Star of Fan-Favorite Dystopian Sci-Fi Franchise Addresses Potential Return Ahead of Upcoming Sequel

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 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Image via Lionsgate

As fans gear up for the return of one of the greatest sci-fi franchises to the big screen, some interesting news has come to light about a fan-favorite star. It's been over a decade since the original Hunger Games film series ended with the award-winning Mockingjay – Part 2; however, the story is certainly not over. In 2023, the first prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, was released, and a second prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping, is currently in production, with a release scheduled for November 20, 2026.

Ahead of the new Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes star Tom Blyth addressed his potential return while promoting his latest film, Netflix's hit rom-com People We Meet on Vacation. The actor who portrayed Coriolanus "Coryo" Snow in the 2023 film shared in the interview with CBR:

"I am not involved in the new one. Sorry to disappoint. But who knows if it’s the end of Coriolanus’s story, in terms of my track. We always take Suzanne Collins as lead. Lionsgate doesn’t make the films without her making the book first. If she decides to go back and revisit my timeline, then I would absolutely get involved."

Both prequels are set before the events of the original story, following Katniss and Peeta. The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes took place during the 10th Annual Hunger Games and told the story of President Snow before he became a villain. The upcoming Sunrise on the Reaping, on the other hand, will finally center on Haymitch Abernathy, who was the District 12 tribute during the 50th Annual Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. The late Donald Sutherland played President Snow in the original films; however, Ralph Fiennes will take over the role in the new installment.

'Hunger Games' Returns With a Stacked Cast Ensemble

Sunrise on the Reaping is stacked with an outstanding cast, including two major returnees from the original Hunger Games. It was recently confirmed that Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are attached to reprise their roles as Katniss and Peeta in a framing capacity. In further casting news, Joseph Zada will portray a younger Haymitch, Katniss and Peeta's mentor, whom Woody Harrelson played in the original story.

The Sunrise on the Reaping cast also includes Jesse Plemons, Elle Fanning, Kieran Culkin, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, and Lili Taylor, all of whom have been tapped to play younger versions of fan-favorite characters Plutarch Heavensbee, Effie Trinket, Caesar Flickerman, Beetee Latier, Wiress, and Mags Flanagan, respectively.

Sunrise on the Reaping arrives in theaters this year. Stay tuned to Collider for more information.

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Release Date November 20, 2026

Director Francis Lawrence

Writers Billy Ray, Suzanne Collins

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Joseph Zada

    Haymitch Abernathy

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    Whitney Peak

    Lenore Dove Baird

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