'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' trailer debuts first look at young Haymitch

Lionsgate releases the first trailer for 'Sunrise on the Reaping', revealing Joseph Zada as young Haymitch

Lionsgate has released the first trailer for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, offering an early look at Joseph Zada as a young Haymitch Abernathy in the next film in the long-running series.

The prequel is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November 20 2026 and adapts the 2025 novel of the same name.

Set 24 years before the original film, the story follows Haymitch as he is chosen to take part in the 50th Hunger Games. This edition marks the second Quarter Quell, a special event held every 25 years in which the rules are altered.

On this occasion, each district of Panem must send two pairs of tributes, resulting in 48 participants competing for survival in the Capitol arena.

The footage provides the first appearance of Zada in the role first portrayed by Woody Harrelson. Cast announcements have drawn attention from fans of the franchise, who have highlighted the range of returning characters being reinterpreted for the prequel.

The film features Elle Fanning as a younger Effie Trinket, with the role previously played by Elizabeth Banks. Ralph Fiennes portrays President Coriolanus Snow, whose past depictions include Donald Sutherland in the original series and Tom Blyth in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Kieran Culkin takes on the role of Caesar Flickerman, originally played by Stanley Tucci, while Jesse Plemons appears as a younger Plutarch Heavensbee, portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the Mockingjay films.

The cast also includes Kelvin Harrison Jr., Glenn Close, Maya Hawke, Mckenna Grace, Billy Porter, Whitney Peak, Ben Wang, Molly McCann, Iona Bell and Percy Daggs IV.

Sunrise on the Reaping is directed by Francis Lawrence, with a screenplay by Billy Ray. Producers Brad Simpson and Nina Jacobson return to the franchise for this instalment.