# The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

> Haymitch Abernathy's story returns in The Hunger Games prequel.
- Title: The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping · ScreenRant
- Summary: Haymitch Abernathy's story returns in The Hunger Games prequel. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping reveals Haymitch Abernathy's backstory before the…
- Keywords: hunger games, sunrise on the reaping, haymitch abernathy, francis lawrence, elle fanning, mckenna grace, joseph zada, the hunger games franchise, entertainment, culture, Hunger, Games
- Source: ScreenRant — https://screenrant.com/hunger-games-sunrise-on-the-reaping-cast-interviews-cover-story
- Author: Rianna de Bono-Smith
- Published: 2026-10-20T18:00:10+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: hunger games, sunrise on the reaping, haymitch abernathy, francis lawrence, elle fanning, mckenna grace, joseph zada, the hunger games franchise, entertainment, culture
## Haymitch Abernathy's Story
Haymitch Abernathy was first introduced as a District 12 victor who survived the horrific 50th Hunger Games.
## Haymitch's Character Evolution
Haymitch was initially presented as a difficult and seemingly cold character but the story reveals his deeper trauma.
## The New Movie
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is a prequel film directed by Francis Lawrence.
## Director's Reaction
Lawrence recalled reading the manuscript for the first time and realizing it was about Haymitch Abernathy.
## Producer's Perspective
Nina Jacobson shared how the story connects the past and future of Panem and the characters' sacrifices.
## Elle Fanning's Role
Elle Fanning plays Effie Trinket with a butterfly necklace as an homage to Elizabeth Banks' original portrayal.
## Joseph Zada as Haymitch
Joseph Zada portrays Haymitch Abernathy honoring Woody Harrelson's performance with his own spin.
## Maysilee Donner
Mckenna Grace plays Maysilee Donner with a braid inspired by a 2011 fan film.
## Beetee Latier
Kelvin Harrison Jr. portrays younger Beetee Latier with a focus on his relationship with Wiress.
## Plutarch Heavensbee
Jesse Plemons plays younger Plutarch Heavensbee as the beginning of the rebellion.
## Mags Flanagan
Lili Taylor portrays Mags Flanagan mentoring young tributes after winning the 11th Hunger Games.
## Magno Stift
Billy Porter plays Magno Stift with a snake costume as a symbol of respect.
## Drusilla Sickle
Glenn Close portrays Drusilla Sickle as a flamboyant Capitol escort.
## The Story's Impact
The film connects the past and future of Panem through the characters' sacrifices and resistance.
## Release Date
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping arrives in theatres on November 20, 2026.
## The Franchise
The Hunger Games franchise includes The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay Part 1 and 2.
## Key takeaway

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping reveals Haymitch Abernathy's backstory before the original films.