Sunrise on the Reaping Trailer Review

Screaming for the Sunrise//Loving fans all over the world watch the final Sunrise on the Reaping movie trailer with great excitement. Lionsgate Films dropped the final trailer on September 16th, nearly two months before the movie officially comes to theaters, with fans of the book waiting with anticipation for the premiere. (Photo by Natalia Arieli)

“WELCOME TO THE SECOND QUARTER QUELL!”

The most terrifying and exciting time is upon us yet again, everyone. A new movie from the beloved Hunger Games book and movie series is being created: the one and only second prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping. On November 20, 2026, the film adaptation of Sunrise on the Reaping is releasing in theaters everywhere, and the final trailer was already released on September 16.

For context, the book Sunrise on the Reaping was released by Suzanne Collins on March 18, 2025. The book pictured the second Quarter Quell of the Hunger Games (50th anniversary), in which the twist in the games was twice the number of tributes per usual (48 tributes total). The prequel dates long before our beloved main character Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) was born, centering on the tragic story of her mentor, Haymitch Abernathy. Throughout the story, Haymitch struggles with protecting his loved ones, creating lasting friendships (not too lasting, though), and helping a secret rebellion destroy the Hunger Games once and for all. According to fans, the most recent prequel was written absolutely beautifully and tragically, with many noting that Sunrise on the Reaping was the saddest out of all of the Hunger Games books. The last thing we needed was an on-screen production to realistically display the gut-wrenching events depicted in the book. Alas, less than a year later, one was, of course, produced. (Because Suzanne Collins is trying to lead us all to our tear-filled downfalls.)

The final trailer is something of a work of art, brilliantly done. While The Hunger Games are generally less colorful and more drab to picture its extreme dystopian society, the trailer for Sunrise on the Reaping is quite the opposite. Beautifully depicting the flowery fields of the 50th Hunger Games arena as described in the book, the trailer’s scenes display an array of bright, warm colors. The accuracy to the book is definitively shown through the final trailer with the setting Collins had built through her story. The vibrance of the trailer almost contradicts the devastating events depicted in the actual book, which is an interesting characteristic that could result in a more eerie and disturbing setting.

While the setting is pictured fantastically, there is more to celebrate with the recreation of the book. Fans all over the world are going head over heels for the actors portraying the characters for Sunrise on the Reaping. Our beloved main character, Haymitch Abernathy, is being played by none other than We Were Liars star, Joseph Zada. Not only does he depict a highly accurate look for Haymitch, but Joseph Zada has also been said to have perfected Haymitch’s speaking voice and personality by his co-stars. Another important character in the book, friend Maysilee Donner, is played by the famous McKenna Grace, who has starred in multiple movies and portrayed an incredible range in her acting since she was a child. Other famous actors such as Ralph Fiennes (President Snow), Elle Fanning (Effie Trinket), and Maya Hawke (Wiress) are coming to play some of the beloved characters from Sunrise on the Reaping. With this absolutely fantastic cast, fans will be on the edges of their movie theater seats screaming, crying, and shedding tears for the incredible acting performances that they will deliver.

There is no doubt that Sunrise on the Reaping is going to be an unforgettable film adaptation that will satisfy loving Hunger Games fans everywhere. Whether it will be screaming, gasping, or sobbing, people will experience a roller coaster of emotions throughout this movie, just as the book (mere words printed on dead trees, might I add) had put them through. So buckle up, everyone, and make sure to bring a packet of gumdrops and a box of tissues to movie theaters on November 20 for one incredible movie.