Ralph Fiennes will portray President Snow in the upcoming Hunger Games prequel, “Sunrise on the Reaping,” bringing a fresh perspective to the iconic villain first brought to life by Donald Sutherland. The film, set for release on November 20, 2026, focuses on a younger, more dynamic version of President Snow, which will allow Fiennes to showcase his unique interpretation of the character and explore new aspects of the role for fans of the franchise and for those following Ralph Fiennes as President Snow.
Returning to Panem: The Setting and Story
“Sunrise on the Reaping” is set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen volunteers as tribute, a pivotal event in the original series. The story centers on Haymitch Abernathy’s entry into the 50th annual Hunger Games—an edition memorable for its brutality and significance within Panem. Audiences will see familiar characters like Haymitch, Cesar Flickerman, and Plutarch Heavensbee, each reintroduced through a new cast, reflecting their younger selves as the world of Panem is revisited with fresh energy and conflict. Notably, Joseph Zada will take on Haymitch Abernathy, Kieran Culkin becomes Cesar Flickerman, and Jesse Plemons steps into the role of Plutarch Heavensbee.
Ralph Fiennes as President Snow: Crafting a New Villain
Fiennes is known for his ability to embody complex antagonists, with past roles including the formidable Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series. Now, as President Snow, he faces the challenge of stepping into a part defined by Sutherland’s chilling portrayal—one marked by quiet menace and a hidden cruelty that lingered over Panem. With “Sunrise on the Reaping” focusing on a younger Snow, Fiennes is expected to inject vitality and new emotional layers into the character, setting his performance apart from previous iterations.
Taking on a role so closely associated with another actor presents unique difficulties. Fiennes himself addressed the responsibility, stating,
“Look, I’m a Donald Sutherland fan. I’m not going to try and be Donald Sutherland, because no one can be him. But I think the character he created is very complex… The complexity of that psychology, I hope I can echo in some way.”
—Ralph Fiennes, Actor
This insight reveals his intent not to imitate, but rather to honor the depth Sutherland brought, while adding fresh complexity to Snow’s psychology and personal evolution.
Building on the Legacy: Previous and Future Versions of President Snow
The role of President Snow has already traversed generations in the Hunger Games saga. Donald Sutherland established the character as a menacing force, exuding a sense of control and underlying sadism. Recently, Tom Blyth depicted a much younger Snow in
“The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,”
providing backstory and revealing a gentler, more uncertain side as Snow mentored Lucy Gray Baird. This film, starring Rachel Zegler and Peter Dinklage, offered insight into what shaped the man Snow would become, giving Fiennes an even deeper well of characterization to draw from.
With these existing versions, Fiennes faces both inspiration and expectation. His approach will need to logically bridge the youthful uncertainty shown by Blyth and the icy confidence embodied by Sutherland. Fans of the franchise will watch closely as Fiennes balances the character’s development, bringing his own artistry and intensity to the infamous antagonist.
The Expanded Cast for Sunrise on the Reaping
Joining Fiennes in this anticipated film are several notable actors taking on iconic roles. Joseph Zada has been cast as Haymitch Abernathy, stepping into shoes once filled by Woody Harrelson. Kieran Culkin replaces Stanley Tucci as the ever-charismatic Cesar Flickerman. Jesse Plemons will portray Plutarch Heavensbee, rounding out a cast that also includes Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird and Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner. These new faces bring energy and new interpretations to beloved characters, signaling a bold direction for the franchise’s future.
Elizabeth Banks, who has portrayed Effie Trinket in previous films, has also commented on the casting process, marking the new chapter for the series and hinting at further surprises to come as the project develops.
What to Expect as Fiennes Redefines a Villain
With his strong history of playing villains and a commitment not to simply echo Sutherland’s performance, Fiennes is expected to reinterpret President Snow with deeper psychological nuance—a man caught between ambition, ruthlessness, and the lingering effects of youth. As the new film situates Snow at a formative point in his life, Fiennes’ portrayal will help flesh out the character’s evolution and intentions, offering audiences new reasons to reflect on the dynamics of power, morality, and legacy in Panem.
Fans of the Hunger Games franchise, as well as admirers of the actor’s work, will be eager to see Ralph Fiennes as President Snow bring both his own darkness and energy to the role, shaping the villain’s next chapter and setting the tone for future stories within this enduring world. With “Sunrise on the Reaping” soon approaching, the stage is set for a compelling reimagining of one of cinema’s most notorious antagonists.
