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Oscar-nominated actor Ralph Fiennes is joining the next “Hunger Games” movie as the dystopian franchise’s most infamous dictator.
The “Conclave” star has been cast as President Coriolanus Snow in the upcoming prequel, “Sunrise on the Reaping,” the official “Hunger Games” X account revealed Friday, May 16.
Set to premiere next year, the film adapts Suzanne Collins’ prequel book that published in March. Both the novel and movie chronicle the infamous 50th Hunger Games tournament that took place decades before the events of the original trilogy that starred Jennifer Lawrence as victor turned revolutionist Katniss Everdeen.
Fiennes joins a line of talented actors to play the villainous authoritarian ruler of Panem, including the late Donald Sutherland from the first four films and Tom Blyth in 2023’s “Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.” Sutherland died last June at the age of 88.
The new addition follows a slate of casting announcements including “The Haunting” star Lili Taylor, “Stranger Things” actor Maya Hawke and “Waves” actor Kelvin Harrison, who are all playing tributes from various districts. Last month, the “Hunger Games” social media pages confirmed that young Australian actor Joseph Zada will play protagonist Haymitch Abernathy, whom fans have long associated with Woody Harrelson.
The ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ cast, so far
The cast of “Sunrise on the Reaping,” so far, according to the official “Hunger Games” social media pages, includes the following:
- Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy
- Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow
- Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird
- Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner
- Maya Hawke as Wiress
- Lili Taylor as Mags
- Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier
- Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow
What is the new ‘Hunger Games’ movie about?
The incoming prequel film titled “Sunrise on the Reaping” will depict the 50th Hunger Games, known as the second quarter Quell, in the dystopian nation of Panem.
Based on the book released in March, the film will follow a 16-year-old Haymitch’s journey to winning the battle to the death, showing exactly how he won.
When will ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ film come out?
The new “Hunger Games” prequel film titled “Sunrise on the Reaping” will hit theaters nationwide on Nov. 20, 2026.
Francis Lawrence is returning to direct the movie after helming all of the prior ones in the series, except the 2012 original, which Gary Ross directed.
Contributing: Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY
