“We haven’t had a Hunger Games movie like this in a while!”
As the November 2026 release of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping approaches, anticipation is building—and now fans have even more reason to be excited. In an exclusive spotlight from JustWatch, actress McKenna Grace shares her thoughts on what makes the upcoming film a standout in the beloved dystopian franchise.
A Return to the Arena
Set 24 years before the events of the original trilogy, Sunrise on the Reaping dives into the dramatic and brutal events of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. The story follows a young Haymitch Abernathy, only sixteen and hailing from District 12, as he is thrust into the deadly arena. This pivotal chapter in Panem’s history not only shaped the character fans would later know as Katniss Everdeen’s mentor but also changed the Hunger Games forever.
Mckenna Grace, one of the franchise’s newest stars, shared her excitement about the project:
“As a fan of the Hunger Games franchise, I’m really excited about how this book mostly takes place in the arena. That’s so fun because we haven’t had a Hunger Games movie like that in a while. It’s exciting because I’m a big fan of The Hunger Games and I love the movies—so it will be fun to do another.”
Her words tease a return to the franchise’s high-stakes, action-heavy roots, where survival, sacrifice, and strategy take centre stage.
McKenna Grace: A Rising Star in Panem
Already known for critically acclaimed roles in Gifted, The Handmaid’s Tale, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and Troop Zero, Mckenna Grace continues to establish herself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and emotionally resonant young actors. In Sunrise on the Reaping, she brings that same intensity and depth to the world of Panem, helping to usher in a bold new era for the Hunger Games saga.
Streaming Favourites: The Franchise So Far
According to the latest JustWatch Streaming Charts, the original 2012 film The Hunger Games, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson, remains the most popular instalment among viewers. It’s followed closely by The Hunger Games: A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the 2023 prequel exploring the early life of Coriolanus Snow.
With Sunrise on the Reaping, Lionsgate aims to build on the franchise’s enduring appeal, drawing both long-time fans and a new generation of viewers into the gripping world of Panem.
About The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
This highly anticipated prequel revisits the horrors and heroism of the Hunger Games through the lens of the Second Quarter Quell. With a narrative centred almost entirely within the arena, it reintroduces the franchise’s gritty survival themes and rich character arcs; all the hallmarks that made the original trilogy a global phenomenon.
Want More?
Visit JustWatch to explore more about the film, including full quotes, streaming trends, and where to watch previous Hunger Games titles.
