Through the early 2010s, dystopian books and movie series were extremely popular, with one of the most prevalent being the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins, which was later turned into a film series starring Jennifer Lawrence. Even after the spike in popularity, the books and films remained popular due to their sharp commentary on American politics, as well as their beloved characters, and in 2020, a prequel, The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes, was released and later turned into a film in 2023.
The original 3 novels followed Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old from the underprivileged mining section of Panam, District 12, as she is drafted to be 1 of 24 tributes for the 74th annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death between teenagers that has been traditional entertainment for the wealthy Capital citizens. Throughout the books, she becomes a symbol and leader of the resistance against The Capital, as well as tyrannical governmental leaders such as President Snow.
The newest addition to the books was released in March, and it takes place 25 years before the original trilogy. The book is told from the perspective of a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, who fans will recognize due to his important role in the original 3 novels, as he serves as a mentor and father figure to Katniss Everdeen years later. The story revolves around the 50th Hunger Games, in which double the amount of tributes are selected, including Haymitch. It follows through the games, as well as his life afterward, illustrating the losses and pains he endures due to harmful propaganda and the manipulation of the government.
Much like the other books, Sunrise On The Reaping will also be adapted to film, and fans have been anxiously making predictions of casting as they waited for official information to be released.
The franchise has been praised for casting young, up-and-coming actors, helping to propel their careers into stardom, as well as actors who are already well-established in the industry, helping them to expand their acting skills. Officially, four actors have been announced for the movie. Playing the main role of Haymitch is Joseph Zada; previously he has been in the Australian limited series, Invisible Boys, and he will also be starring in the upcoming TV adaptation of We Were Liars, a popular book of the same name. Lenore Dove, Haymitch’s childhood sweetheart, will be played by Whitney Peak, who some fans may recognize from her role in the recent revival of Gossip Girl, as well as her small roles in Molly’s Game, and Hocus Pocus 2. The role of Maysilee Donner, a spoiled girl from the wealthy part of District 12, will be played by Mckenna Grace, a veteran child actor, who has starred in many major films such as I, Tonya, and Marvel films. Many fans were satisfied with this casting, as many have been hoping she’d receive the role since the book’s release. The last official casting was of Plutarch Heavensbee, another character who was an important part of the original trilogy and was played by the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who will now be played by Jesse Plemons.
As they await more information, fans have spread rumors of who they wish would be in the film, as well as who the studio is reportedly in talks with. It’s been widely suggested that Elle Fanning may take on the role of Effie Trinket, and President Snow may be played by the original actor, Donald Sutherland’s son, Kiefer Sutherland.
The excitement continues to grow among book & movie fans alike, as they await more information as well as the release of the film.
