'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' Gives a Glimpse at the Second Quell Reaping in New Teaser Trailer

Let the 50th Hunger Games begin.

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Summary

• The teaser for prequel The Hunge Games: Sunrise on the Reaping confirms a prequel focused on the tragic youth of Haymitch Abernathy during the Second Quarter Quell
• The film returns to the brutal 50th Hunger Games, where the number of competitors was doubled, setting a dark and intense tone
• Directed by Francis Lawrence, the character-driven story is scheduled for release on November 2026

The grim history of Panem is set to unfold once more. The first teaser trailer for the highly anticipated Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping, has been released, confirming a return to the brutal 50th annual Games — the Second Quarter Quell. The film, slated for release on November 2026, will center on the tragic youth of Haymitch Abernathy, the future mentor of District 12.

Lionsgate drops the brief but chilling trailer , directed by franchise veteran Francis Lawrence, sets a dark and emotionally charged tone. It opens in the impoverished landscape of District 12 before moving to the sleek, oppressive architecture of the Capitol. The footage culminates in the moment a young Haymitch, played by Joseph Zada, is called as tribute, a scene that signals the start of the famously ruthless Games where the number of competitors was doubled. Alongside Zada, MccKenna Grace plays Maysilee Donner with Ralph Fiennes as the ruthless Panem dictator. The star-studded cast also includes Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Billy Porter, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor and Ben Wang.

• The film serves as an origin story for Haymitch, whose victory was pivotal to the series’ lore but also scarred him for life. The trailer hints at the immense spectacle of the 50th Hunger Games, focusing on events that occurred prior top the franchise’s first book The Hunger Games which was adapted to a film starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen. It also dives into the cruelty of the Quell, showing the arenas designed to be even more deadly than previous years. With Zada taking on the complex role, Sunrise on the Reaping promises a nuanced, character-driven story that adds necessary depth to the saga’s history.