Ralph Fiennes to Portray President Snow in Upcoming Hunger Games Prequel

The upcoming film adaptation of the popular Hunger Games franchise is set to feature acclaimed British actor Ralph Fiennes in the role of Coriolanus Snow, the ruthless president of Panem. The announcement was made by Lionsgate, the studio behind the project, which is titled The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

Fiennes, known for his versatile performances, takes over a role previously portrayed by the late Donald Sutherland in the original Hunger Games films released between 2012 and 2015. This casting decision follows the recent trend of expanding the narrative universe of the beloved series, which originally captivated audiences through its gripping tales of survival and rebellion in a dystopian future.

In his most recent work, Fiennes starred in Edward Berger's thriller Conclave, where he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal of a cardinal tasked with organizing a papal election. His impressive filmography includes notable titles such as Schindler's List, The English Patient, and The Grand Budapest Hotel, showcasing his ability to engage audiences with complex characters.

The new film is based on a recently released novel by Suzanne Collins, which explores the early years of Haymitch Abernathy, a character familiar to fans of the series, who was played by Woody Harrelson in the earlier films. The narrative will delve into the formative experiences of Haymitch, who later becomes a mentor to key characters Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark.

Australian actor Joseph Zada has been cast to portray the young Haymitch, while Canadian actress Whitney Peak will play his romantic interest, Lenore Dove Baird. Additionally, Hollywood actor Jesse Plemons will depict the young Plutarch Heavensbee, a character that plays a significant role in the overarching storyline.

Francis Lawrence, who directed several of the previous installments in the franchise, will return to helm this new project. The film is expected to hit theaters in November 2026, further expanding the lore of the Hunger Games universe. This follows the release of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in 2023, which served as an earlier prequel to the original series.

With an impressive cast and a rich source material, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is poised to attract both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise, as it explores the origins of one of literature's most infamous antagonists.