Ralph Fiennes Cast as President Snow in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Lionsgate is diving deeper into the world of Panem with The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, and they’ve just made a casting announcement that’s sending shockwaves through the fanbase. Acclaimed actor Ralph Fiennes will take on the role of President Coriolanus Snow, stepping into the shoes once worn by the late Donald Sutherland. The film is set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen enters the arena, and this chapter promises to expose a darker, earlier version of the Capitol’s cold-hearted dictator.
Directed by Francis Lawrence, who helmed several previous entries in the franchise, the movie adapts Suzanne Collins’ latest novel and lands in theaters on November 20, 2026. This time around, Fiennes will portray Snow at the height of his power, during a tense and dangerous time in Panem’s history—the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games.
Jacobson, a longtime producer of the series, shared her admiration for Fiennes, saying, “It’s been a dream to work with him. Watching him bring a younger but just as ruthless Snow to life is chilling in the best way.” Billy Ray, known for Captain Phillips, has written the screenplay, and the film is produced by Color Force’s Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson.
What ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ Means for Hunger Games Fans
The story takes place on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games—known by fans as the Second Quarter Quell. This was a defining moment in Panem’s past, one that pre-dates Katniss Everdeen’s journey by over two decades. Readers of the original trilogy might recognize this year as the one in which Haymitch Abernathy emerged victorious. While the studio hasn’t confirmed if Haymitch’s character will appear, the setting hints at some major emotional and historical beats from the original lore.
The cast is packed with rising stars and established talent, including Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, and Ben Wang. With such a diverse and experienced lineup, Lionsgate is making it clear this installment is not just a prequel—it’s an event.
Ralph Fiennes is no stranger to powerful roles. The three-time Oscar nominee has portrayed unforgettable characters in Schindler’s List, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The English Patient, and the Harry Potter series, where he played Lord Voldemort. His most recent performance in Conclave earned him another wave of critical praise, and upcoming films like The Choral and 28 Years Later prove he’s still pushing boundaries.
With Fiennes taking the lead, Sunrise on the Reaping promises to dig deeper into what makes Snow tick. How did a young, cunning politician turn into the brutal dictator we saw in the original series? This film may finally answer that question.
Behind the scenes, the production is in full swing. Francis Lawrence returns to direct, and Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien are overseeing for Lionsgate. Cameron MacConomy is executive producing, and Phil Strina handled the deal on behalf of the studio.
The Hunger Games franchise has already grossed over $3.3 billion globally. The four original films, led by Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, reshaped young adult cinema. The 2023 prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, reignited fan passion. Now, with Sunrise on the Reaping, Lionsgate hopes to reach both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers.
The world of Panem is expanding once again, and Ralph Fiennes is bringing a new level of depth and danger to one of its most iconic villains. Expect politics, power struggles, and a chilling look into the soul of a man who would shape the future of the Hunger Games forever.
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