Ralph Fiennes, known for his role in Harry Potter, will star as the villain in Sunrise on the Reaping. The film will show a younger version of the character battling an unknown sickness, though he’s still expected to be a formidable and ruthless leader of Panem.

Caesar Flickerman

Stanley Tucci, a well-known actor, became part of The Hunger Games series in 2012, playing Caesar Flickerman. Caesar is the host who interviews the contestants before and during the Games, adding excitement and often creating tension. Despite his role in building drama, the competitors generally see him as someone on their side.

Kieran Culkin, who won an Oscar, will be playing the role in the 2026 film, Sunrise on the Reaping. Although the character isn’t as large in this particular book compared to the original series, the movie adaptation might allow Culkin to expand on the role previously played by Stanley Tucci.

Effie Trinket

In The Hunger Games series, Elizabeth Banks plays Effie Trinket, who guides the tributes from District 12, including Katniss and Peeta. She accompanies them to the Capitol and helps them through various events related to the Games. Notably, she’s the only escort from the 74th and 75th Hunger Games to survive.

Elle Fanning will portray a young Effie Trinket in the upcoming film, Sunrise on the Reaping. The movie shows Effie beginning her career as a stylist and gradually rising in power, gaining insight into how the Hunger Games are really run.

Asterid March

In the recent film Sunrise on the Reaping, Paula Malcomson introduces Asterid March, a new character revealed to be Katniss and Primrose Everdeen’s mother. The movie shows her struggling with the anxiety of Primrose being selected for the Hunger Games, before Katniss bravely volunteers as tribute in her place.

Grace Ackary is stepping into the role previously held by Malcomson for the new prequel film, set to release in 2026. The movie will follow Asterid as she works in a pharmacy, and centers around the events when her close friend, Maysilee, is selected as a tribute for the 50th Hunger Games. After Maysilee’s tragic death, the story will also show Asterid taking care of Maysilee’s sister.

Katniss Everdeen

Jennifer Lawrence became internationally known for playing Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games films. In the story, Katniss bravely volunteers to compete in the Hunger Games representing District 12, ultimately winning and inspiring a rebellion against the Capitol.

I’m so excited to hear that Jennifer Lawrence is coming back as Katniss! The Hollywood Reporter says she’ll be in Sunrise on the Reaping, and while we don’t know exactly what her role will be, it sounds like she’ll appear in a scene set way in the future, maybe showing us what happens with Katniss after the books end – just like the epilogue in the novel!

Peeta Mellark

Josh Hutcherson first became well-known for playing Peeta Mellark in The Hunger Games, alongside Jennifer Lawrence. As the baker’s son from District 12, Peeta was chosen for the 74th Hunger Games with Katniss and became a key figure in the rebellion with her.

I’m really excited to hear that Hutcherson is coming back for Sunrise on the Reaping! From what I understand, his character will probably have a dynamic a lot like the one Jennifer Lawrence had with him in the original movies – a strong, supportive presence, I’d guess.

The sixth Hunger Games movie, Sunrise on the Reaping, is based on a new book by Suzanne Collins. It will tell the story of Haymitch Abernathy and his experiences in the 50th Hunger Games, after he’s chosen as District 12’s tribute. The film stars Joseph Zada, McKenna Grace, Elle Fanning, Jesse Plemons, and Ralph Fiennes, and is scheduled for release in theaters on November 20, 2026.

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2025-12-31 09:36