The first trailer for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping has been released, building excitement for the sixth instalment in the fantasy film franchise.
Shoulders back, big smiles. Welcome to the 50th annual Hunger Games.
After Lionsgate released the trailer on 13 April, it garnered over five million views on the studio’s official YouTube channel in under 48 hours.
It marks Joseph Zada’s franchise debut as lead, Haymitch Abernathy – a role previously held by the talented Woody Harrelson.
Film News Blitz‘s Sarah Sharp reacts to the first look at this Hunger Games franchise expansion.
What is ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ about?
The story will focus on Haymitch’s games, the second quarter quell, where there will be “twice the number of tributes, twice the glory”.
In the original Hunger Games films, Haymitch took on the role of Katniss and Peeta’s mentor as a previous District 12 winner of the Hunger Games.
Zada’s Haymitch will be joined by younger versions of other recognisable characters: Effie Trinket (Elle Fanning), Plutarch Heavensbee (Jesse Plemons), Caesar Flickerman (Kieran Culkin), Wiress (Maya Hawke), Beetee (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), Mags (Lili Taylor) and of course the villain himself, President Snow (Ralph Fiennes).
There are also newcomers such as Mckenna Grace’s Maysilee Donner, Whitney Peak’s Lenore Dove Baird and Glenn Close’s Drusilla Sickle.
The trailer shows glimpses of Haymitch’s fight for his life, as well as his fight against the Capitol, in what promises to be a thrilling ride.
What else to expect
Sunrise on the Reaping looks to include nods to the original Hunger Games films alongside new and exciting developments that are sure to keep viewers engaged.
One can see the iconic three-fingered symbol of rebellion, a makeover scene in the spirit of presentation, rising into the arena, and Effie having “a bit of a moment”.
Based on the early glimpse in this trailer, Zada does a wonderful job at channelling Harrelson’s Haymitch.
When asked by presenter, Caesar Flickerman, what he thought about the games having 100% more competitors than usual, Haymitch wryly responds: “From what I’ve seen, they’re 100% stupid as usual.”
Like four out of its five predecessors, Sunrise on the Reaping is also directed by Francis Lawrence, but the franchise is yet to feel stale.
Audiences are reacting positively to the ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ trailer
Since its release, fans have reacted positively to The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping trailer.
YouTube user @Rasim9898 commented: “This trailer is quite literally perfect. It isn’t the tone I imagined, but it’s the tone that is necessary. We’ve returned to the Hunger Games.”
Another user, @tardisgirl1237, explained how she likes that the Capitol has a distinct 1960’s and 70’s aesthetic, as it shows the direct progression in the timeline “up until the futurism of the 74th and 75th Hunger Games”.
The trailer leans into the showmanship of the Capitol with glitzy title cards, flashy axe-wielding and fight sequences, as well as colourful shots of everything, including the “killing machine” arena itself.
When is ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ out in cinemas?
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping thus promises to be another fulfilling commentary on media control, state power, and inequality.
The film is scheduled to release in cinemas and IMAX on 20 November 2026.
There is only one more thing left to say…
May the odds be ever in your favour.
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