FIRST LOOK: ‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ in Production

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Hey there, fellow Hunger Games enthusiasts! Guess what? The long-awaited prequel movie from our beloved dystopian series is finally rolling cameras! That’s right, we’re diving back into Panem with “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” – and the action is already heating up. Can’t wait to see what unfolds!

On August 8th, the official Hunger Games X (previously known as Twitter) account posted a fresh video from the filming location in Somiedo Natural Park, Spain, where production for Sunrise at the Reaping has officially commenced.

The short 36-second snippet seems to give viewers a glimpse into the beautiful second Quarter Quell arena of the upcoming film, featuring panoramic landscapes, vast wildflower fields, babbling streams, and towering mountains – a serene setting that starkly contrasts with the inevitable teenage violence in store.

The movie ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise at the Reaping’ is currently being filmed, as the title suggests, check it out below.

Under the guidance of director Francis Lawrence, the movie will chronicle a young Haymitch Abernathy, portrayed by Joseph Zada (from “We Were Liars”), as he navigates through the 50th Hunger Games competition in Panem, a nation entirely under totalitarian rule. The original character was previously brought to life on screen by Woody Harrelson in the initial trilogy.

In the video above, Zada enters the scene via a trailer. The film boasts a talented ensemble, with notable figures like Jesse Plemons, Elle Fanning, Ralph Fiennes, Mckenna Grace, Kieran Culkin, Lili Taylor, Glenn Close, Maya Hawke, and others joining the cast.

As a devoted cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that I heard some exciting news! In June 2024, Lionsgate announced their plans to bring Suzanne Collins’ prequel novel, “Sunrise on the Reaping,” to the big screen – an adaptation that will be hitting cinemas a year before its official release in March 2025. I can hardly contain my enthusiasm!

The story unfolds approximately 40 years following the events depicted in “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes”, and roughly 25 years before the happenings portrayed in the initial “Hunger Games” novel and movie.

The upcoming movie titled “The Hunger Games: Sunrise at the Reaping” is set to hit cinemas on November 20, 2026. Check out the teaser trailer for this film below.

The Best Movies of 2025 So Far

10. Elio

Initial box-office returns indicate that the movie “Elio” could become one of the biggest theatrical disappointments in Pixar’s 30-year run. It’s unfortunate; although it may not reach the artistic peaks of Pixar’s finest works, it offers a delightful and unexpectedly enjoyable sci-fi tale, carrying a heartwarming message for children who feel out of place on any planet. The film’s primary alien character, a gentle slug named Glordon (brought to life with infectious enthusiasm by Remy Edgerly), is destined to be remembered as one of Pixar’s great comedic companions – though it might take some time for “Elio” to find its niche audience.

9. Ballerina

While it’s true that the movie titled “Ballerina” surprisingly has less ballet than one might expect, given its title. However, with an abundance of flamethrower fights, the emphasis on dancing en pointe seems almost superfluous, considering the context. Despite rumors about extensive reshoots and a plot that feels somewhat pieced together, this John Wick spinoff still managed to impress with numerous high-octane action sequences, including what can only be described as the most literal firefight ever captured on film. Additionally, the European ski village setting for the third act has a strong resemblance to Gymkata, adding an extra layer of quirky charm to the film.

The movie “Ballerina” has less ballet than expected but plenty of action, particularly flamethrower fights. Despite some rumors about extensive reshoots and a somewhat disjointed plot, it’s still an exciting watch with some incredible action sequences. The European ski village setting in the third act gives off a Gymkata vibe, adding a fun twist to the film.

8. Companion

In 2021, one of the year’s most delightful cinematic discoveries was a sharp-witted thriller that offered unexpected twists and humorously critiqued the harmful culture within tech companies. In this movie, Sophie Thatcher portrays Iris, a young woman who goes on a weekend trip to a picturesque lake house with her boyfriend (Jack Quaid) and friends. The violence begins almost immediately, but it’s only the beginning of the story, which continues to unfold layers of amusing character traits and dark humor amidst the shockingly graphic violence.

7. 28 Years Later

In a new twist on the original “28 Days Later,” the movie titled “28 Years Later” continues to captivate audiences with its chilling horror elements while leaving plenty for viewers to ponder. Just like its predecessor, this film manages to keep the audience tense about the survival of young Spike (played brilliantly by Alfie Williams). However, when they’re not keeping us on edge, director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland use the narrative to explore profound themes such as the unavoidable nature of death and the importance of cherishing the remaining beauty in a world that appears beyond repair.

