Original ‘Hunger Games’ stars guide new ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ cast

The original Hunger Games stars have offered guidance to the new cast of Sunrise on the Reaping, helping the latest actors prepare to enter the popular franchise.

Producer Nina Jacobson and director Francis Lawrence told PEOPLE that several returning franchise veterans reached out to the newcomers ahead of the film’s release on November 20, 2026. The sixth film in the series adapts Suzanne Collins’ fifth Hunger Games novel and follows a young Haymitch Abernathy during the Second Quarter Quell, decades before he becomes a mentor to Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark.

Joseph Zada takes over the role of Haymitch, originally played by Woody Harrelson. Whitney Peak plays Lenore Dove, while Elle Fanning portrays a younger Effie Trinket, the character Elizabeth Banks played in the original films.

Jacobson said the original actors were generous with their advice, noting that many of the younger performers grew up reading Collins’ books and watching the earlier movies. She singled out McKenna Grace, who plays Maysilee Donner, as an especially devoted fan of the series.

Banks also contacted Fanning after her casting, offering support as the actress prepared to portray the distinctive Capitol representative.

Harrelson was informed early that the prequel was in development. Lawrence explained that the filmmakers wanted him to know about the book centred on his character before the news became widely known. He joked that Harrelson was not necessarily the easiest person to trust with a secret.

Other established actors have also expressed enthusiasm about joining the production. Glenn Close’s team reportedly approached the filmmakers about a role, while Maya Hawke was excited to play Wiress, a character connected to the franchise’s earlier story.

Jennifer Lawrence’s possible involvement remains unconfirmed. When asked about the original Katniss actress, Francis Lawrence said he speaks with her fairly often but offered no confirmation of an appearance.

Sunrise on the Reaping also stars Jesse Plemons, Kieran Culkin, Ben Wang and Molly McCann. The film explores Haymitch’s experience in the deadly competition that shaped his life long before Katniss entered the arena.