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Raj Jawa is an accomplished actor and producer from Los Angeles, recognized for his roles in “Free Guy” (Disney) portraying a quad-screen gamer, “My Crazy Ex” in which he portrayed Carl (Lifetime), and “Deep Undercover” (Netflix), as an FBI agent, to name a few. Jawa was born and raised in Los Angeles, specifically Culver City; he is a talent who has pursued his passions with utmost perseverance to accomplish all that he has thus far. As discussed in a recent interview, Raj Jawa “loves to create and work with a great team,” remembering the reason many actors get involved in entertainment – for the love of storytelling and to bring characters to life, which Jawa does with ease. Raj Jawa has a diverse portfolio spanning over 75 principal and supporting roles as an actor. Jawa is an actor and a producer in an upcoming feature film, which he will be at liberty...

The Hunger Games franchise keeps expanding. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, the sixth installment in the overall Hunger Games film franchise and the second prequel, is in development at Lionsgate, with a fall 2026 premiere slated.

Sunrise on the Reaping is based on a dystopian young adult novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins, published in March 2025. It became the fastest-selling title in the Hunger Games book series so far, selling more than 1.5 million copies in its first week. The film adaptation was already in the works. Still, with the publication of the novel, the pace of movie development has accelerated, and news about it is emerging at a steady clip.

Here’s what we know so far about The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

What is Sunrise on the Reaping about?

Sunrise on the Reaping is set 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games. It...

Suzanne Collins gave her readers a huge gift in returning to the world of The Hunger Games series, the first three books of which she wrote in 2008, 2009 and 2010, for the prequel story of one Haymitch Abernathy.

Haymitch, portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the quartet of films based on Collins’ original book trilogy, was Katniss Everdeen’s (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark’s (Josh Hutcherson) mentor for their two Hunger Games — the 74th and 75th.

For everything we know about the film adaptation of Hunger Game: Sunrise on the Reaping, read on:

When does the The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping film come out?

The film will arrive in theaters November 20, 2026.

Has the Sunrise on the Reaping film started production yet?

The film is still in early rounds of casting.

Who will play Haymitch Abernathy in The Sunrise on the Reaping movie?

Joseph Zada has been cast in the main...

Mission: Impossible All Movies To Watch On Ott In India(Photo Credit –YouTube)

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the eagerly anticipated eighth instalment of the Mission: Impossible film series, starring Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise, will be released in US theatres on May 23, 2025, and a week earlier in Indian theatres on May 17, 2025. Before Mi 8 arrives in theatres, here is where you can stream all seven Mission: Impossible films on Indian Ott platforms.

The first six Mission: Impossible movies are streaming on Jio Hotstar. And the seventh Mi film, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, is streaming on the Netflix Ott platform. In case you are not a Jio Hotstar or Netflix subscriber, you can also rent these seven films on the Amazon Prime Video store. Here are the Ott platforms of all seven Mission: Impossible films.

1. Mission: Impossible (1996) – Streaming on Jio Hotstar & Amazon Prime Video (Rent)

Plot: Helmed by Brian De Palma,...

Maya Hawke is among the latest additions to The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping, due out next next year. The cast already includes Mckenna Grace and Jesse Plemons.

Update, 15th May: We can barely keep up with all these Hunger Games casting announcements. Lionsgate has also announced that Maya Hawke and Lili Taylor will be joining Sunrise On The Reaping as Wiress and Mags respectively. Like Jesse Plemons and Kelvin Harrison Jr., Hawke and Taylor are playing younger versions of very well known and beloved characters.

Wiress and Mags, both previous winners of the deadly Hunger Games, are assigned to mentor the District 12 tributes, including one Haymitch Abernathy, in the Second Quarter Quell as District 12 has no victors of its own.

Update, 13th May: Sunrise On The Reaping, the latest Hunger Games movie, has added another name to its ever-growing cast. Kelvin Harrison Jr., who most recently voiced Taka in Disney’s Mufasa,...

At this point, when we get word of a new casting announcement for The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping, we generally find ourselves saying "stranger things have happened." After all, Francis Lawrence's upcoming Games prequel has welcomed the likes of Jesse Plemons, McKenna Grace, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. to its increasingly stacked roster already. But today, Stranger Things really have happened: as shared on the movie's official Instagram account this evening, Maya Hawke — whose big break came playing Robin Buckley in the Duffer Brothers' Netflix smash — is gearing up to trade Hawkins for District 12 with a key role in Lawrence's new film.

Per Lionsgate's announcement video, Hawke is set to play eccentric District 3 champion-turned-District 12 mentor Wiress (formerly played by Amanda Plummer in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire) in Sunrise On The Reaping, a movie set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen first entered the arena and focused on fan-favourite Haymitch Abernathy's games.

