The highly anticipated next installment of The Hunger Games franchise, Sunrise on the Reaping, has found its President Snow in acclaimed actor Ralph Fiennes. The news confirms long-standing speculation about who would step into the role previously immortalized by the late Donald Sutherland.
Fiennes, known for his commanding screen presence and versatility, will portray the tyrannical leader of Panem in director Francis Lawrence’s upcoming adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novel. The casting marks a pivotal moment for the franchise, as Fiennes follows in the footsteps of Sutherland, who originated the role in the original four Hunger Games films, beginning with 2012’s The Hunger Games. More recently, Tom Blyth played a younger version of Snow in 2023’s The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, a prequel set decades before Katniss Everdeen’s rebellion.
A New Chapter in Panem’s Dark History
Sunrise on the Reaping takes audiences back to the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, an event that occurs 24 years before the original story. The novel, like its predecessors, explores themes of power, oppression, and resistance, delving deeper into the machinations of the Capitol and the early days of Snow’s ruthless reign.
The film’s ensemble cast already includes Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, and Ben Wang in undisclosed roles. With Fiennes now confirmed as Snow, anticipation for the project has surged, as fans eagerly await how he will interpret the cunning and chilling demeanor of the dictator.
Honoring a Legacy While Forging a New Path
Donald Sutherland’s portrayal of President Snow left an indelible mark on the franchise, blending aristocratic charm with cold-blooded cruelty. Fiennes, a three-time Oscar nominee, brings his own formidable talent to the role, with a career spanning iconic performances in Schindler’s List, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and the Harry Potter series as Lord Voldemort.
Producer Nina Jacobson expressed excitement about Fiennes joining the franchise, 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.”
Behind the Scenes of the Next Hunger Games Film
Francis Lawrence, who directed Catching Fire, Mockingjay – Part 1, Mockingjay – Part 2, and The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, returns to helm Sunrise on the Reaping. The screenplay is penned by Billy Ray, known for his work on Captain Phillips and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
Produced by Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson through Color Force, the studio behind the previous films, Sunrise on the Reaping is set for release on November 20, 2026. Cameron MacConomy serves as executive producer, with Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien overseeing the project.
The Enduring Power of The Hunger Games
Since its debut in 2008, Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games series has captivated millions, spawning a blockbuster film franchise that has grossed over $3.3 billion worldwide. The original movies, starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, became cultural landmarks, blending dystopian drama with sharp political commentary.
With Sunrise on the Reaping, the franchise continues to expand its lore, offering a deeper look into the history of Panem and the rise of its most infamous leader. Fiennes’ casting ensures that President Snow remains a compelling and terrifying figure, embodying the Capitol’s merciless grip on its citizens.
What’s Next for Ralph Fiennes?
Fiennes, coming off an Oscar-nominated performance in The Conclave, remains one of the most sought-after actors in the industry. His upcoming projects include The Choral, directed by Nicholas Hytner, and 28 Years Later, the long-awaited sequel to Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later.
His involvement in The Hunger Games franchise signals another major role in a storied career, further cementing his status as one of cinema’s most formidable talents.
As production on Sunrise on the Reaping progresses, fans can expect more casting announcements and behind-the-scenes details in the coming months. For now, the confirmation of Fiennes as President Snow sets the stage for what promises to be another gripping chapter in The Hunger Games saga.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping arrives in theaters on November 20, 2026.