In a stroke of genius, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping has taken movie marketing to the next level by merging the politics of Panem with real-world public affairs.
During Fox News and CNN's coverage of the US midterm elections on November 3, Ralph Fiennes' President Snow from the upcoming Hunger Games prequel suddenly appeared on the screen. The TV spot, which has since been posted on Twitter, saw Snow address the nation to announce the 50th Hunger Games, reminding Panem why it has to take place. However, partway through, the resistance hacks into the feed, with the recurring message 'Break the Machine' appearing on the screen.
Ralph Fiennes appeared as President Snow in an in-universe promo for ‘THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING’ that aired during FOX News & CNN’s Election Night coverage. https://t.co/ujBZiqLZ1qNovember 4, 2026
This isn't the first time that the movie has attempted to blend our world with the nation of Panem. Last month, the prequel launched an in-universe website called CapitolTV, where fans can flick through channels and see Snow's full message featured above, commercials featuring Glenn Close's Drusilla Sickle and Billy Porter Stift, and PSA's about why the Hunger Games were introduced in the first place, apparently to reinstate peace.
Set 24 years before the first film, Sunrise on the Reaping follows 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada) as he is drafted into the 50th Hunger Games. Fans will remember that Haymitch, previously played by Woody Harrelson in the original saga, later became Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark's mentor with a dark past. The new movie will give us insight into what Haymitch went through in the second Quarter Quell, which saw game makers raise the stakes and send in not two but four tributes from each of the 12 districts.
The cast also includes Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Lili Taylor as Mags, Maya Hawke as Wiress, Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow, and more. Hunger Games' leads Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are set to make a cameo as Katniss and Peeta too.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping hits theaters on November 20. For more, check out our guide to upcoming movies and keep up with movie release dates.
