Elizabeth Banks, who portrayed the eccentric Capitol escort Effie Trinket across the original four Hunger Games films, has voiced high praise for Lionsgate’s upcoming prequel The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, singling out lead actor Joseph Zada’s performance as a young Haymitch Abernathy. Speaking Wednesday at the Airbnb.org Gala in Los Angeles, Banks confirmed she has already screened the finished film, calling it “amazing” and describing Zada as a “perfect Woody Harrelson” in his embodiment of the battle-worn District 12 victor.

Adapted from Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel and directed by franchise veteran Francis Lawrence, Sunrise on the Reaping returns to Panem 24 years prior to the events of the original saga to chronicle the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. The arena competition forced twice the usual number of tributes—48 in total—into lethal combat, charting the crucible that shaped Haymitch decades before he served as mentor to Katniss Everdeen. The prequel also features a flash-forward sequence reuniting original series stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Woody Harrelson.

The project boasts an expansive ensemble cast featuring Zada alongside Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Elle Fanning taking over as a younger Effie Trinket, Maya Hawke as Wiress, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee. Rounding out the roster in original and returning franchise roles are Mckenna Grace, Glenn Close, and Whitney Peak.

Reflecting on principal photography, Zada detailed the psychological intensity of stepping onto the arena set on his very first day of production, where he filmed the high-stakes bloodbath at the Cornucopia surrounded by 47 other tribute performers and camera drones without standard crew in the line of sight. He also shared anecdotes of working opposite seasoned veterans like Plemons and Close, noting Close’s ability to switch fluidly between warm off-camera banter and sudden, menacing character improvisations. Produced by Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, and Lawrence, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled to debut wide in theaters and IMAX on November 20, 2026.