Highlights
- The cast of the Lionsgate adaptation of the Suzanne Collins novel The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping continues to grow with the addition of Jesse Plemons.
- The Oscar nominee will step into the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, the Head Gamemaker played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman in three Hunger Games films.
- Expect the highly anticipated Haymitch Abernathy-focused prequel to drop next year.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
It’s all about The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping this week. Lionsgate has unveiled a flurry of casting announcements, from Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak playing Haymitch Abernathy and Lenore Dove Baird, respectively, to Mckenna Grace boarding as Maysilee Donner.
So, who’s next on the casting docket? Academy Award nominee Jesse Plemons. Plemons will portray Plutarch Heavensbee. He’s the Head Gamemaker for the 75th Hunger Games, in which Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark participate. Plutarch eventually becomes a prominent leader during the Second Rebellion.
RELATED: Book Review: Sunrise on the Reaping
The role was previously played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, who appeared in Catching Fire, Mockingjay – Part 1 and Mockingjay – Part 2.
Jesse Plemons
Plemons’ earliest roles consist of a recurring part as Todd in Breaking Bad and as Landry Clarke in Friday Night Lights. Other notable credits include The Irishman, Killers of the Flower Moon and The Power of the Dog, the latter of which scored Plemons an Oscar nomination.
This year, he stars in Netflix’s Zero Day opposite Robert De Niro and appears in the highly anticipated sequel to Black Mirror‘s “USS Callister” episode. He can next be seen in Yorgos Lanthimos’ sci-fi comedy Bugonia alongside Emma Stone.
RELATED: The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping Finds Its Haymitch and Lenore
About the Film
Sunrise on the Reaping covers the 50th Hunger Games, in which a young Haymitch participates. It’s also the Second Quarter Quell. During the Reaping, four children are selected as Tributes from each District — two males and two females.
Franchise veteran Francis Lawrence returns to direct, with Billy Ray as the scribe. Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson will produce under their banner, Color Force.
Sunrise on the Reaping hits theaters on November 20, 2026.
Mckenna Grace Steps Into the Arena for THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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