New Hunger Games trailer spotlights Haymitch

The highly anticipated second trailer for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping has been released, giving fans a deeper look at young Haymitch Abernathy and the brutal 50th Hunger Games.

Lionsgate unveiled the latest trailer on Wednesday, September 16, building excitement around the upcoming dystopian film. The preview focuses on Haymitch, played by Joseph Zada, as he struggles to survive an exceptionally dangerous version of the Games.

Set 24 years before the events of the original The Hunger Games, the new film follows Haymitch after he is selected as a tribute for the Second Quarter Quell. Unlike the regular Games, the event features twice as many tributes from each district, significantly increasing the scale and danger of the competition.

The trailer shows Haymitch facing deadly challenges inside the arena while attempting to stay true to his principles. As the Games become increasingly violent, he finds himself drawn into an unexpected alliance with fellow tribute Maysilee Donner, played by Mckenna Grace.

The story also introduces a wider effort to challenge the Capitol’s control under President Snow, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes. Haymitch becomes involved with a group of tributes determined to resist the system from within the arena.

The film’s official story follows Haymitch as he risks his life in an attempt to undermine the Games themselves. His actions ultimately become part of the chain of events that will contribute to the rebellion that transforms Panem.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is based on Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel of the same name. The movie will be the sixth installment in the Hunger Games film franchise.

The film follows The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, released in 2023, while serving as a prequel to the original The Hunger Games, which premiered in 2012.

The cast includes Joseph Zada, Jesse Plemons, Elle Fanning, Kieran Culkin, Mckenna Grace, Whitney Peak, Ben Wang, Maya Hawke, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Ralph Fiennes and Glenn Close.

Directed as the latest chapter in the franchise, the film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas worldwide on November 20, 2026. With its expanded Games, younger version of Haymitch and growing conflict with the Capitol, the new installment is expected to explore another pivotal chapter in the history of Panem.