Sad truth behind viral The Hunger Games Sunrise on the Reaping casting call for Aussies

However, the Sunrise on the Reaping fan casting contest isn’t what it seems. A quick look at the Terms and Conditions on Liongate’s website will crush many dreams — especially in Australia.

The original casting call stated that a lucky fan would be selected for a role in Sunrise on the Reaping, and said the winner doesn’t need to have acting experience. “To audition, show us your best: act out a scene, perform a song, or surprise us with something completely new. All talents welcome. No previous experience necessary. Each video entry must be one minute or less,” the post reads.

While this seemed like it was an open casting call, the Terms and Conditions reveal that you have to be a legal resident of the United States of America, be at least 18 years old, and have a valid US passport. This is super disappointing, especially since the lead role of Haymitch Abernathy is being played by none other than Australian Joseph Zada! Justice for SOTR Aussie fans!!!

The prize isn’t a major role either, and the lucky winner might not even appear on screen. To be fair, the winner will still get to visit the Sunrise on the Reaping set with a guest, but the role up for offer isn’t that juicy. 

“[The winner has] the possibility… to appear in the picture, including potentially in the background as a non-speaking ‘walk-on’ in the picture during the set visit, subject to the winner’s eligibility, availability and any other conditions,” the rules state. The total value of this prize is $4100 USD (approximately $6285 AUD), and while it isn’t as incredible as you first think, a set visit would be pretty amazing.

Fans criticise Sunrise on the Reaping casting contest

On Reddit, some fans took to the Hunger Games subreddit to complain about the competition. 

“So ridiculous. It’s always exclusive to the States which sucks,” one person wrote.

“It’s like the US is the Capitol and people in the rest of the world are from the districts,” another complained.

“I’m heartbroken. It would be a dream come true,” a Canadian wrote.

Another noted that it wasn’t a “real extra casting call” but a “competition and PR stunt” to promote the movie. The strategy seems to be paying off, so kudos to Lionsgate’s marketing team!

Who is in the cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping?

The cast of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is absolutely stacked. We have Joseph as Haymitch, Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Lily Taylor as Mags Flanagan, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Maya Hawke as Wiress, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Molly McCann as Louella McCoy, Iona Bell as Lou Lou and Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow.

When does The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping movie come out in Australia?

The Sunrise on the Reaping movie will be released in Australia on November 20, 2026. It’s going to be a huge event, especially since an Aussie is in the title role.

Is there a Sunrise on the Reaping movie trailer?

Not yet! We’ve had a small promo video when the movie was announced, and it looks like it will be epic. As someone who has read the book, I can’t wait!

We’ll make sure to update this as soon as more details are dropped.