AceShowbiz - Jesse Plemons has become a new addition to Lionsgate's upcoming adaptation of Suzanne Collins' bestselling book, "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping". He joins Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, and Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner.

"Sunrise on the Reaping" revisits the world of Panem twenty-four years before the events of "The Hunger Games", starting on the morning of the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell.

Plemons plays a young Plutarch Heavensbee in District 12, with the story capturing the intense reaping of the Tributes. Directed by Francis Lawrence and written by Billy Ray, the film is slated for release on November 20, 2026.

The character was originally played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman in "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay". Erin Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group said of the new casting, "Jesse is one of the most talented actors of his generation, with a proven record of picking his roles selectively."

"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 already come to know and a portrayal he makes his own. We can't wait for audiences to see it."

Producer Nina Jacobson of Color Force added, "Jesse has been one of my favorite actors since I first saw him in 'Friday Night Lights.' We knew from the start that only an actor's actor could play a young version of Plutarch. Jesse was the dream from the start and we couldn't be prouder to have him join the Hunger Games family."

The gripping saga of "Sunrise on the Reaping" hit shelves with astonishing success, selling 1.5 million copies in its first week across several countries, with 1.2 million copies sold in the U.S. alone, doubling the first-week sales of "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes]" and tripling those of "Mockingjay".

The film adaptation promises to be a monumental addition to the franchise, which has already grossed over $3.3 billion at the box office. With its compelling storyline and stellar cast, fans old and new are eagerly anticipating this new chapter in the world of Panem.