Fiennes to Play President Snow in New Hunger Games Film

Ralph Fiennes is set to portray President Coriolanus Snow in Lionsgate's newest cinematic adaptation of the book series, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

The news that the acclaimed actor of The Conclave and Harry Potter fame has joined the upcoming film was announced today via The Hunger Games' official X/Twitter account. This latest casting reveal adds to a growing list for the franchise, with Fiennes taking on one of its most pivotal and complex roles.

Sunrise on the Reaping is set chronologically after the 2023 prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, but before the original four films starring Jennifer Lawrence. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes depicted a young Snow, played by Tom Blyth, being shaped into Panem's ruthless leader, a role later immortalized by the late Donald Sutherland in the earlier film series. Fiennes' portrayal will capture a middle chapter in Snow's life, as the story focuses on District 12 tribute and eventual victor, Haymitch Abernathy.

“We sought to pay tribute to Donald Sutherland by casting one of this era's finest actors as President Snow, 24 years before Katniss Everdeen steps into the arena,” producer Nina Jacobson stated. “Collaborating with Ralph has been a career aspiration since his profoundly moving performance in Schindler's List. It is a genuine honor to welcome him to The Hunger Games universe.”

While Fiennes' casting is perhaps the most anticipated for Sunrise on the Reaping, several other standout actors have also been confirmed. Notable additions include Jesse Plemons (Breaking Bad, Civil War), who will portray a younger version of Plutarch Heavensbee—a role originally played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Joseph Zada (Total Control, Invisible Boys), cast as Haymitch Abernathy.

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 adapts Suzanne Collins' 2025 novel and is slated for a theatrical release on November 20, 2026. Franchise director Francis Lawrence returns to helm the project, with a screenplay by original Hunger Games writer Billy Ray. The film was first announced last summer, and a teaser trailer debuted this past April.