Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping presales point past $100m opening
Tickets went on sale October 28, and two box office trackers estimate the Lionsgate prequel will clear $100 million in its debut weekend.
Tickets for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping went on sale on October 28, and early presales point to an opening weekend above $100 million, according to gamesradar.com. Box office trackers Global Box Office and Empire City Box Office both estimate the Lionsgate film will clear that mark.
Empire City Box Office described $100 million as a virtual lock for the opening weekend. The film is scheduled to reach theaters on November 20, 2026.
Early viewers have compared the prequel to Rogue One or Andor. The cast includes Joseph Zada as 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Maya Hawke as Wiress, Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow, Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee and Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman. Glenn Close, Lili Taylor, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are also attached.
The earlier entries set a high bar. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire opened to $158 million in 2013 and grossed $865 million worldwide, while The Hunger Games (2012) and both Mockingjay films (2014 and 2015) all opened above $100 million. In 2023, the prequel The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes opened to $44.6 million and earned $347.6 million worldwide.
Sunrise on the Reaping is set 24 years before the first film and follows a 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy through the 50th Hunger Games.
Quick answers
When does The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping come out?
It is scheduled to hit theaters on November 20, 2026.
How much is the film expected to make in its opening weekend?
Global Box Office and Empire City Box Office estimate an opening above $100 million.
Who plays Haymitch Abernathy in Sunrise on the Reaping?
Joseph Zada plays the 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy.