Lionsgate released a new trailer for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, which gives fans another look at the return to the dangerous world of Panem.
The movie is based on Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games novel of the same name. It focuses on a young Haymitch Abernathy, played by Joseph Zada. Fans know Haymitch as the character later played by Woody Harrelson, who becomes a mentor to Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence.
The story takes place 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games. It begins on the morning of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, when 16-year-old Haymitch is chosen to compete.
In the arena, Haymitch forms an unexpected friendship with fellow tribute Maysilee Donner, played by Mckenna Grace. He also joins a group of tributes who want to challenge the Capitol and President Snow, played by Ralph Fiennes.
As the Games continue, Haymitch risks his life to fight back against the Capitol from inside the arena. His actions eventually help set the rebellion in motion.
In the trailer, Haymitch is shown struggling with the deadly Games while trying to hold on to his morals. At one point, he says, “We’re not animals to kill for their entertainment.”
Plutarch Heavensbee, played by Jesse Plemons, tells Haymitch, “Show the world that there is another way.” The character was previously played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman in the original films.
The cast also includes Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Whitney Peak and Kelvin Harrison Jr.
Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson are producing the film with Francis Lawrence. The screenplay was written by Billy Ray and Michael Lesslie.
Francis Lawrence and Jacobson previously worked with Lionsgate on the Hunger Games films, including The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay.