Ralph Fiennes Cast as President Snow in Hunger Games Prequel

Ralph Fiennes has officially been cast as President Coriolanus Snow in Lionsgate’s highly anticipated film adaptation, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The announcement was made through the official Hunger Games X (formerly Twitter) account, marking one of the most pivotal casting decisions in the franchise's latest chapter.

Best known for his powerful performances in The Conclave and the Harry Potter series, Fiennes steps into a role previously embodied by the late Donald Sutherland in the original film series. His portrayal will explore a mature, mid-chronology version of Snow—24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s time—offering a deeper look into the president’s reign during a critical period in Panem’s history.

Sunrise on the Reaping is set between the events of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes—which followed a young Snow played by Tom Blyth—and the original four-film saga led by Jennifer Lawrence. The story centers on District 12 tribute and future Hunger Games victor, Haymitch Abernathy, shedding light on a previously unexplored era of rebellion, survival, and political tension.

Producer Nina Jacobson shared her excitement about Fiennes joining the franchise: “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.”

Fiennes’ casting has quickly become the most talked-about reveal for the film, though he isn’t the only major addition. Jesse Plemons (Breaking Bad, Civil War) will portray a younger version of Plutarch Heavensbee, originally played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Joseph Zada (Total Control, Invisible Boys) takes on the iconic role of Haymitch Abernathy, bringing the character’s early journey to life.

President Snow.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters November 20, 2026.
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— The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) May 16, 2025

Based on Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel of the same name, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled for theatrical release on November 20, 2026. The film reunites series director Francis Lawrence and screenwriter Billy Ray, ensuring continuity with the established tone and storytelling of the franchise. The project was first announced last summer, followed by a teaser trailer released this past April, building steady momentum ahead of production.

With a compelling timeline, a star-studded cast, and deep narrative roots in the Hunger Games universe, the film is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated adaptations of the decade.