‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ to Film in July, Screenwriter Billy Ray Set for Haymitch Prequel

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On Tuesday morning, the prospects for CinemaCon attendees leaned somewhat towards optimism as Lionsgate revealed a fresh logo for “The Hunger Games” sequel, titled “Sunrise on the Reaping.” However, the studio held back on providing substantial details like cast or footage about the upcoming movie. This untitled project revolves around the character of Haymitch Abernathy, played by Woody Harrelson in the initial series, and production is set to commence during the summer.

In the brief, intense video, a mockingjay – a representation of rebellion in the post-apocalyptic society of Panem – is seen morphing into a snake, another significant figure within the “Hunger Games” universe. As Harrelson speaks ominously, he predicts, “I believe these games are going to change.

One well-known figure is set to reappear in Panem. Billy Ray, who collaborated on the initial “Hunger Games” script and also contributed to the memorable AMC commercial featuring Nicole Kidman, has been selected to pen the screenplay for “The Hunger Games: Dawn at the Reaping.

Excitedly speaking as a passionate movie lover, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be seeing Francis Lawrence back at the helm for “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” the upcoming prequel sequel! Mark your calendars for November 20, 2026, when we’ll all gather in cinemas to experience this new chapter in the captivating world of Panem.

Lawrence shared at CinemaCon that we’re currently delving into the casting phase. He’s quite enthusiastic about it, as they’ve spent a year perfecting the script. The filming begins in July.

Titled “Dawn of the Reaping,” this upcoming story, derived from Suzanne Collins’ novel, delves back into the world of Panem about 25 years before the chronicles of the original “Hunger Games” series. The narrative unfolds on the morning of the 50th Hunger Games, famously known as the Second Quarter Quell, where Haymitch Abernathy would step onto the lethal battlefield. In the year 2012’s “Hunger Games,” Haymitch Abernathy is the mentor to Katniss Everdeen, portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence, and Peeta Mellark, played by Josh Hutcherson.

Collins, author of the initial trilogy and prequel book “The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” released “Sunrise at the Reaping” earlier this March.

In 2023, Lionsgate expanded the “Hunger Games” movie series with “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” featuring Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird and Tom Blyth as a young Coriolanius Snow. This film was a success, earning approximately $348 million worldwide. The story in this movie revolves around the 10th Hunger Games, occurring many years before Snow ascends to his ruthless rule over Panem. As a franchise, “The Hunger Games” has grossed over $3.3 billion globally at the box office, with “Catching Fire,” released in 2013, being its highest-grossing film at $865 million.

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2025-04-01 21:19