Casting for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is underway, and the production just announced another major cast member playing a previous Hunger Games victor. After the first Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, author Suzanne Collins announced in 2024 that she would be penning a novel focusing on the 50th Hunger Games, of which Haymitch Abernathy is the victor; a movie adaptation was greenlit shortly after. Sunrise on the Reaping is confirmed to be starring Joseph Zada as Haymitch, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, and Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner.

The latest news, via the official Hunger Games Xaccount, is that Mufasa star Kelvin Harrison Jr. will be playing District 3 victor Beetee Latier, previously portrayed by Jeffrey Wright in the 2010s Hunger Games movies. Harrison is the second actor playing one of the movie's adult characters to be announced, following Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee.

The world of Panem is buzzing with fresh whispers about the upcoming film ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.’ This prequel, diving into the early life of a beloved character from the original series, has fans eagerly awaiting every bit of news. With production moving forward, a new casting rumor has surfaced, stirring up curiosity about who might join this dystopian saga.

Set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s story, the movie explores the 50th Hunger Games, a brutal event known as the Second Quarter Quell. This installment promises to deliver the same intense drama and political intrigue that made the franchise a global hit. The focus is on a young Haymitch Abernathy, showing his journey through a deadly arena with double the tributes, a twist that raises the stakes even higher.

Industry insider The InSneider has dropped a tantalizing hint that Glenn Close is in talks to join the cast.

Julianne Moore brought timeless elegance to the 15th Governors Awards, held on November 17, 2024, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood.

Dressed in a flowing Proenza Schouler Rumi pleated jersey maxi dress, she accessorized with striking fine jewelry, including Belperron Wave rings in pavé diamond, a Belperron Toggle Torque necklace, and Verdura Maltese Cross cuffs on both wrists.

Julianne Moore exudes refined elegance at the 15th Governors Awards in a pleated black Proenza Schouler maxi dress, styled with bold Belperron and Verdura jewelry (Credit: Mark Von Holden / The Academy)

Julianne Moore’s Breakthrough Role in Boogie Nights

A celebrated presence at the Oscars for decades, Moore’s awards journey began with her first Academy Award nomination in 1998 for her standout performance as Amber Waves in Boogie Nights. This role showcased her emotional depth and star power.

Her co-stars in the critically acclaimed film include Mark Wahlberg, Burt Reynolds, Don Cheadle,...

It has been nearly 14 years since Bennett Miller's brilliant sports drama "Moneyball" hit theaters. Based on Michael Lewis' book, "Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game," the film stars Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, a former MLB player and general manager of the Oakland Athletics, who attempts to assemble a competitive team with significantly less money than his rivals. With the help of Yale Economics graduate, Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), Beane scouts the MLB for undervalued players using a sabermetric approach to assembling a quality team.

"Moneyball" served as a thoroughly entertaining and compelling exploration into the behind-the-scenes machinations of baseball, rather than the formulaic sports movie approach following an underdog team's rise to the occasion against all odds. Much of the film's strengths are found within its script, which was originally written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Steven Zaillian ("Schindler's List") and was rewritten by fellow Academy Award-winner...

Everything To Know About The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

The Hunger Games franchise isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Less than a year after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes premiered, fans are getting a fresh prequel with The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. This new chapter promises to take us deeper into Panem’s past, exploring the events leading up to the infamous Reaping.

The world of the Hunger Games, introduced by Suzanne Collins in 2008, continues to captivate audiences with its dystopian thrill and dark political intrigue. As we dive into this fresh prequel, expect more deadly games, sinister alliances, and the rise of characters who will shape Panem’s future, before Katniss picks up her bow.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping: Release Date

Mark your calendars, Hunger Games fans! The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is officially slated...

Actors Who Almost Played Michael Scott in The Office(Photo Credit –Facebook)

Before Steve Carell became the face of The Office as Michael Scott, the role was hotly contested by a slew of actors. Imagine anyone other than Carell delivering classic “That’s what she said” lines or awkwardly steering his staff through cringeworthy team-building exercises. Well, that almost happened! The Dunder Mifflin boss wasn’t always destined to be Carell’s signature character.

In fact, The Office’s producers had a whole lineup of actors in mind for the role before Carell’s comedic genius won them over. But it wasn’t just about his talent, it was his performance in The 40-Year-Old Virgin that convinced NBC to keep the show alive, giving Carell the chance to shine as the most lovable (and painfully embarrassing) boss on TV. So, who else could’ve been Michael Scott? Let’s dive in!

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reapingwill take audiences back to the world of Panem for a very special occasion, and the latest installment in the blockbuster franchise will start filming in July, according to Deadline. This means that the movie will be right on track for its scheduled November 20, 2026 release date. The film will introduce Joseph Zada as a younger version of Haymitch Abernathy, the character that was portrayed by Woody Harrelsonin the original film adaptation of the books. A couple of years after Panem returned to the big screen with The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Sunrise on the Reaping will depict a time period in the history of the fictional dystopia that has never been seen before.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will be based on the latest book by Suzanne Collins. After bringing Katniss Everdeen's (Jennifer Lawrence) story to an end, the...

