The Hunger Games series will expand its universe with a prequel film, “Sunrise on the Reaping,” set to premiere on November 20, 2026, and featuring Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, a role previously made famous by Donald Sutherland. Fiennes, known for his intense performances, will bring new energy and complexity to the character, making Ralph Fiennes as President Snow highly anticipated by fans and film critics alike.
A New Generation Takes Over Iconic Characters
Taking place twenty-four years before Katniss Everdeen’s defining moment, “Sunrise on the Reaping” centers around Haymitch Abernathy as he competes in the 50th annual Hunger Games. The story will showcase younger versions of many key figures from the franchise, introducing new actors in familiar roles. Joseph Zada will play Haymitch Abernathy, filling the shoes of Woody Harrelson from the original films, while Kieran Culkin replaces Stanley Tucci as Cesar Flickerman. Jesse Plemons will portray Plutarch Heavensbee, and Ralph Fiennes takes on the challenge of the formidable President Snow.
Elizabeth Banks has also commented on the casting decisions, sharing her perspective regarding the actor selected for Effie Trinket in the upcoming installment.
Transitioning President Snow from Sutherland to Fiennes
Donald Sutherland portrayed President Snow in the original Hunger Games movies, bringing a sense of chilling calm and calculated menace to the character. His controlled demeanor and subtle delivery turned Snow into an iconic antagonist, quietly maneuvering to control the fate of Panem. With Sutherland’s legacy firmly established, Fiennes now approaches the role with a determination to maintain that complexity while crafting a new interpretation of the character.
“Look, I’m a Donald Sutherland fan. I’m not going to try and be Donald Sutherland, because no one can be him. But I think the character he created is very complex… The complexity of that psychology, I hope I can echo in some way.”
—Ralph Fiennes, Actor
Fiennes faces significant expectations in “Sunrise on the Reaping” but brings his own acclaimed experience in playing dark and layered characters, as seen in his performance as Voldemort in the Harry Potter franchise. While Sutherland’s portrayal radiated quiet threat, Fiennes is expected to add a vibrant intensity suitable to a younger version of Snow, embracing both the legacy of the role and the demand for a fresh take.
Building on Previous Portrayals
Ralph Fiennes is not the first actor to take on President Snow apart from Sutherland. Tom Blyth depicted a much younger Snow in
“The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,”
the 2023 prequel starring Rachel Zegler and Peter Dinklage. That film explored the character‘s formative years and offered insight into why he became the person depicted in the original series, revealing a more nuanced aspect of his persona as he mentored Lucy Gray Baird.
With the character’s evolution already established across films, Fiennes can draw from different on-screen versions as he prepares. The challenge lies in connecting Snow’s youth, as seen in Blyth’s performance, with the hardened dictator embodied by Sutherland. Fiennes is expected not to imitate previous actors but to interpret the character’s complexity in his own way, meeting the high expectations of Hunger Games fans seeking fresh insights into Snow’s development.
The Prequel Cast Brings New Faces to Panem
The ensemble for “Sunrise on the Reaping” highlights an array of emerging talent stepping into vital roles. Joseph Zada will play Haymitch Abernathy, with Whitney Peak cast as Lenore Dove Baird and Mckenna Grace portraying Maysilee Donner. Jesse Plemons brings his own style to the part of Plutarch Heavensbee. These cast changes, along with Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, signal a shift in the portrayal of iconic characters, laying the groundwork for a dynamic reimagining of Panem’s past.
Anticipation Builds for a New Vision
The choice of Ralph Fiennes as President Snow marks a deliberate move toward a bold and more dynamic portrayal, promising greater depth and an alternative perspective on the infamous Hunger Games antagonist. As the prequel explores events that shaped the world of Panem, the casting signals the franchise’s willingness to revisit and renew its mythos while respecting the iconic performances that came before.
With established actors, a fresh take on beloved characters, and a storyline set decades before the original rebellion, “Sunrise on the Reaping” is poised to attract both longtime fans and new audiences. The anticipation centers not only on how Fiennes and the cast will define their roles but also on the new stories and backgrounds they will bring to light in the Hunger Games universe.
