Jesse Plemons joins Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping as young Plutarch Heavensbee

Oscar-nominated actor Jesse Plemons has officially joined The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping as young Plutarch Heavensbee, Lionsgate announced.

The movie, adapted from Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novel, is set to premiere on November 20, 2026.

Plemons, known for standout roles in The Power of the Dog and Killers of the Flower Moon, steps into a character made iconic by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Sunrise on the Reaping explores Panem 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s story, opening with the reaping ceremony for the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also called the Second Quarter Quell.

The new cast also includes Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, and McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner. Directed by Francis Lawrence, with a screenplay by Billy Ray, the project continues the Hunger Games legacy that has already earned $3.3 billion at the box office.

Producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson of Color Force praised Plemons as their "dream choice," while Lionsgate exec Erin Westerman called his casting “an honor,” especially given Plemons' past collaboration with Hoffman.

Sunrise on the Reaping smashed sales records when it dropped in March, moving 1.5 million copies globally in its first week. Expectations are high, but honestly, with Jesse Plemons on board, this prequel feels like it’s in seriously good hands.