6. Wick Is Pain

This remarkably open documentary on the background of the “John Wick” film series reflects the same raw authenticity found in the movies themselves. Unlike other productions that may hide behind clichéd phrases or technical tricks, this team is unapologetically transparent. The creators of the original film, David Leitch and Chad Stahelski, engage in heated debates, a $6 million budget disappears from “John Wick 1” just before production begins, and the studio consistently pressures for revisions – some as absurd as suggesting Keanu Reeves should be clean-shaven. Admittedly, the interviews occasionally veer into self-praise. However, this film successfully illustrates why “John Wick” outperforms its peers: because the team behind it won’t settle for anything less than the finest action they can deliver, discomfort notwithstanding.

5. Eephus

The title “Eephus” perfectly encapsulates the leisurely, seemingly straightforward nature of this movie. Much like the eephus pitch, it subtly catches you off guard, leading you to believe you understand its trajectory, only for it to take an unexpected turn. Comparably, various names for the eephus pitch on Wikipedia such as blooper ball, parachute, and gravity curve could all be fitting descriptions of the movie as well.

In this final game at their field before its demolition, two local amateur baseball teams engage in a match that serves as a backdrop for Carson Lund, the co-writer and director, to delve into the bonds between teammates and competitors alike. Over the course of nine innings, he uses this seemingly insignificant game to illuminate the profound significance that baseball’s customs and traditions hold for numerous people.

4. Mickey 17

In a delightful twist, filmmaker Bong Joon-ho derives immense joy from transforming renowned superhero actors into unconventional roles. Most notably, he reinvented Captain America as a cannibalistic monster, and more recently, he reimagined Robert Pattinson’s Batman character in the eccentric, sci-fi narrative “Mickey 17.”

Much like the enigmatic Dark Knight, Pattinson’s character, Mickey, harbors multiple personas. Due to ethically debatable technology, he functions as an “expendable,” executing perilous missions essential for space colonization. Each time he completes a task and meets his demise, a new version of him is produced. Currently on his 17th iteration, an unforeseen glitch results in the emergence of an 18th Mickey.

While “Mickey 17” might not match the flawless execution of Bong’s Oscar-winning masterpiece “Parasite,” its inconsistencies could be a deliberate reflection of the film’s unique concept. A story revolving around eighteen nearly identical protagonists, each with subtle personality variations, should arguably exhibit some shifts in mood and tone to mirror its complex narrative.

3. Friendship

2025 saw my most cherished theatrical event – “Friendship” – stand out; I’ve never witnessed such audible sighs, gasps, and exclamations of “Oh God” at a comedy before. These reactions were entirely justified as the storyline revolves around Tim Robinson’s gradual humiliation and emasculation following a disastrous friendship attempt with a seemingly cool neighbor (Paul Rudd). Robinson’s cluelessness is side-splitting, while Rudd’s portrayal of the cool guy is even funnier. The script, penned by director Andrew DeYoung, delves deeply into male insecurities, potentially causing viewers to suffer from muscle spasms due to intense cringing.

In 2025, “Friendship” was my top-notch theatrical experience. I’ve never heard such audible reactions at a comedy before – sighs, gasps, and exclamations of “Oh God”. These responses were warranted because the plot revolves around Tim Robinson’s progressive humiliation and emasculation in a botched friendship with Paul Rudd. Robinson’s obliviousness is hysterical, while Rudd’s portrayal of the cool guy is even funnier. The script, written by director Andrew DeYoung, explores male insecurities thoroughly, potentially causing viewers to experience muscle spasms from cringing intensely.

2. Black Bag

I wasn’t anticipating the “Agatha Christie-style murder mystery with a steamier twist” feel of the movie “Black Bag”. To be honest, I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. Starring Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett as a contented couple of spies, their happiness is put to the test when Fassbender is tasked with investigating his own wife, suspecting her of being a double agent. The movie’s charm lies in its unpredictability – it’s hard to guess what will happen next from one scene to another, which is quite rare and adds to the excitement.

1. Sinners

For 2025, the standout vampire film and horror masterpiece that delves into America’s music culture, cultural appropriation, and our collective storytelling about artists’ origins is undeniably Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners”. This movie is not just chilling and sensual, but also manages to inject humor at times. It’s a bold cinematic attempt, and it comes incredibly close to being a grand slam.

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2025-08-06 23:56