Exciting news for fans of The Hunger Games franchise! Lionsgate has just revealed that the much-anticipated prequel, titled *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping*, is set to roll into production this July. Although details about the cast and footage were scarce during the CinemaCon event, a thrilling new logo and a teaser clip hint at the intense adventures to come.

In the brief but powerful clip, we see a mockingjay – the iconic emblem of resistance in the dystopian world of Panem – engulfed in flames before transforming into a snake, another significant symbol within the series. Woody Harrelson, returning as Haymitch Abernathy, delivers an ominous voiceover stating, “I think these games are going to be different,” raising anticipation for the new storyline.

The screenplay for *Sunrise on the Reaping* is crafted by the talented Billy Ray, who co-wrote the original *Hunger Games* film, and is known for his impactful storytelling, including the famous AMC ad featuring Nicole Kidman. At the helm of the movie’s direction will be Francis Lawrence, who has previously directed every installment since *Catching Fire*, ensuring a familiar creative hand guides this extension of the beloved saga.

The film will hit theaters on November 20, 2026, and is based on Suzanne Collins' recently published novel of the same name. Set nearly 25 years before the original series, it explores the gripping events surrounding the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell, in which Haymitch Abernathy once faced his own destiny in the arena. Fans will remember Haymitch as the sagacious mentor to Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark in the original films.

Notably, Collins has kept the magic of *The Hunger Games* alive with her latest ventures, as she continues to expand the universe that captured the hearts of millions. Following the successful release of *The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes*, which grossed a staggering $348 million globally, fans are eager to see how Haymitch's story adds depth to the already rich lore of Panem.

As we await more casting news and glimpses into the film, the excitement surrounding *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping* is palpable! Keep an eye out for further updates as this iconic dystopian saga prepares to deliver yet another thrilling chapter!