Maya Hawke Steps Into the Arena in New Hunger Games Prequel
The Stranger Things star joins the Capitol’s deadly game in “Sunrise on the Reaping”
HOLLYWOOD, CA – May 14, 2025 — Maya Hawke, one of Hollywood’s fastest-rising stars, has officially signed on to join the ever-expanding world of The Hunger Games. Lionsgate confirmed that Hawke will take on the role of Wiress, a brilliant but eccentric former victor, in the highly anticipated prequel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.
The new installment takes fans back to the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the “Second Quarter Quell,” which famously featured a young Haymitch Abernathy—long before his grizzled mentor days.
Wiress, originally portrayed by Amanda Plummer in Catching Fire, now returns in a reimagined form. Hawke’s casting brings fresh energy to the role, which is expected to have a bigger presence as she mentors District 12’s tributes.
A Star-Studded Cast and Familiar Faces
With Hollywood constantly reimagining iconic stories and characters like the viral fan casting of a modern-day Friends, it’s no surprise that beloved franchises like The Hunger Games are getting the reboot treatment.
Joining Hawke is Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee, Wiress’s fellow tech-savvy victor, and Joseph Zada taking on the coveted role of young Haymitch. Jesse Plemons will also join the cast as a younger version of Plutarch Heavensbee, adding more depth to the Capitol’s political intrigue.
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Directed by a Franchise Veteran
Sunrise on the Reaping is being helmed by Francis Lawrence, who directed three of the four original Hunger Games films. The script is based on Suzanne Collins’ forthcoming novel, continuing her legacy of weaving dystopian drama with razor-sharp political allegory.
When Does It Hit Theaters?
Fans won’t have to wait too long. Lionsgate announced that the film is scheduled for a nationwide release in November 2026 — just in time for awards season and holiday blockbusters.
Why This Matters
Maya Hawke’s inclusion not only brings in younger audiences already obsessed with Stranger Things, but also adds critical star power and credibility to the prequel. With a growing fanbase and a fresh angle on Panem’s deadly games, this film is shaping up to be a major 2026 box office contender.