Sixth 'Hunger Games' Movie Centered on Young Haymitch Abernathy Set for November 2026 Release

The "Hunger Games" cinematic universe is set to expand with a sixth installment based on Suzanne Collins' novel, "Sunrise on the Reaping." The film's premiere is officially scheduled for November 20, 2026. This prequel will delve into events occurring 24 years before Katniss Everdeen became the face of the rebellion, focusing on the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell.

The Second Quarter Quell was characterized by a tightening of the rules: each of the twelve districts was required to send four tributes to the arena instead of the usual two, bringing the total number of participants to 48. The storyline will focus on the rise of a young Haymitch Abernathy, who would eventually become Katniss's mentor. Haymitch, who was 16 years old at the time, would become the second tribute from District 12 to emerge victorious. His victory was achieved through sheer cunning: he utilized the arena's force field to deflect an axe thrown by his final opponent, a tribute from District 1.

The role of young Haymitch Abernathy has been entrusted to Australian actor Joseph Zada, best known for the series "Invisible Boys." It has been confirmed that Ralph Fiennes will return as President Coriolanus Snow, appearing at an earlier age than Tom Blyth’s portrayal in "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes." Francis Lawrence, who directed four of the franchise's five previous films, will once again take the helm.

The events following Haymitch's victory shaped his future destiny. Shortly after his triumph, President Snow ordered the deaths of Haymitch's mother, younger brother, and girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird, as punishment for exploiting a weakness in the arena against the Capitol. Whitney Peak will portray Lenore Dove Baird in the film. This tragedy left Haymitch as the second and, for the next 23 years, the only living victor from District 12.

Production for the film, which adapts the novel released on March 18, 2025, began with negotiations with Lawrence in June 2024. The screenplay was written by Billy Ray, who previously worked on the script for the original "Hunger Games." The release date of November 20, 2026, aligns with the premieres of "Catching Fire" (2013) and "Mockingjay – Part 2" (2015), continuing the series' tradition of dominating the box office during the Thanksgiving period.