Ben Wang (Karate Kid: Legends) confirmed that filming for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is expected to begin in July 2025, and pre-production is already underway. Wang will play the role of Wyatt Callow, one of the two male tributes from District 12.
Speaking to ScreenRant during the Karate Kid: Legends NYC premiere, Wang was asked whether Sunrise on the Reaping filming would begin in July as reported. Wang confirmed that this is his “understanding” and they are already “starting” to prepare for the movie.
Wang said, “Yes, we’re starting… yeah, that’s my understanding. Honestly, right now I’m just getting onboarded so I know about as much as you.”
The film, based on Suzanne Collins’ novel of the same name, revisits the world of Panem nearly a quarter of a century before the events of the original films—when Woody Harrelson‘s Haymitch Abernathy served as a mentor to Jennifer Lawrence‘s Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson’s Peeta Mellark. Francis Lawrence is set to direct Sunrise on the Reaping.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is Wang’s second collaboration with director Lawrence, having previously worked together on The Long Walk.
Wang said, “It’s so cool, and this is my second time working with Francis Lawrence because I worked with him on The Long Walk, so he’s really incredible. I can’t wait to see what he does with this one.”
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set 24 years before the events of the Jennifer Lawrence-led films, in the world of Panem. The story begins on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. This installment focuses on Haymitch Abernathy, the only previous victor from District 12 before Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. Haymitch wins these games and later becomes a mentor—portrayed by Harrelson in the original film series.
The cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping includes Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier, Maya Hawke as Wiress, Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan, Wang as Wyatt Callow, Ralph Fiennes as Coriolanus Snow, Molly McCann as Louella McCoy, Iona Bell as Lou Lou, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, and Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman.
The film will be produced by Nina Jacobson and her producing partner Brad Simpson, who are returning to produce under their Color Force banner.
“Sunrise on the Reaping” sold 1.5 million copies in its first week across the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the U.S. alone, it sold 1.2 million copies—twice as many as “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” and three times more than “Mockingjay” in their first weeks.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will hit theaters on November 20, 2026 by Lionsgate.
Source: ScreenRant
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