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Lionsgate has confirmed that Maya Hawke, best known for her breakout role as Robin in Stranger Things, will join the cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Hawke will take on the role of Wiress, a former Hunger Games victor who later becomes a mentor to tributes from District 12.
Wiress, known for her brilliant yet eccentric demeanor in the original trilogy, is portrayed in this prequel at an earlier phase in her life, lending insight into her evolution from victor to mentor.
A Star-Studded Ensemble: Young Haymitch and New Faces
Sunrise on the Reaping features a compelling ensemble cast that brings fresh faces to beloved roles in the Hunger Games universe. The story centers on a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, played by Joseph Zada, during the Second Quarter Quell, a brutal iteration of the Hunger Games in which 48 tributes—double the usual number—are sent into the arena.
Also joining the cast:
- Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird
- Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, a key character from Haymitch’s Games
- Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, who later becomes Head Gamemaker
- Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee, known for his intelligence and technical prowess
The casting signals a deeper exploration of the lore and characters that would go on to shape the events of Suzanne Collins’ original trilogy.
The Story: Set 24 Years Before Katniss Everdeen
The film is an adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ most recent novel, also titled Sunrise on the Reaping, which was published on March 18, 2025. Set 24 years before the events of the original trilogy, the story kicks off on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games.
The narrative follows Haymitch, a resourceful and fiercely independent teenager from District 12, as he is selected to represent his district in a special edition of the Games that is not only bloodier, but politically loaded. The Second Quarter Quell is designed to punish the districts even more cruelly by doubling the number of tributes.
Francis Lawrence Returns to Direct
Returning to the director’s chair is Francis Lawrence, who helmed Catching Fire, Mockingjay – Part 1, and Part 2. He brings with him a trusted creative team that includes Billy Ray as screenwriter.
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Production is being led by Color Force’s Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, with Cameron MacConomy on board as executive producer. Lionsgate’s Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien are overseeing the project, and Robert Melnik is handling deal negotiations.
Lawrence’s involvement ensures continuity in tone and vision, reinforcing the franchise’s signature mix of dystopian drama, political allegory, and high-stakes survival.
Maya Hawke’s Rising Stardom
Maya Hawke has steadily carved out a unique space in Hollywood. While many know her from Stranger Things, she has built an impressive résumé with roles in:
- Maestro
- Asteroid City
- Wildcat
- The upcoming Inside Out 2, where she lends her voice to one of the new emotions.
With her casting as Wiress, Hawke takes on one of her most high-profile franchise roles to date. Her portrayal is expected to deepen the emotional complexity of a character who was previously portrayed by Amanda Plummer in Catching Fire.
Hawke is represented by CAA, Untitled Entertainment, and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller.
Legacy and Anticipation
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is slated for theatrical release on November 20, 2026, a date sure to be marked by fans worldwide. The film builds on the massive success of the Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023), which proved the enduring popularity of the franchise even a decade after the original films concluded.
Suzanne Collins’ choice to revisit the Quarter Quells offers not only narrative depth but also political commentary—something her books have long been praised for. With a story rooted in past trauma, betrayal, and resistance, Sunrise on the Reaping promises a gritty, emotionally resonant look into the forces that shaped characters like Haymitch.
