Maya Hawke Joins The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping as Wiress in Star-Studded Prequel

The Hunger Games universe is expanding once again, and this time it’s bringing in some major new talent. Maya Hawke, best known for her role as Robin in Stranger Things, has officially joined the cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Lionsgate confirmed the news, revealing that Hawke will play Wiress, a former Hunger Games champion and now mentor for District 12.

The prequel is based on Suzanne Collins’ latest book, released on March 18, and takes fans back 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s time. It revisits the Second Quarter Quell, a brutal version of the Games where 48 tributes are thrown into the arena instead of the usual 24.

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Maya Hawke’s addition to the cast adds more depth to an already impressive lineup. She will portray Wiress, a key figure from District 12 who returns to the Games as a mentor. Fans may remember Wiress as the brilliant and eccentric tribute from Catching Fire. Now, we’ll get a deeper look into her origins and role in Panem’s twisted legacy.

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Hawke joins Joseph Zada, who plays a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, the smart and scrappy boy who becomes a surprise tribute in the 50th Hunger Games. Whitney Peak plays Lenore Dove Baird, while Mckenna Grace stars as Maysilee Donner, a tribute and Haymitch’s ally. The cast also includes Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee, adding even more weight to the film’s ensemble.

Francis Lawrence, who directed most of the original Hunger Games films, returns once again to direct this installment. The script comes from Billy Ray, with producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson on board under Color Force. Cameron MacConomy joins as executive producer, and Lionsgate’s Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien are overseeing production. The film is set to release on November 20, 2026.

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Hunger Games Prequel Promises High Stakes and Dark Surprises

Sunrise on the Reaping will offer fans a deeper look into the history of the Hunger Games, exploring how past tragedies shaped characters like Haymitch and Wiress. The plot kicks off on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games. This edition introduces a cruel twist: instead of one boy and one girl from each district, two boys and two girls will be chosen, doubling the danger.

With the franchise having already grossed over $3.3 billion worldwide, the pressure is high to deliver another box-office hit. But with such a strong creative team and cast in place, the odds are clearly in this film’s favor.

Fans of Maya Hawke have even more to look forward to. After voicing Anxiety in Pixar’s Inside Out 2, she’s been on a steady rise in the film world. She recently starred in Maestro, Asteroid City, and Wildcat, a biopic directed by her father Ethan Hawke. She’ll also appear as Lucia Joyce, daughter of writer James Joyce, in an upcoming biopic directed by Aisling Walsh.

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Get ready, tribute fans. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is shaping up to be a powerful and emotional return to the world of Panem. Stay tuned for more updates as the countdown to 2026 begins.