April showers bring May flowers, but May is bringing a whole bouquet of cinematic gems to transition from spring into summer. Perhaps the most timely of all the options listed below is Michael Mann’s biting takedown of American corporatization and its effect on mass media, “The Insider.” Nominated for Best Picture at the 2000 Academy Awards, the film follows “60 Minutes” producer Lowell Bergman (Al Pacino) as he works to cultivate and protect a tobacco company whistleblower (Russell Crowe) who may be carrying the most vital public health story of the 20th century.

Unfortunately, when the legal team behind “60 Minutes” parent company CBS catch wind of the story — amidst a key merger with Westinghouse Electric no less — they do everything they can to keep the news piece from running lest it upend a possible deal. For those paying attention to current affairs, the narrative will have echoes to a...

The "Law & Order" episode "The Violence of Summer" came way back during the show's very first season, long before the series became a TV institution. The franchise wasn't yet the new high-water mark for crime procedurals, and years before any of the show's hit spinoffs and a dud spinoffs. "Law & Order," we now know, is something of a rite of passage for aspiring actors, as many untested professionals got their start on the show. /Film has even written an article about the famous people who got their starts on "Law & Order" when they were teens or even kids. 

As such, it's exciting to look back on "The Violence of Summer" and see Samuel L. Jackson and Philip Seymour Hoffman, prior to their respective worldwide fame, playing supporting roles. In 1991, Jackson already had numerous credits, having appeared in the 1981 film "Ragtime," and the hits "Coming to America" and "School Daze,...

Who doesn’t love a good Tom Cruise flick? The superstar delivers every time—be it leaping from planes, outrunning chaos, or flashing that quintessential smirk. But let’s call it what it is—he’s made some films that leave us racking our brains.

Still, there are those iconic, indelible moments that make us keep coming back for more. If you’ve been mulling over which of his movies on Netflix are worth watching, we’ve got you covered. Yes, we’ve ranked Cruise’s every classic available on Netflix based on IMDb ratings.

Tom Cruise in American Made (Credits: Universal Pictures)

From the high-octane thrills of Mission: Impossible to the mind-bending sci-fi in Edge of Tomorrow, find out which ones should be in your queue!

11. The Mummy – 5.4

Remember The Mummy? No, not the Brendan Fraser version (though that one is a banger). We’re talking about the 2017 adrenaline-fueled movie with Tom Cruise.

Sometimes, it is possible to have too many options.

That is especially true of the current streaming age when there are multiple streaming services with impressive, immense film libraries and algorithms that are all pointing you in different directions but none making it particularly easy for you to actually pick something to watch. Buried in every streaming platform’s library are also underrated titles that are rarely promoted by them and, therefore, frustratingly difficult to find.

It’s for all of those reasons and more that TheWrap has picked out three underrated and forgotten films that are streaming right now on Max that you should consider watching this weekend.

“Unstoppable” (20th Century Fox) “Unstoppable” (2010)

One of the most effective and entertaining blockbusters of the early 2010s, Tony Scott’s “Unstoppable” stars Chris Pine and Denzel Washington as two men who decide to face the wrath of industrial America head-on. Based on a real-life incident,...

The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes star Rachel Zegler has shared her reaction to the recent casting announcements for Lionsgate’s newest Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping. In the 2023 movie, Zegler portrayed the leading role of Lucy Gray Baird, who is the only known female tribute from District 12 who won the Hunger Games prior to Katniss Everdeen’s monumental win.

Last week, it was officially confirmed that Gossip Girl star Whitney Peak has been chosen to play Lenore Dove Baird in the upcoming Sunrise on the Reaping movie, while Oscar nominee Jesse Plemons has signed on to portray a young Plutarch Heavensbee. On social media, Zegler quickly showed her support to Peak and Plemons. Through an Instagram story, Zegler tagged Peak and wrote “I know she’s gonna do the Baird name proud,” acknowledging her character Lucy’s connection to Lenore. In addition, the Snow White star also commented on Plemons’ involvement,...

Estreno en noviembre de 2026. © Lionsgate & Getty Images

Según anunció Deadline, Los Juegos del Hambre: Amanecer en la cosecha ya tiene a su Plutarch Heavensbee. Jesse Plemons dará vida a la versión joven del personaje que interpretó el difunto Philip Seymour Hoffman en la saga original.

