Ralph Fiennes Cast as President Snow in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

Ralph Fiennes, renowned for his roles in The Conclave and the Harry Potter series, has been cast as President Coriolanus Snow in Lionsgate's upcoming film, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The casting news was announced through the official Hunger Games X/Twitter account, marking Fiennes as a pivotal addition to the franchise's latest installment.

Set between the events of the four Hunger Games films starring Jennifer Lawrence and the early prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Sunrise on the Reaping explores a crucial period in President Snow's life. While Tom Blyth portrayed a young Snow in the 2023 prequel, Fiennes will take on the role of an older Snow, closer to the dictator we recognize from Donald Sutherland's portrayal in the original series. This film will delve into the story of District 12 tribute and future victor, Haymitch Abernathy.

Producer Nina Jacobson expressed her excitement about Fiennes' casting, 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."

While Fiennes' casting is a major highlight, he is not the only exciting addition to Sunrise on the Reaping. Jesse Plemons, known for his roles in Breaking Bad and Civil War, will portray a young version of Plutarch Heavensbee, originally played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Additionally, Joseph Zada, recognized from Total Control and Invisible Boys, is set to star as Haymitch Abernathy.

President Snow.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026. pic.twitter.com/mj9gXk1hTt

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is based on Suzanne Collins' 2025 novel and is slated for release on November 20, 2026. The film will be directed by series veteran Francis Lawrence, with the screenplay penned by original Hunger Games writer Billy Ray. The project was announced last summer, and a teaser trailer was released this past April, building anticipation for this eagerly awaited addition to the Hunger Games saga.