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 latest adaptation, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. This exciting news was announced through the official Hunger Games X/Twitter account, marking another significant casting reveal for the eagerly awaited film. Fiennes, known for his roles in The Conclave and the Harry Potter series, steps into one of the most pivotal roles in the franchise.

Set between the events of the original Hunger Games series, which starred Jennifer Lawrence, and the 2023 prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Sunrise on the Reaping explores a crucial period in President Snow’s life. While Tom Blyth portrayed a young Snow in the earlier prequel, Fiennes will depict Snow at a more mature stage, focusing on the story of District 12 tribute and future victor, Haymitch Abernathy.

Producer Nina Jacobson expressed her enthusiasm, 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's casting is a major draw for fans, he is not the only exciting addition to the cast. Jesse Plemons, known for his roles in Breaking Bad and Civil War, will portray a younger version of Philip Seymour Hoffman's character, Plutarch Heavensbee. Additionally, Joseph Zada from Total Control and Invisible Boys is set to star as Haymitch.

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’ 2025 novel and is set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026. The film is directed by series veteran Francis Lawrence and scripted by original Hunger Games writer Billy Ray. The project was announced last summer, with a teaser trailer released in April, building anticipation among fans and newcomers alike.