Erin Westerman, copresidenta de Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, ha dicho: «Jesse es uno de los actores con más talento de su generación, con un historial demostrado de escoger sus papeles de forma selectiva. Nos sentimos honrados de que haya elegido dar su propia visión de una de las figuras más fascinantes de Panem, y creemos que su anterior colaboración con Philip Seymour Hoffman lo hace aún más especial. Su Plutarch será a la vez un homenaje al personaje que los fans ya conocen y un retrato que él hace suyo. Estamos impacientes por que el público lo vea».

La productora Nina Jacobson añadió: «Jesse ha...

Following the success of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, we'll be heading back to Panem relatively soon as Lionsgate is about to kickstar production on another prequel The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

With filming expected to begin this summer, the studio has made some major casting announcements, with Joseph Zada (Invisible Boys; Total Control; The Speedway Murders) landing the lead role of a young Haymitch Abernathy.

He's joined by Whitney Peak (Gossip Girl; Hocus Pocus 2; Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) as Haymitch’s girlfriend Lenore Dove Baird, Mckenna Grace (Captain Marvel; Ghostbusters: Afterlife; The Handmaid’s Tale) as Maysilee Donner, and Academy Award-nominee Jesse Plemons (The Power of the Dog; Fargo; Game Night) as a young Plutarch Heavensbee.

After helming four of the previous four films, Francis Lawrence is directing once again, with a screenplay from Academy Award-nominee Billy Ray (Richard Jewell; Terminator: Dark Fate...

Hunger Games fans, gather around because Panem is about to get a fresh jolt of star power. The upcoming prequel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, has just dropped a casting bombshell: Jesse Plemons. One of Hollywood’s most electrifying talents is stepping into the role of a young Plutarch Heavensbee.

This iconic character, originally brought to life by the legendary Philip Seymour Hoffman in Catching Fire and Mockingjay Parts 1 and 2, is getting a new spin. Plemons is ready to light up the Capitol with his brand of brilliance. With Lionsgate hyping this as a tribute to Hoffman’s legacy, the stage is set for a cinematic showdown with fans buzzing like a swarm of tracker jackers.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping has cast its Young Plutarch Credits: Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth in The Hunger Games / Lionsgate Films

When casting a young Plutarch, Lionsgate did not...

One day after announcing Mckenna Grace’s role as Maysilee Donner in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, Deadline can reveal that Jesse Plemons will play Plutarch Heavensbee for the next chapter of Lionsgate‘s Hunger Games saga. Plemons joins McKenna Grace, Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, and Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird.

Francis Lawrence directs The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping from a screenplay by Billy Ray, based on the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is the fifth novel in the Hunger Games saga.

The late and great Phillip Seymour Hoffman played Plutarch Heavensbee in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay—Part 1 and Part 2. According to the Hunger Games Wiki, Plutarch Heavensbee is the Head Gamemaster for the 75th Hunger Games, taking the place of Seneca Crane, played by Wes Bently in the Hunger Games film saga. Heavensbee is a secret...

Lionsgate isn't messing around when it comes to getting its latest "Hunger Games" prequel film, "Sunrise on the Reaping," ready for production. Even though the most recent book in Suzanne Collins' wildly popular series only recently hit shelves, the studio is well underway on an adaptation of said novel for the big screen. Now, we have word that one of the most important roles in the upcoming prequel has been filled, and it's a pitch-perfect bit of casting.

Thanks to a post on the official "Hunger Games" social media accounts, it's been revealed that Jesse Plemons has been cast as a young Plutarch Heavensbee. The character was originally played by the late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman (beginning in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"). The "Mockingjay" movies served as Hoffman's final credits before his passing.

Plemons actually played Hoffman's son previously in Paul Thomas Anderson's "The Master," and that worked out quite well.

Ruddy typical, you wait months and months for a casting update on the latest Hunger Games movie, and suddenly two come along at once. Yes, barely a day after we learned who will play the leading trio in Francis Lawrence's The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping, Lionsgate are back at it again, confirming another eye-catching name that has joined the hotly anticipated adaptation of Suzanne Collins' latest Games prequel. Taking to Instagram earlier this evening, The Hunger Games' official account has revealed that Oscar nominee Jesse Plemons has landed the role of future Head Gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee in the upcoming movie — and you can see the announcement below;

Played brilliantly in the original Hunger Games movies by the late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman, Plutarch Heavensbee occupies spaces both as a close confidant and high ranking official for the tyrannical President Snow, and as a secret rebel insurgent with...

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, an upcoming prequel film revolving around Haymitch Abernathy, continues to round out its star-studded cast with one of the most exciting additions yet. Plutarch Heavensbee, previously portrayed by the late great Philip Seymour Hoffman, will be appearing in the new adaptation based on the best-selling book from franchise author Suzanne Collins. Longtime franchise director Francis Lawrence is set to helm Sunrise on the Reaping based on a screenplay written by Billy Ray.

