Ralph Fiennes is trading his wand for a white rose, officially cast as the scheming President Snow in the upcoming Sunrise on the Reaping film. This Hunger Games prequel is based on Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel.
Fiennes is the third actor to portray the main villain of The Hunger Games, after Tom Blyth portrayed the character in the 2023 film The Hunger Games: A Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes, a prequel that saw a much-younger Coriolanus Snow mentor a tribute from District 13 (played by Rachel Zegler).
In response to the news of Fiennes’ casting, Zegler posted an Instagram comment that read: “not my ex being Lord Voldemort”.
Zegler portrayed Lucy Gray Baird in the 2023 prequel movie. (Source: Instagram)
The late Donald Sutherland originated the role in the original four The Hunger Games films, receiving praise for his depiction of the series’ main antagonist. Sutherland passed away in June 2024 from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Fiennes is no stranger to playing villains, as some of his previous roles include a sadistic Nazi officer in Schindler’s List, a murderous chef in The Menu, and — arguably his most iconic role — as Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter franchise. Fiennes’ most recent role was in the religious-drama Conclave.
President Snow marks yet another villain in Fienne’s repertoire. (Source: Getty Images)
Producer of Sunrise on the Reaping, Nina Jacobson, stated that Fiennes casting was made to “honour” the legacy of Sutherland.
“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,” Jacobson said in a statement, per The Hollywood Reporter.
“Working with Ralph has been on my bucket list since he traumatised me for life in Schindler’s List. It’s genuinely a thrill to welcome him to The Hunger Games.”
Sutherland originated the role of President Snow in the original film series. (Source: Getty Images)
The film is based on the novel of the same name written by Collins, and depicts Panem 24 years before Katniss Everdeen (played by Jennifer Lawrence in the original film series) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) entered the Games, instead shifting focus on a young Haymitch Abernathy (originally played by Woody Harrelson) who won the 50th Hunger Games.
Joseph Zada will play the lead role of a young Haymitch in the upcoming flick, while actors Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, and more will also star.
Jesse Plemons is also set to play a young Plutarch Heavensbee, following in the footsteps of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman who played the character in the original film franchise.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will premiere in theatres in November 2026.
