Page to screen adaptations can frequently be met with scepticism, often falling short of expectations, or at the other end of the scale, eclipsing the original work. The Hunger Games franchise generally falls into the latter category in my opinion, finding a careful balance of staying true to the novels whilst still standing distinct from them. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, both the book and the film adaption, were announced last year, and the book, released earlier this year, did not disappoint, but can the film adaptation live up to The Hunger Games‘ reputation?

Following the book, it will track the second Quarter Quell of Panem’s Hunger Games, which takes place 24 years prior to the original films.

It is officially less than a year till the film’s release on the expected date of 20th November 2026. Following the book, it will track the second Quarter Quell of Panem’s Hunger Games, which takes place 24 years prior to the original films. 48 tributes are fighting to the death, and the odds are not in Haymitch Abernathy’s (Joseph Zada) favour. As a lowly sixteen-year-old boy from the impoverished District 12, who lives fighting illicitly for his family’s survival, as he simultaneously navigates young love, he is seemingly marked for certain death. Alliances are questionably risky, the Capitol is against him, and, whilst winning the games supposedly promises glory and protection, for Haymitch, one battle won is another lost.

Tragic dramatic irony encapsulates this upcoming film.

After being given a glimpse of his games in the original books, fans have been eager for writer Suzanne Collins to reveal more about the mysteries surrounding Haymitch’s character, which this prequel intends to offer. Tragic dramatic irony encapsulates this upcoming film. As a prequel, we are already accustomed to the outcome of these games, however, it is clear that this will not ease the disquiet of watching the brutalities it will display, as the teaser trailer stresses.

With the first teaser trailer, we now have our first looks at Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. This first teaser introduces us to the 50th annual Hunger Games arena, deceptively beautiful with meadows and mountains, setting an uncanniness, unsettling in the death it inevitably brings. Distracting from this idealism of the arena’s environment, an ominous countdown, echoing the beginning of the games, features throughout alongside small glimpses of the film, introducing snippets of character and setting, and the unnerving totalitarianism that controls it all.

The trailer also notably features Woody Harrelson’s voice as an older Haymitch, interweaving the past and the present of The Hunger Games universe. This has sparked excitement for the potential of Harrelson reprising his role in the epilogue of the film. And similar rumours are also circulating surrounding Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson (who play Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark), who perhaps may be making a surprise appearance for the epilogue, significantly appealing to the fanbase.

Another strikingly gripping aspect of The Hunger Games series is its strategic use of real-world locations in its filming.

Returning to the role of the director is the resident Hunger Games filmmaker, Francis Lawrence, who has already proven his ability to create a blockbuster of a dystopian fiction prequel, having previously directed The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. His skill in actualising Collins’s universe of Panem has already proven impressive, building the sense of hopeful anticipation for the film.

Another strikingly gripping aspect of The Hunger Games series is its strategic use of real-world locations in its filming. This has not been forgotten in the Sunrise on the Reaping production, with filming mostly taking place in Spain and Germany, providing backdrops for the naturally overwhelming arena, the industrial District 12, and the flamboyantly urban Capitol.

Prior to the beginning of production over the summer, casting announcements consumed fans, as they immersed us in the world of The Hunger Games, announcing each actor in a true reaping manner. It was interesting to see how audiences anticipated each announcement, ironically linking our own society to that of this dystopian world. As social media hooked us onto the casting and left us begging for more, the film series’ deeply ingrained warning against media and propaganda as a form of control was candidly captured.

It was interesting to see how audiences anticipated each announcement, ironically linking our own society to that of this dystopian world.

Sunrise on the Reaping has been suggested to have one of the highest budgets of the series, at an estimated minimum of $150 million. This budget has clearly been expressed in the A-list cast list, with the film featuring big Hollywood names, some of whom include Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Maya Hawke as Wiress, and Ralph Fiennes as the chilling President Snow. Furthermore, casting directors have also made sure to appease fans, giving audiences exactly what they want. For years, fan casts of Effie Trinket (originally played by Elizabeth Banks) have concentrated on Elle Fanning, and now these fan casts are being realised with her taking on this much beloved character.

Centrally, Joseph Zada has won the role of the film’s protagonist, Haymitch Abernathy. As an actor that is relatively new to the Hollywood scene, it will be interesting to see how he expresses this character and portrays Haymitch, who already is a complex character, with clear predispositions and character traits that Zada must emulate in order to meet the high standards that Woody Harrelson has thus far set.

Ultimately, there is a lot of promise surrounding next year’s release of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

Taking a political lens, there is a perpetual relevance in this franchise, fortifying an ideological focus to its messaging, and Sunrise on the Reaping reminds audiences of this. Panem, the world in which The Hunger Games is set, intends to directly mirror that of modern America, adopting a critical look at capitalism and propaganda, and the exploitation and alienation it invokes. By pointing to these extremes, the book makes it clear that this film will continue to explore and expose the corruption and purposeful oppression behind politics and culture in the real world.

Ultimately, there is a lot of promise surrounding next year’s release of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Whilst we do know the general premise of the film, as the book outlines the primary plot points of Haymitch’s love, games, rebellion, and downfall, there is still an air of uncertainty, as with all of The Hunger Games’ narratives, due to the constant nature of intense suspense that the films deliver.

So, who can be trusted? Will Haymitch ever really be safe? When will this nightmare be over? All will be answered at the film’s release in November 2026. Let the 50th annual Hunger Games commence, and may the odds be ever in your favour.

 

---

More from Redbrick Film & TV:

Doctor Who: The War Between the Land and the Sea… or Between the Fans and the Writers?

Earth’s Infestation: Yorgos Lanthimos’ Uncomfortable Truth for Teddy in Bugonia

Director Spotlight: Peter Weir – The Poet Behind the Scenes