According to Deadline, Jesse Plemons has joined Sunrise on the Reaping as Plutarch Heavensbee, the future leader of the rebellion. After being rumored to play the villain in Shawn Levy's Star Wars movie, Plemons finds his next big franchise role in the upcoming Hunger Games prequel. The acclaimed actor will have big shoes to fill after Hoffman made the role his own, but Plemons was certainly the longtime favorite to...

The cast for the next installment in Lionsgate's The Hunger Games franchise continues to grow. Another well-known actor has boarded the prequel Sunrise on the Reaping, which will be based on the bestselling book of the same name by Suzanne Collins.

Per Deadline, Oscar nominee Jesse Plemons has been cast as a young Plutarch Heavensbee in The Hunger Games prequel. He will succeed the late Philip Seymour Hoffman in the role, who played the Head Gamemaker and rebellion leader in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay—Parts 1 and 2, the latter two of which served as his final film roles. Most moviegoers will likely agree that Plemons is the perfect choice to portray a young Plutarch, since many have noted online how there is a strong physical resemblance between the actor and Hoffman.

Plutarch Heavensbee.The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026. pic.

Oscar nominee Jesse Plemons has been cast as Plutarch Heavensbee in Lionsgate’s “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” the studio announced on Friday.

A future Head Gamemaker and rebellion leader, Plutarch was previously played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman; his performances in “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay” Parts 1 and 2 were his final film roles. “Sunrise on the Reaping” opens with a young Plutarch in District 12, capturing the reaping of the Tributes there.

Plemons joins a cast that includes Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, previously played by Woody Harrelson; Mckenna Grace as fellow District 12 tribute, Maysilee Donner; and Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend.

Francis Lawrence will direct from a screenplay adaptation by Billy Ray. Color Force’s Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson will produce. Cameron MacConomy will executive produce. The five existing films in the franchise have taken in over $3.3 billion at the box office.

Jesse Plemons is stepping into the shoes of late actor Philip Seymour Hoffman. Plemons will star in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping as Plutarch Heavensbee, the character Hoffman portrayed in his final film roles, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay—Parts 1 and 2.

He joins stars Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak and Mckenna Grace.

Sunrise on the Reaping adapts the new novel from Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins and takes place 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games. It starts on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell.

The story finds Plutarch Heavensbee — a future Head Gamemaker and rebellion leader — in District 12, for the reaping of tributes. Francis Lawrence returns to direct after helming multiple features, including the prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Plemons, known for his scene-stealing character work in Friday Night Lights, Fargo and Breaking Bad and features Game Night,...

The next Hunger Games movie is further expanding its ensemble. Deadline reports that Oscar nominee Jesse Plemons is the latest to join The Hunger Games: The Sunrise On The Reaping in the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, who was first played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. This comes not long after it was announced that McKenna Grace had been tapped for the role of Maysilee Donner, the original owner of the Mockingjay pin. Lionsgate also kicked off the week with the news that Joseph Zada would star as a young Haymitch Abernathy in the film, a role which belonged to Woody Harrelson in the Jennifer Lawrence-led movies. Whitney Peak, best known for her role in Molly’s Game and Home Before Dark, will also star in the film as Lenore Dove Baird. Sunrise on the Reaping has been set for release on November 20, 2026.

Jesse Plemons earned an Oscar nomination for...

Updated April 25: Oscar-nominated actor Jesse Plemons will be playing the younger version of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Plutarch Heavensbee. Late star Hoffman first brought the Head Gamemaker and rebellion leader character to the screen in “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1,” with “Part 2” being his final film role. Plemons’ take on Plutarch in the prequel film will begin in District 12 with the reaping of the Tributes.

“Jesse is one of the most talented actors of his generation, with a proven record of picking his roles selectively,” Erin Westerman, co-president, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a press statement to IndieWire. “We are honored that he has chosen to bring his own take to one of the most fascinating figures in Panem, and feel that his previous collaboration with Philip Seymour Hoffman makes it all the more special. His Plutarch will be both a tribute to the character fans have...

Jesse Plemons is the latest star to join the new Hunger Games film!

The 37-year-old actor will star as Plutarch Heavensbee in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

Previous cast additions include newcomer Joseph Zada as young Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, and Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner.

The late Philip Seymour Hoffman played Jesse‘s role in the original Hunger Games franchise. You’ll remember, he’s a future gamemaker for the Games, and ended up being a rebellion leader as well.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set for release in theaters on November 20, 2026 with Francis Lawrence returning to direct. Stay tuned as we learn more about castings!

There’s some fun facts about the Hunger Games franchise we bet you never knew about!

Jesse Plemons is headed to Panem. The acclaimed actor has joined the cast of “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” as a young version of Plutarch Heavensbee.

Plutarch was portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman in original films “Catching Fire” and “Mockingjay” Parts 1 and 2. Hoffman died in 2014 after filming the majority of his scenes for the “Mockingjay” films, with only a week of shooting remaining.

