The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, everything we know before release
On 18 November 2026, The Hunger Games returns to Belgian cinemas with the story of young Haymitch Abernathy, 24 years before Katniss. Here is everything that has been announced, spoiler-free, and our tips for watching it in the best conditions.
- In cinemas in Belgium on Wednesday 18 November 2026
- The 50th Hunger Games, with a young Haymitch
- Directed by Francis Lawrence, 2h 38m
- Watch in cinemas on the big screen if possible
The film in brief
Fifth adaptation of Suzanne Collins's novels after the four-film series starring Jennifer Lawrence and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023), The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping adapts the novel published in 2025. The film opens in Belgium on Wednesday 18 November 2026, two days before its US release on 20 November. We haven't seen it yet: here is what has been officially announced.
Francis Lawrence
His fifth film in the Panem universe.
2h 38m
According to the Irish classification certificate published on 8 October 2026.
18 November 2026
A Wednesday, like all Belgian releases.
Spoiler-free synopsis
The story takes place 24 years before the first film. At 16, Haymitch Abernathy is chosen to take part in the 50th Hunger Games. Every 25 years, the special edition called “Quarter Quell” adds a cruel rule: this time, each district must send twice as many tributes to the Capitol, for a fight to the death broadcast to the whole of Panem.
Those who know the saga know that Haymitch will become the disillusioned mentor of Katniss Everdeen, once played by Woody Harrelson. This film shows how he got there. We won't say more.
What we already know
A very rich cast
- Joseph Zada : Haymitch Abernathy, tribute from District 12.
- Mckenna Grace : Maysilee Donner, another tribute from District 12.
- Whitney Peak : Lenore Dove Baird, a close friend of Haymitch.
- Ben Wang : Wyatt Callow, tribute from District 12.
- Ralph Fiennes : President Snow.
- Jesse Plemons : Plutarch Heavensbee, once played by Philip Seymour Hoffman.
- Elle Fanning : Effie Trinket, a role played by Elizabeth Banks in the original saga.
- Kieran Culkin : Caesar Flickerman, the presenter.
- Glenn Close, Maya Hawke and Kelvin Harrison Jr. round out the cast.
The crew behind the camera
The screenplay is by Billy Ray, already co-writer of the very first Hunger Games. Cinematography is by Jo Willems, a regular collaborator of Francis Lawrence, and the music by James Newton Howard, composer of the entire saga. Filming took place between July and November 2025, in Spain and Germany. The soundtrack album is out on 13 November.
The trailers
A first teaser was unveiled on 20 November 2025, exactly one year before the US release, followed by a first trailer on 13 April 2026 and a second on 16 September 2026. They show the Reaping, the Capitol, and a natural arena very different from the previous ones, between dense forests and mountains. As of 16 October, we have found no published reviews: we will have to wait for the first press screenings.
Where this film fits in the saga
| Story order | Film | Release |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (10th Hunger Games, young Snow) | 2023 |
| 2 | Sunrise on the Reaping (50th Hunger Games, young Haymitch) | 18 November 2026 |
| 3 | Hunger Games | 2012 |
| 4 | Catching Fire | 2013 |
| 5 | Mockingjay Part 1 | 2014 |
| 6 | Mockingjay Part 2 | 2015 |
In other words, the film sits between Snow's youth and Katniss's arrival. You can watch it without knowing anything, but it makes the most sense for those who followed Haymitch's journey across the four films with Jennifer Lawrence.
Why see it on the big screen
Everything in this film is designed for the cinema: an arena shot on natural locations, wide shots of mountains, crowd scenes in the Capitol and constant music. In the US it is also released in IMAX. In Belgium, if possible, choose a large-format screen with a giant screen and immersive sound: check with your cinema, as some complexes offer premium screens.
At 2 h 38, opt for an early evening showing and book online: blockbusters like this fill up fast on the opening weekend, especially on Wednesday afternoons with teenagers.
Rewatch the saga at home, with the right settings
While we wait for 18 November, now is the time to rewatch the previous films. A few settings to enjoy them:
- Picture mode : 'Cinema', 'Filmmaker' or 'Dolby Vision Dark' if the film is in Dolby Vision. Turn off motion smoothing: films are shot at 24 frames per second and should keep their cinematic look. Everything is explained in installing and setting up your TV.
- HDR ): the arena, the Capitol and night scenes gain a lot from HDR. See our HDR and Dolby Vision page.
- Sound : the cannons announcing the deaths of tributes, the Capitol crowds, James Newton Howard's score... A Dolby Atmos soundbar makes a huge difference. Our TV sound guide will help you choose.
- Screen size : to feel the arena, bigger is better. At 2.5 metres from the sofa, a 65-inch screen is not excessive at all.
Plan a marathon before the release, in the story's chronological order: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes first, then the four films with Katniss. You will watch Snow age, and you will arrive at the cinema knowing all the characters who will cross young Haymitch's path. For a marathon of several hours, set your OLED TV to Cinema mode: blacks stay deep without straining your eyes in the dark.
Watching the saga at home
OLED TV LG OLED55C64LA€1,438.00
OLED TV LG OLED65C64LA€1,919.00
OLED TV SONY K55A65PB€1,193.00
OLED TV SONY K65A65PB€1,490.00
OLED TV SONY K55XR8M25BP€1,906.00
OLED TV SAMSUNG TQ55S95H€1,763.00The TVs featured are OLEDs from our range, compatible with 4K HDR. The product page is the reference for the price, and Nimesclub members often get a reduced price.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to have seen the other Hunger Games films?
No, the story takes place 24 years before the first film and features its own characters. Having seen the saga does, however, help you recognise Haymitch, Effie, Snow or Plutarch when they are younger.
Is the film suitable for children?
Like the previous films, it features teenagers forced to fight to the death. In Ireland it was rated 12A. The Belgian rating had not yet been published as of 16 October: it is aimed mainly at teenagers and adults.
When will it be available on streaming?
No date has been announced. Expect several months of cinema release first, followed by rental and purchase releases.
Cinema at home, for real
OLED, Mini LED, Dolby Atmos soundbar: come and see the difference at our Temploux store, or ask our expert salesperson for advice.
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