The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping opens in US theatres on Friday 20 November 2026, with some markets, including the UAE, getting it a day earlier on 19 November. It adapts Suzanne Collins’s latest novel and goes back to Panem 24 years before the first story. Here is what is confirmed about the release, runtime and cast.
Release date and runtime
The US release date is 20 November 2026. The film is rated PG-13 for strong violence, bloody images, disturbing material, some smoking and teen drinking. Listings put the runtime at about 2 hours 30 minutes, though a final length has not been widely confirmed.
It is also reported to play in IMAX and in 3D. We could not confirm an Indian release date in the sources we checked, so check your local cinema listings. No streaming date has been announced.
What the story covers
The film follows Haymitch Abernathy, the future mentor of Katniss Everdeen, and the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell. That edition doubles the number of tributes to 48. Fans of the earlier films will recognise Haymitch as the drunken mentor of the original story, and this prequel shows how he got there.
Cast and director
Francis Lawrence directs, returning to the series after the earlier films and following his work on The Long Walk. Joseph Zada plays the young Haymitch. The listed cast also includes Jesse Plemons, Elle Fanning, Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, McKenna Grace, Maya Hawke and Kieran Culkin.
The music
Noah Kahan released a song from the film called “Draw You Out” in October, ahead of the theatrical release.
Before you book
- Check whether your cinema offers IMAX or 3D shows, as availability differs by city.
- Confirm the Indian release date on booking sites before planning your visit.
- Allow for the long runtime when choosing an evening show.
For more films arriving this season, see our guide to upcoming movies in fall 2026. For more film coverage, visit our Movies section.
Sources: TechRadar, Metacritic, Khaleej Times, ARY News, BroadwayWorld, Hoyts cast listings, Movies Anywhere.