Director Francis Lawrence did not use any CGI technology to replicate the actor’s performance, instead choosing to rewrite scenes and give Hoffman’s dialogue to other actors. “He was one of the greatest actors, I think, of all time and I just think to try to fake a Philip Seymour Hoffman performance would have been catastrophic and I would never want to do that,” Lawrence said at the time. “I just think this was the best way to be able to get around such a horrible thing.

Exclusive: Oscar nominee Jesse Plemons has been cast as Plutarch Heavensbee in Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, its adaptation of the bestselling book by Suzanne Collins. He joins a cast that already features Joseph Zada As Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak As Lenore Dove Baird and Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner.

A future Head Gamemaker and rebellion leader, Plutarch Heavensbee was previously played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman; his performances in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Parts 1 and 2 were his final film roles. Sunrise on the Reaping opens with the young Plutarch Heavensbee in District 12, capturing the reaping of the Tributes there.

Sunrise on the Reaping sold 1.5 million copies in its first week on sale in the U.S., UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand after it hit shelves in March. The 1.2 million copies sold in its first week in the U.S. are twice the...

Gold Derby's top news stories for April 25, 2025.

Jesse Plemons joins The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping as Plutarch Heavensbee

Academy Award nominee Jesse Plemons has been cast in Hunger Games prequel Sunrise on the Reaping as Plutarch Heavesnbee, a role previously played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman (his performances in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay—Parts 1 and 2 were his final film roles). In the main series, Heavensbee is Head Gamemaker and a rebel leader. In the prequel, younger Heavensbee is a cameraman who helps hero Haymitch Abernathy plan his rebellion. Plemons joins Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, and McKenna Grace in the cast of Sunrise on the Reaping, which is slated for a Nov. 2026 release.

Sydney Sweeney to star in Split Fiction game adaptation from Jon M. Chu

Sydney Sweeney has added another big movie to her busy schedule. The Emmy-nominated Euphoria star has signed on to star in an...

Before she became everyone’s favorite goth forensic genius on NCIS, Pauley Perrette had already been in a short-lived but beloved legal drama that flew under the radar. A whole seven years before stepping into Abby Sciuto’s lab coat, she starred in a quirky two-season series that’s now got cult status among TV buffs.

Sadly, despite its charm and a loyal fanbase, the network pulled the plug way too soon. It’s one of those “canceled too early” heartbreakers and a hidden gem in Perrette’s pre-NCIS resume.

Before NCIS, Pauley Perrette starred in Murder One, a forgotten legal drama

Seven years before NCIS made her a household name, Pauley Perrette was already serving up standout performances — this time in a sharp, short-lived legal drama called Murder One. The show ran for two seasons on ABC, and Perrette joined the cast in Season 2, which aired in 1996. It didn’t last long,...

Estreno en noviembre de 2026. © Lionsgate & Getty Images

Los Juegos del Hambre: Amanecer en la cosecha continúa revelando su elenco. Ayer se anunciaron los fichajes de Joseph Zada, quien dará vida al joven Haymitch Abernathy, papel que fue interpretado anteriormente por Woody Harrelson, y de Whitney Peak en el rol de Lenore Dove Baird, la novia de Haymitch. Ahora, Deadline confirma un nuevo nombre que se suma al reparto: Mckenna Grace será Maysilee Donner, la tributo femenina del Distrito 12 y compañera de Haymitch.

A Mckenna Grace se la conoce más, pero Zada y Peak son actores más bien desconocidos. El joven actor Joseph Zada ha empezado a hacerse un hueco en la industria. Protagonizó la serie Invisible Boys y suma dos producciones de alto perfil en el horizonte: Éramos mentirosos (We Were Liars), basada en la novela de misterio superventas, que se estrenará el próximo mes de junio en Prime Video,...

Estreno en noviembre de 2026. © Lionsgate

De acuerdo con Deadline y confirmado posteriormente por la misma Lionsgate, el actor australiano Joseph Zada dará vida al joven Haymitch Abernathy en la película Los juegos del hambre: Amanecer en la cosecha, papel que fue interpretado anteriormente por Woody Harrelson. Junto a él, se ha anunciado que la también emergente Whitney Peak (Las escalofriantes aventuras de Sabrina) encarnará a Lenore Dove Baird, la novia de Haymitch.

Para quienes aún no tengan ubicado a Joseph Zada, conviene tomar nota. El joven actor ha empezado a hacerse un hueco en la industria. Protagonizó la serie Invisible Boys y suma dos producciones de alto perfil en el horizonte: Éramos mentirosos (We Were Liars), basada en la novela de misterio superventas, que se estrenará el próximo mes de junio en Prime Video, y la serie East of Eden, con un elenco que encabezan Florence Pugh, Mike Faist, Martha Plimpton y Chris Abbott,...

