Ralph Fiennes has been cast as President Coriolanus Snow in Lionsgate's latest book-to-movie adaptation, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The announcement came via the official Hunger Games X/Twitter account, highlighting Fiennes' pivotal role in the upcoming film. This casting marks a significant addition to the Hunger Games saga, known for its compelling characters and gripping narratives.
Sunrise on the Reaping is set before the events of the four main Hunger Games films starring Jennifer Lawrence, and after the 2023 prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The earlier film showcased a young Coriolanus Snow, portrayed by Tom Blyth, as he evolves into the jaded dictator previously played by Donald Sutherland in the 2010s series. Fiennes' portrayal of Snow will delve into the middle years of the character's life, focusing on the story of District 12 tribute and future victor, Haymitch Abernathy.
Producer Nina Jacobson expressed her excitement about Fiennes' casting, stating, "We wanted to honor Donald Sutherland by having one of this generation’s greatest actors play President Snow 24 years before Katniss Everdeen entered the arena. Working with Ralph has been on my bucket list since he traumatized me for life in Schindler's List. It’s genuinely a thrill to welcome him to the Hunger Games."
While Fiennes may be one of the most eagerly anticipated castings for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, he is not the only notable addition. Other exciting reveals include Jesse Plemons, known for his roles in Breaking Bad and Civil War, who will portray a young version of Plutarch Heavensbee, originally played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Additionally, Joseph Zada, recognized from Total Control and Invisible Boys, will star as Haymitch.
President Snow.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026. pic.twitter.com/mj9gXk1hTt
— The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) May 16, 2025
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is based on Suzanne Collins’ novel released in 2025 and is slated for a theatrical release on November 20, 2026. Francis Lawrence, a veteran of the series, will direct the film, with the screenplay penned by original Hunger Games writer Billy Ray. The project was announced last summer, followed by a teaser trailer released this past April, building anticipation among fans for this latest addition to the Hunger Games universe.
