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 latest adaptation, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. This exciting news was shared today via the official Hunger Games X/Twitter account. Fiennes steps into a pivotal role, joining a series known for its compelling characters and intense narratives.

Set between the events of the original Hunger Games series and the prequel The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Sunrise on the Reaping explores the life of President Snow during a crucial period. While the earlier films featured Jennifer Lawrence and Donald Sutherland, this new installment focuses on a younger Snow, previously portrayed by Tom Blyth, and introduces audiences to the story of District 12 tribute Haymitch Abernathy.

Producer Nina Jacobson expressed her excitement about Fiennes joining the franchise, 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 isn't the only notable addition to the film. Jesse Plemons, known from Breaking Bad and Civil War, will portray a younger version of the character Plutarch Heavensbee, originally played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Additionally, Joseph Zada, recognized for his work in Total Control and Invisible Boys, will 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 (@TheHungerGames) May 16, 2025

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, followed by a teaser trailer released in April, building anticipation for this next chapter in the gripping saga.