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

Renowned actor Ralph Fiennes has been cast as President Coriolanus Snow in Lionsgate's eagerly awaited adaptation, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. This exciting news was shared through the official Hunger Games X/Twitter account, marking another significant casting announcement for the franchise. Fiennes, known for his roles in The Conclave and the Harry Potter series, steps into one of the most pivotal roles in the Hunger Games universe.

Set between the events of the original four Hunger Games films starring Jennifer Lawrence and the prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes released in 2023, Sunrise on the Reaping delves into the life of President Snow during a crucial period. The prequel explored a young Snow, portrayed by Tom Blyth, evolving into the tyrannical leader previously played by Donald Sutherland in the 2010s series. In this new installment, Fiennes embodies Snow at a midpoint in his life, as the narrative focuses on District 12 tribute and future victor, Haymitch Abernathy.

Producer Nina Jacobson expressed her excitement about Fiennes joining the cast, 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 has generated significant buzz among fans, he is not the only actor stirring anticipation for Sunrise on the Reaping. Jesse Plemons, acclaimed for his roles in Breaking Bad and Civil War, has been revealed to be playing a young version of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman’s character, Plutarch Heavensbee. Additionally, Joseph Zada, known from Total Control and Invisible Boys, will star as Haymitch, adding further excitement to the cast.

President Snow.

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

— The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) May 16, 2025

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is an adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ novel released in 2025, set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026. The film is directed by series veteran Francis Lawrence and written by original Hunger Games screenwriter Billy Ray. The project was announced last summer, followed by a teaser trailer released in April of this year, building anticipation for the next chapter in the Hunger Games saga.