Jesse Plemons has joined the cast of “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” a new installment in the popular franchise. He will play a young version of Plutarch Heavensbee, a character previously portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the original films.
Plemons is no stranger to working with Hoffman, as they collaborated on Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2012 film “The Master.” The actor, known for his Oscar-nominated performance in “The Power of the Dog,” has also appeared in notable projects like “Friday Night Lights” and “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
According to Lionsgate, Plemons brings a unique take to the character, while still paying tribute to Hoffman’s iconic portrayal. Director Francis Lawrence chose not to use CGI technology to replicate Hoffman’s performance, instead rewriting scenes and giving his dialogue to other actors.
“Sunnedrise on the Reaping” takes place 24 years before the events of “The Hunger Games” and follows the young Plutarch Heavensbee as he captures the reaping of the Tributes in District 12. The novel sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide, and the film is set to be released on November 20, 2026.
Plemons’ addition to the franchise is seen as a nod to his previous collaboration with Hoffman’s estate, who chose him for the role due to his proven talent and selective casting approach. With Plemons at the helm, audiences can expect a fresh take on one of Panem’s most fascinating figures.
Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/hunger-games-sunrise-on-reaping-jesse-plemons-plutarch-1236375692