Hunger Games: Jesse Plemons Plays Young Philip Seymour Hoffman

Jesse Plemons is set to portray a younger version of Plutarch Heavensbee in the upcoming film The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. This film, releasing on November 29, 2026, is based on Suzanne Collins' novel and takes place twenty-four years before the original Hunger Games series, focusing on the reaping of the Tributes in District 12 during the Second Quarter Quell. Lionsgate expressed their excitement over Plemons' casting, citing his talent and previous collaboration with Philip Seymour Hoffman, who originally played the character. Other cast members include Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy and Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner. The film will be directed by Francis Lawrence, who has a history with the Hunger Games franchise.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping explores the events leading up to the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, and provides a deeper look into the character Plutarch Heavensbee's role in the oppressive society of Panem.

The Hunger Games franchise is based on a series of novels written by Suzanne Collins. The original trilogy focuses on the dystopian society of Panem where children are forced to participate in a brutal competition as punishment for past rebellions. The films have garnered significant critical and commercial success, leading to this latest prequel, which aims to expand on the lore and complexities of the renowned universe.