Oscar nominee Jesse Plemons has been officially cast as Plutarch Heavensbee in Lionsgate’s highly anticipated film, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. This adaptation is based on the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins, which expands on the rich universe of Panem. As a future Head Gamemaker and pivotal figure in the rebellion, Plutarch Heavensbee is a character of immense depth and complexity, previously portrayed by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Hoffman's performances in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay—Parts 1 and 2 were among his last, making this role particularly significant.
Sunrise on the Reaping begins with a young Plutarch Heavensbee in District 12, capturing the momentous occasion of the reaping of the Tributes. This film is set to provide a deeper understanding of Plutarch's character, allowing audiences to witness his journey leading up to the pivotal moments in The Hunger Games franchise.
Upon its release on March 18, Sunrise on the Reaping achieved remarkable success, selling 1.5 million copies in its first week across multiple regions, including the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Notably, 1.2 million of these copies were sold in the U.S. alone, marking a significant achievement as it is double the first-week sales of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and three times the initial sales of Mockingjay.
This new installment revisits the world of Panem twenty-four years before the iconic events of The Hunger Games. The narrative kicks off on the morning of the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. Fans of the series are excited to explore this era, which will undoubtedly enrich the overall lore of the franchise.
The film adaptation of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026. Directed by Francis Lawrence, the screenplay is adapted by Billy Ray. The production team includes Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson from Color Force, with Cameron MacConomy serving as executive producer. With five films in the franchise grossing over $3.3 billion at the box office, expectations for this new installment are exceptionally high.
Erin Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Jesse is one of the most talented actors of his generation, with a proven record of picking his roles selectively. We are honored that he has chosen to bring his own take to one of the most fascinating figures in Panem, and feel that his previous collaboration with Philip Seymour Hoffman makes it all the more special.” She emphasized that Plemons' portrayal will be both a tribute to the character fans already know and a unique interpretation that he makes his own.
Producer Nina Jacobson added, “Jesse has been one of my favorite actors since I first saw him in ‘Friday Night Lights.’ We knew from the start that only an actor’s actor could play a young version of Plutarch. Jesse was the dream from the start, and we couldn’t be prouder to have him join the Hunger Games family.”
The excitement surrounding The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping continues to grow as fans eagerly await the film's release and the chance to see Jesse Plemons in this iconic role.
