Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping Tickets Go On Sale October 28

The wait for the next trip to Panem is almost over. Lionsgate has announced that tickets for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping go on sale Wednesday, October 28, 2026, for every showtime, and the studio has added nationwide early-access screenings in IMAX and other premium large formats two days before the film opens.

The movie arrives in theaters everywhere on Friday, November 20, 2026. Here's everything that's confirmed so far, from the ticket date to the early screenings, the cast and the story.

When Do Tickets Go On Sale?

Tickets for all showtimes become available on Wednesday, October 28. Lionsgate's announcement covers regular showings as well as the premium-format early-access screenings, so fans who want opening-night seats or a specific format should be ready that morning.

Lionsgate has not published one nationwide on-sale time in its announcement, so check your local theater chain or ticketing app on October 28 for exact availability.

IMAX and Premium Early-Access Screenings on November 18

As part of the ticket announcement, Lionsgate scheduled exclusive early-access screenings nationwide beginning Wednesday, November 18 at 6 p.m., two days ahead of the official release.

Participating formats include:

  • IMAX
  • Dolby Cinema
  • 4DX
  • ScreenX
  • Cinemark XD
  • Regal RPX
  • AMC Prime
  • Other exhibitor-branded premium large formats

Showtimes and participating theaters vary by location, so check local listings.

Tip
If you want to see it before the general release, the November 18 early-access screenings are only in premium formats. Those seats are likely to go fastest, so plan to book on October 28.

Key Dates at a Glance

| Milestone | Date | |---|---| | Tickets on sale | Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | | Early-access IMAX and PLF screenings | Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 6 p.m. | | Release in theaters everywhere | Friday, November 20, 2026 |

What Is Sunrise on the Reaping About?

Sunrise on the Reaping is based on Suzanne Collins' 2025 best-selling novel and is set in Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games.

The story follows 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy of District 12, starting on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Annual Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. That year's Games are the biggest yet, with twice as many tributes as usual: 48 instead of 24.

In the arena, Haymitch forms an unlikely alliance with fellow District 12 tribute Maysilee Donner and joins a coalition determined to challenge the Capitol's control under President Snow. According to Lionsgate's synopsis, Haymitch risks everything to take down the Games from within, setting in motion the rebellion that will eventually change Panem.

Longtime fans know Haymitch as the cynical, hard-drinking mentor to Katniss and Peeta in the original films. This movie shows how he became that man.

Haymitch Abernathy's story finally hits theaters November 20, and the race for opening-week seats starts October 28.

Cast: Who's in the Movie?

Joseph Zada leads the film as young Haymitch. The confirmed cast includes:

  • Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy
  • Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner
  • Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow
  • Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee
  • Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket
  • Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman
  • Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier
  • Glenn Close, Maya Hawke, Whitney Peak and Ben Wang

The September trailer also features Woody Harrelson's voice, as the adult Haymitch he played in the original series, delivering the line: "Nobody ever wins the Games, period. There are survivors. There's no winners."

Who Made It?

Francis Lawrence, who directed Catching Fire, both Mockingjay films and The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, returns as director. The screenplay is by Billy Ray and Michael Lesslie, with adaptation by Suzanne Collins.

The film is produced by Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson and Francis Lawrence, and it's a Lionsgate presentation of a Color Force production.

Rating

The film is rated PG-13 for strong violence, bloody images, disturbing material, some smoking and teen drinking.

The Latest Trailer

Lionsgate released a new trailer the week of October 23, giving a closer look at Zada's Haymitch, his alliance with Maysilee and the brutal 50th Games. It follows the first official trailer in April and a third trailer in September that showed the tribute parade, the arena's dangerous poppy pollen and swarms of electric-blue butterflies.

The official trailer is available on Lionsgate's website.

Where It Fits in the Franchise

Sunrise on the Reaping is the sixth film in the Hunger Games series. It's a prequel to the original The Hunger Games and a follow-up to 2023's The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, which told the story of a young Coriolanus Snow.

Countdown to Release

With tickets on sale October 28, early screenings on November 18 and the wide release on November 20, the Second Quarter Quell is less than a month away. Follow the countdown on Release Timer so you don't miss opening day.

Sources: BroadwayWorld: Sunrise on the Reaping tickets to go on sale, Deadline: Sunrise on the Reaping trailer