[Mockingjay pin with Haymitch Abernathy, played by Woody Harrelson. Photo Credit: Gamer Blog]

“Sunrise on the Reaping,” the second prequel novel in Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games franchise, is set to hit theatres as a film adaptation on November 20th, 2026. 

The announcement marks the continuation of the studio’s successful partnership with Collins, whose dystopian series has generated billions in worldwide box office revenue since the first film’s release in 2012.

“Sunrise on the Reaping” represents Collins’ return to the world of Panem, following her 2020 novel “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” which was adapted into a film in 2023.

The book follows 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, the eventual mentor to trilogy protagonist Katniss Everdeen and a major supporting character throughout the original series. 

With the story being set during the 50th Hunger Games, there are forty-eight tributes who must fight in the arena— double the usual twenty-four in a special Quarter Quell arena.

Readers follow Haymitch Abernathy through three critical phases: before the Games begin, during the deadly competition, and in the aftermath of his unexpected victory. 

The book also contains the return of infamous antagonist President Coriolanus Snow, now forty years older since his appearance in “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”.

His presence reinforces the political undertones woven throughout the narrative. 

“Sunrise on the Reaping” explores significant themes such as propaganda, psychological trauma, the ethics of artificial intelligence, and political manipulation.

The book sold 1.5 million copies within its first week of release, selling out in thousands of bookstores.

These are the highest numbers that Suzanne Collins has seen for any Hunger Games book, showcasing the continuous growth in her series’ popularity. 

The excitement doesn’t stop at the page.

A film adaptation is currently in development, with a projected release date of November 2026, just over a year and a half after the novel’s debut.

Lionsgate, the studio behind all previous Hunger Games films, will return as producer, ensuring continuity with the franchise’s established cinematic tone.

Francis Lawrence will return to direct the project.

Having led previous installments in the series, he brings a strong sense of continuity and experience to the adaptation.

The production budget is reportedly more than $150 million, with some sources estimating it could reach as high as $170 to $200 million. 

Casting announcements have also been a source of excitement for many fans.

Joseph Zada, a twenty-year-old Australian actor, will step into the role of Haymitch Abernathy. 

Whitney Peak, 22, has been cast as Leonore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend in the story. 

Jesse Plemons, 37, will portray Plutarch Heavensbee, a key supporting figure who appears later in the original trilogy. 

His casting follows strong fan support for his suitability for the role. 

As official castings continue to roll out, fans’ excitement spreads across social media, with fans sharing reactions, artwork, and predictions for how the book will be translated to screen.