Ralph Fiennes Cast as President Snow in Hunger Games Prequel

Ralph Fiennes has been selected to portray President Coriolanus Snow in Lionsgate's latest cinematic venture, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. This exciting casting news was shared via the official Hunger Games X/Twitter account, marking another significant announcement in the buildup to this highly anticipated film. Fiennes, renowned for his roles in The Conclave and the Harry Potter series, steps into a crucial role that is central to the narrative.

Set in the timeline between the original Hunger Games quartet starring Jennifer Lawrence and the prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes released in 2023, Sunrise on the Reaping explores a pivotal period in President Snow's life. The earlier film showcased a young Snow, portrayed by Tom Blyth, evolving into the formidable dictator previously played by the late Donald Sutherland. Fiennes will now depict Snow at a midpoint in his life, with the story focusing on District 12's tribute and eventual victor, Haymitch Abernathy.

Producer Nina Jacobson expressed enthusiasm about Fiennes' casting, 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' announcement has generated significant excitement among fans, he is not the only eagerly awaited addition to the cast. Other notable casting includes Jesse Plemons, known for his roles in Breaking Bad and Civil War, who will take on the role of a young Plutarch Heavensbee, previously portrayed by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Additionally, Joseph Zada, recognized 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 slated for a theatrical release on November 20, 2026. Returning director Francis Lawrence, who has helmed multiple entries in the series, will direct from a screenplay penned by original Hunger Games writer Billy Ray. The film was announced last summer, with a teaser trailer released this past April, further fueling anticipation among fans.