The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is the latest installment in the beloved Hunger Games film series, which has recently been rejuvenated following the release of new novels by author Suzanne Collins. This upcoming film takes the audience back to the 50th Hunger Games, an event pivotal to the backstory of the character Haymitch Abernathy, shedding light on his past and the circumstances that shaped him in the original trilogy. Although the film is set to hit theaters in 2026, it has already begun to unveil its cast, generating excitement among fans, particularly due to one notable actor’s past collaboration with the film’s director.
Ben Wang Cast as Wyatt Callow in Sunrise on the Reaping
Wyatt Callow: A Key Tribute in the 50th Hunger Games
In this film, Ben Wang portrays Wyatt Callow, who serves as the second male tribute representing District 12 in what becomes a historic Hunger Games event. Historically, the Hunger Games introduce unique twists every 25 years, underscored in Catching Fire, where the 75th Games brought back previous victors from their districts. Notably, the 50th Hunger Games features twice the number of competitors, with a total of four tributes hailing from each district, which allowed for both Wyatt and Haymitch’s participation.
Wang is recognized for his exceptional acting skills, and there is a high expectation for him to bring depth to his character on the big screen. In Sunrise on the Reaping, Callow functions as an oddsmaker, a role where he is responsible for predicting outcomes of events on which audiences can wager, thus establishing competitive odds. Initially perceived as unlikable—particularly from Haymitch’s perspective—Callow evolves into a sympathetic figure as the narrative unfolds, adding layers of complexity to the storyline.
Collaboration with Director Francis Lawrence on The Long Walk
The Long Walk: Anticipation Builds for Its Release
The excitement surrounding Wang’s casting extends beyond his talent, as he previously collaborated with Sunrise on the Reaping director Francis Lawrence on an upcoming adaptation of Stephen King’s 1979 novel, The Long Walk. Even though this film is yet to premiere, its principal photography has concluded, indicating that Lawrence was impressed enough with Wang’s performance to cast him in this new role.
Interestingly, The Long Walk shares thematic elements with The Hunger Games, as both narratives revolve around young individuals contending in life-or-death competitions. Although The Long Walk predates The Hunger Games by several decades, this film will mark the first theatrical adaptation of King’s novel, likely leading to inevitable comparisons between the two, thus adding another layer of intrigue to Wang’s dual appearances in these cinematic worlds.
Wang and Lawrence’s Reunion Heightens Anticipation for Sunrise on the Reaping
The Dynamic Duo: Wang and Lawrence
The Long Walk is scheduled for release on September 12, 2025, while The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will follow on November 20, 2026. The connection between Ben Wang and Francis Lawrence inevitably adds an exciting layer to both projects, raising the stakes for performance expectations in this upcoming adaptation.