Opening Weekend Projections and Theatrical Release
Lionsgate projects a domestic opening weekend between $55M – $65M for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, according to Boxoffice Pro tracking data. The sixth installment in the franchise arrives in theaters on Nov. 20, 2026. This figure marks an increase from its 2023 predecessor, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, which debuted to $44.6M in mid-November before finishing its domestic run at $166.3M, as reported by Boxoffice Pro.
Cast Lineup and London Premiere Appearances
The film adaptation features Joseph Zada taking over the role of a young Haymitch, alongside Jesse Plemons as Plutarch, Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Maya Hawke as Wiress, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee. New characters are portrayed by Mckenna Grace, Glenn Close, and Whitney Peak. Cast members gathered at London’s Westfield shopping centre for the United Kingdom launch event on Wednesday night, where a purple carpet and a towering Capitol cornucopia welcomed fans and journalists, according to The Hollywood Reporter and Page Six.
#TheHungerGames Sunrise on the Reaping is the Rogue One/Andor of the franchise. A sobering, yet powerful story of devastating loss and the necessary cost of rebellion for a sunrise we may never see. As a massive fan of the series and especially this book, I couldn’t have asked… pic.twitter.com/EC98k42mQt
Critical Reactions and Franchise Comparisons
Early reviews from critics and festival press describe the adaptation as a powerful addition to the series. Griffin Schiller characterized the movie as the Rogue One and Andor of the franchise, calling it a sobering story of loss and the cost of rebellion, Variety reported.
Box Office Landscape and Holiday Competition
Unlike 2023, when The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes shared its opening weekend with Trolls Band Together, Sunrise on the Reaping faces no major wide-release competitors on Nov. 20, 2026. However, the film confronts holiday holdover competition during its second week. Boxoffice Pro notes that the sophomore frame will compete against Disney’s Hexed—tracking for a three-day opening in the $35M – $45M range—and the PG-13 comedy Focker-In-Law over the Thanksgiving holiday stretch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunrise on the Reaping
When does The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping premiere in theaters?
Lionsgate schedules the theatrical release for Nov. 20, 2026, giving the film an open weekend free of major direct competitors on its debut date.
Who plays the young Haymitch in the prequel film?
Joseph Zada stars as a young Haymitch competing in the 50th Hunger Games, taking over the role originated by Woody Harrelson in the original films.
We’ve seen this all before but #sunriseonthereaping stellar third act pulls the rug out underneath you. Anchored by terrific performances (Zada is a star), this emotional thriller nails the themes of the cost of revolution and how we all need to play our part. pic.twitter.com/v4lQkVwAlq
Do Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson return for the new movie?
Yes, original franchise leads Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson reprise their roles as Katniss and Peeta in a flash-forward epilogue that mirrors Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel.
Which director returns to helm Sunrise on the Reaping?
Francis Lawrence returns to direct the latest prequel, having directed every film in the series except for the first installment.
Worth a look