This past March, author Suzanne Collins continued to delve into the "Hunger Games" universe by dropping the novel "Sunrise on the Reaping," a story that takes place about 24 years before the original "The Hunger Games" novel. It chronicles the tale of 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, showing how the character won the 50th Hunger Games (aka the Second Quarter Quell), putting him in line to become the mentor figure to Katniss Everdeen in the original trilogy of novels and the four initial "Hunger Games" movies. After the initial trilogy of Collins' novels, the book is the second consecutive prequel novel, following 2020's "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes."

In similar fashion to that latter novel being quickly adapted into a film version in 2023, "Sunrise on the Reaping" was tapped for the big screen treatment almost a full year before the book was even published, and regular "Hunger Games" director Francis Lawrence will...

Jeff Bridges has had an illustrious career. He's worked with some of Hollywood's greatest directors and has been nominated for seven Academy Awards. However, for many people, he'll always be associated with the 1998 comedy classic, The Big Lebowski, which, if the legendary actor had his way, would be receiving a sequel.

Per Deadline, Bridges attended a screening for The Big Lebowski in Los Angeles and was asked whether he'd be interested in reprising his iconic role of The Dude in a potential sequel. The acclaimed actor would confirm that not only would he be more than willing to return, but that his The Big Lebowski co-star Julianne Moore would as well. "Of course," Bridges said. "Julianne and I would fantasize about that. We did another movie together, Seventh Son, she played a witch in that movie. And we would often say, ‘Gee it’s all set up for a sequel.

Jeff Bridges has shared that he’d be up for making a sequel to The Big Lebowski – which brought him one of the most beloved roles of his career.

Bridges, who played “The Dude” in the 1998 Cohen Brothers thriller, spoke to the audience after a screening of the original film at the Orpheum Theatre in LA.

The Daily Mail newspaper reports that Bridges was asked about the prospect of returning to the role that helped make him a star, and replied that he and original co-star Julianne Moore were of the same mind:

“Of course. Julianne and I would fantasize about that. We did another movie together, Seventh Son, she played a witch in that movie. And we would often say, ‘Gee it’s all set up for a sequel.’”

He added, though, he thought the prospect of the Coens wanting to return to the subject matter was unlikely:

“I...

Rami Malek decided to "learn from other actors" so he could improvise on the set of 'The Amateur'.The 43-year-old actor stars as CIA cryptographer in the new adaptation of the 1981 novel of the same name by Robert Littell and explained that he was able to find those moments in which he could deviate from the script by analysing the talent that had gone on screen before him. He told ScreenRant: "I found myself just wanting to hold onto that person through the tactile nature of their belongings, and that's what I thought."It separated this character from a lot of other action heroes.""I go back to learning from other actors. I remember being on Paul Thomas Anderson's film 'The Master', and I would watch the great Philip Seymour Hoffman and Joaquin Phoenix and Amy Adams do these things in the moment. I'd never seen...

Many regular theater-goers in New York likely play the following game. Before the show begins, try to guess how many of the actors you're about to see have been on an episode of "Law & Order" or one of its spinoffs. It may be wise to guess a number north of 15. After that, you open your Playbill and look through the actors' credits to confirm your guess. The person who comes closest without going over wins; everyone else has to pay for their meal after the show.

The "Law & Order" franchise has, as of this writing, close to 1,400 episodes under its belt, and each one of those episodes required at least one dead body and at least two suspects. This makes the property a hoop through which every working actor (especially in New York) has to inevitably jump. It's like entering the cave and taking the sword at the...

This article contains spoilers for "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping."

In Suzanne Collins' most recent addition to the "Hunger Games" universe, the standalone origin story titled "Sunrise on the Reaping," a lot of horrifying stuff happens. While that's par for the course with anything in the "Hunger Games" franchise, which centers around a deadly game played by children between the ages of 12 and 18 that only produces one victor — all at the behest of the evil tyrannical Capitol — I have to admit that even I, a seasoned fan of the books and films, found myself surprised by some of the twists and turns Collins provided for the prequel about Haymitch Abernathy, a District 12 victor played as an adult in the films by Woody Harrelson. So what's the most messed-up thing, for all you particularly macabre readers?

That would be the "replacement" of a District 12 tribute, Louella McCoy, after she's...

The world of Hunger Games seems to be all set to be moving forward and bringing in new star power as it is reportedly trekking forward to bring in more storylines and characters to the fictional lore.

And, according to the exclusive reports, the newest addition to be in the talks to join the star-studded cast is none other than the 37-year-old Jesse Plemons.

A still from the Hunger Games prequel film series. | Credits: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes / Lionsgate Films.

