New Book and Movie in Development: ‘The Hunger Games’ Franchise Lives On

In June 2024, Lionsgate officially unveiled its plans for an adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ upcoming book, Sunrise on the Reaping, part of the renowned Hunger Games series. Scheduled for release in March 2024, this installment delves into the backstory of Haymitch Abernathy, the mentor to iconic characters Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. Woody Harrelson portrayed Haymitch in the previous films; however, casting for the new adaptation remains unannounced.

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Overview of Sunrise on the Reaping

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This new narrative is set in Panem, 24 years prior to the events of the original Hunger Games. It kicks off on the day of the 50th Reaping, known as the Second Quarter Quell, coinciding with Haymitch’s birthday. Tension runs high as he seeks to navigate a day filled with dread.

Unexpectedly, Abernathy is selected to compete in the 50th Hunger Games, triggering a journey filled with challenges and emotional turmoil as he confronts the brutal realities of the Games. Living in District 12 with his mother and brother, Haymitch must navigate the tumultuous atmosphere of the impending games.

Excerpt from Sunrise on the Reaping

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On January 15, People magazine published an exclusive excerpt that offers insights into Haymitch’s younger self and his mindset on the morning of the Quarter Quell.

In the excerpt, Haymitch reflects, “The upside of being born on reaping day is that you can sleep late on your birthday. It’s pretty much downhill from there. A day off school hardly compensates for the terror of the name drawing…” He reveals his plans for the day, indicating, “I’ll devote the afternoon to the two things I love best—wasting time and being with my girl, Lenore Dove, ” as he prepares for the Quarter Quell, where “twice as many kids” will be selected to fight for survival.

Release Date for the Sunrise on the Reaping Movie

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The film adaptation of Sunrise on the Reaping is set to premiere on November 20, 2026.

Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, expressed enthusiasm about the project: “Suzanne Collins is a master storyteller and our creative north star. We couldn’t be more fortunate to be guided by a collaborator whose talent and imagination are consistently brilliant… Hunger Games fans will be spellbound by this extraordinary story.” This movie will follow the successful adaptation of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which was released in 2023 and set 64 years before Katniss Everdeen’s story.

Key Events of the 50th Hunger Games

While avoiding major spoilers, it’s essential to understand that once reaped, Haymitch travels to the Capitol to participate in the Hunger Games. He forms a crucial alliance with another District 12 tribute but ultimately must confront a powerful tribute from District 1 in a fight for victory. Before Katniss and Peeta emerged, Haymitch represented the second and only surviving tribute from District 12.

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