The international promotional tour for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping launched in Sydney on October 14. The event brought Australian actor Joseph Zada and American co-star Mckenna Grace together for a waterfront photo call and an evening fan event. This high-profile appearance marked the beginning of the global campaign for the upcoming Lionsgate prequel and brought Zada back to his home country.
Zada and Grace posed for photographers overlooking Sydney Harbour, with the Sydney Opera House framing the background. For the daytime photo call, Zada wore a design by Louis Gabriel Nouchi. Grace wore a House of Giles gown accessorized with Annabel Chan jewelry and Jimmy Choo shoes. Their Sydney appearance followed a promotional stop in Paris during Paris Fashion Week. In Paris, Grace paid tribute to Katniss Everdeen by wearing a Monique Lhuillier gown inspired by Jennifer Lawrence’s famous Catching Fire wedding look.
Fan Event and Aerial Performance at The Grounds of Alexandria
Later on October 14, the co-stars traveled to The Eveleigh at The Grounds of Alexandria to meet franchise fans. Australian comedian Joel Creasey hosted the evening event. It featured a live question-and-answer session with Zada and Grace alongside a surprise aerial performance designed to evoke the dramatic spectacle of the Capitol and the Hunger Games arena.
Zada stars in the film as a young Haymitch Abernathy. The role traces the character’s origins 24 years before the events of the original The Hunger Games. Grace portrays fellow District 12 tribute Maysilee Donner. Speaking about her co-star earlier in the year, Grace praised Zada’s talent. She told Variety Australia that he is positioned to become one of the industry’s biggest stars and warned audiences to prepare for an emotional cinematic experience.
About The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Francis Lawrence directed the film, which was adapted from Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel by writers Billy Ray and Michael Lesslie. Sunrise on the Reaping centers on the 50th Annual Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. The story follows 16-year-old Haymitch as he enters the arena alongside twice the usual number of tributes. He forms an alliance with Maysilee and navigates a covert coalition seeking to challenge President Snow’s control.
Key Film Details and Release Information
- U.S. Release Date: November 20, 2026
- Australian Release Date: November 19, 2026
- Director: Francis Lawrence
- Producers: Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, and Francis Lawrence
- Main Cast: Joseph Zada, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Whitney Peak, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Ben Wang.
Following the Sydney launch, the international press tour will continue to introduce the cast. It will also expand on the fashion legacy established by previous films in the franchise as anticipation builds toward the November theatrical release.