However, as much star power as he will be bringing into the core cast, if this ends up being the final casting for the character he is reportedly being eyed for—i.e., Plutarch Heavensbee—then this would be nothing short of a nightmare for the respective adventure/thriller world. To say the least, his confirmed casting might even have the prequel unable to survive the fallout!

Jesse...

Rami Malek is detailing how working with Paul Thomas Anderson on “The Master” inspired him to expand his filmmaking career outside the realm of acting.

Malek, who appeared in the 2012 ensemble film alongside Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jesse Plemons, and Laura Dern, said during SiriusXM’s “Faction Talk” channel town hall that his dismay at a long monologue being cut led him to start producing his own films.

Malek executive produces “The Amateur,” a remake of the 1981 film, and stars as a CIA decoder who is on a mission to avenge the murder of his wife. Malek was accompanied by his co-stars Laurence Fishburne, Rachel Brosnahan, and Caitriona Balfe, plus director James Hawes, during the “Faction Talk” appearance, below.

“I remember doing a scene on ‘The Master’ with Paul Thomas Anderson, and it was a long monologue and I labored over it for so long,” Malek said.

Star Wars has been dormant on the big screen since The Rise of Skywalker, but Shawn Levy is joining forces with Ryan Gosling on what is slated to be the next film to hit theaters set in a galaxy far, far away. The highly anticipated film, which will follow a brand-new set of characters not from the Skywalker saga, may have found its villain actor.

According to Daniel Richtman, Jesse Plemons has been offered the role of a villain in Levy's upcoming Star Wars film that currently does not have a title. As plot details remain scarce, it is unknown who the antagonist will be and if Plemons is in the running to play a well-known character or an entirely new one. Of course, this is a rumor and should be taken with a grain of salt for now. It would not be the first time an actor passed on an offer,...

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This April, Peacock is bringing you a lot of entertainment, from the highly anticipated return of Law & Order: Organized Crime to the release of underrated films like Last Night in Soho and Trainspotting. However, for the purposes of this article, we are only including the films that are coming to Peacock this month and have a 90% or higher Rotten Tomatoes score. So, check out the seven best films that are coming to Peacock in April 2025 with a 90% or higher Rotten Tomatoes score.

Face/Off (April 1) Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93% Credit – Paramount Pictures

Face/Off is a sci-fi action thriller film directed by John Woo from a screenplay co-written by Mike Werb and Michael Colleary. The 1997 film follows FBI Special Agent Sean Archer, who catches the dangerous terrorist Castor Troy, but he soon discovers that Castor has planted a bomb. To get more information,...

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This April, Paramount+ is bringing you a ton of entertainment with the much-anticipated streaming release of the historical drama film The Return and also a special featuring live performances from Elton John and Brandi Carlile. However, for the purposes of this article, we are only including the films that are coming to Paramount+ this month and have a 90% or higher Rotten Tomatoes score. So, check out the 7 best films coming to Paramount+ in April 2025 with a 90% or higher Rotten Tomatoes score.

Arrival (April 1) Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94% Credit – Paramount Pictures

Arrival is a sci-fi drama film directed by Denis Villeneuve from a screenplay by Eric Heisserer. Based on the 1998 short story titled Story of Your Life by Ted Chiang, the 2016 film follows linguist Louise Banks as she is enlisted by the Army to decipher the language of and communicate...

The quest for a pitch-perfect filmography is something that movie fans have seen countless directors strive for. Quentin Tarantino is the most infamous example, as his refusal to make more than 10 films dominated the headlines and enraged audiences. He isn't the only perfectionist of the bunch, however, as many modern directors are notoriously picky and methodical about the projects they choose. One notable member of this slow and savvy club is the great Paul Thomas Anderson, who has only released nine feature films across his 29-year directorial career.

Regardless of his snail's pace output, Anderson consistently delivers immersive, sprawling experiences that please audiences and critics alike. Whether he's making epic dramas, dense romantic comedies, crime films, or scathing pseudo-westerns, his releases never seem to disappoint. The teaser for Anderson's latest Leonardo DiCaprio-led film dropped this past week, and it has already made waves, with many fans saying it looks...

In the original "Hunger Games" books by Suzanne Collins — which were adapted into a film franchise in 2012 that's still ongoing to this day — we learn that Haymitch Abernathy, the only living District 12 victor of the titular Games played by Woody Harrelson, competed in a very "special" version of the Games. Every 25 years, to punish the districts for the rebellion that took place and started this evil tradition in the first place, there's a particularly punishing iteration of the Games called the Quarter Quell. Because Haymitch competes in the 50th Games, his Quarter Quell's twist is that the number of child tributes who fight to the death is doubled, sending 48 kids into the arena instead of 24.

We know, before reading Haymitch's origin story "Sunrise on the Reaping" — which is already set to be adapted for the big screen — that he's a tribute, but in Collins' 2025 book, we learn how, and it's awful.