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

Ralph Fiennes has been cast as President Coriolanus Snow in Lionsgate’s highly anticipated adaptation of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The news of the Harry Potter alum’s involvement was confirmed via the official Hunger Games Twitter account. His addition marks another significant step in the film’s star-studded lineup, as Fiennes steps into the role of one of the series' most iconic characters.

Taking place between the events of The Hunger Games quartet (starring Jennifer Lawrence) and the 2023 prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Sunrise on the Reaping offers a deeper dive into the life of President Snow. While the previous film explored his early years under the mentorship of Dr. Volumnia Gaul, this installment delves further into his rise to power, focusing particularly on his interactions with District 12 tribute Haymitch Abernathy.

Producer Nina Jacobson expressed her excitement over the casting, stating, “We wanted to honor Donald Sutherland’s legacy by bringing on one of today’s greatest actors to portray President Snow during this pivotal period. Working with Ralph has always been a dream of mine ever since his unforgettable performance in Schindler’s List. It’s truly exhilarating to bring him aboard.”

Fiennes joins an already impressive roster of talent attached to the project. Jesse Plemons, known for his roles in Breaking Bad and Civil War, will portray a younger version of Plutarch Heavensbee, originally played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Additionally, newcomer Joseph Zada has been cast as Haymitch Abernathy, adding depth to the narrative surrounding the District 12 victor.

Directed by series veteran Francis Lawrence, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is based on Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel of the same name. The screenplay is penned by original Hunger Games writer Billy Ray. Announced last summer, the film is set to premiere in theaters on November 20, 2026, accompanied by a teaser trailer released earlier this year.

Ralph Fiennes. Image credit Daniele Venturelli/WireImage.

“President Snow.”
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026.
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— The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) May 16, 2025