Ralph Fiennes Joins The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping as President Snow

Ralph Fiennes has been cast as President Coriolanus Snow in Lionsgate's newest adaptation of the Hunger Games series, titled The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. This exciting news was shared today through the official Hunger Games account on X/Twitter. Fiennes, known for his roles in The Conclave and the Harry Potter series, takes on a pivotal role in the franchise.

Ralph Fiennes. Image credit Daniele Venturelli/WireImage.

Sunrise on the Reaping is set in the timeline before the four Hunger Games films starring Jennifer Lawrence, yet after the 2023 prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The latter film depicted a young Snow, portrayed by Tom Blyth, as he evolved into the tyrannical leader of Panem, a role famously played by Donald Sutherland in the original series. Fiennes steps into the shoes of President Snow during a crucial period of his life, as the story focuses on District 12's tribute and eventual 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' casting is highly anticipated, he is not the only exciting addition to the film. Jesse Plemons, known from Breaking Bad and Civil War, will portray a younger version of Philip Seymour Hoffman's character, Plutarch Heavensbee. Additionally, Joseph Zada, recognized from Total Control and Invisible Boys, will take on the role of 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 release in theaters on November 20, 2026. The film will be directed by series veteran Francis Lawrence, with the screenplay penned by original Hunger Games writer Billy Ray. The project was announced last summer, followed by a teaser trailer in April.