Recently revealed set photos from The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping offer an exciting glimpse into the arena for the Second Quarter Quell. This upcoming film, based on Suzanne Collins’ novel, follows a young Haymitch Abernathy, portrayed by Joseph Zada, as he battles for survival in one of Panem’s most perilous Hunger Games.
Set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s story, the prequel is directed by franchise veteran Francis Lawrence. The film boasts a stellar cast, including Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove, and McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner.
In an exclusive report, the Spanish outlet La Nueva España shared new images from the Sunrise on the Reaping set, located in the breathtaking Somiedo Natural Park of Asturias. The striking landscape features lush greenery, monumental mountains, and a serene lake, with film gear and crew members prepping the site.
While the cast members haven’t been spotted yet, intriguing markers on the ground, numbered and laid out in a circular pattern, hint at the initial setup for the 48 tributes in the games. The production team has also secured locations within the Oviedo Congress and Exhibitions Center along with rural areas in Teverga for filming.
What This Means For Sunrise On The Reaping
Filming Will Begin Soon
With production trucks now observed in Somiedo, Sunrise on the Reaping is officially gearing up for filming. The arena from Haymitch’s Games is poised to come alive. Known for its seemingly idyllic beauty, the Second Quarter Quell arena is a deadly meadow flanked by woods, a snow-capped volcano, and a stream.
In this arena, nearly every plant and water source was lethal, except for the food at the Cornucopia and rainwater. Choosing Asturias as a filming backdrop aligns perfectly with this vision. The region’s mist-laden valleys, dense forests, and towering peaks encapsulate the arena’s natural but perilous allure.
As the cast and crew get ready to shoot, Asturias is set to become one of Panem’s most unforgettable battlegrounds. By opting for authentic, protected landscapes instead of relying solely on CGI, the filmmakers aim to enhance the immersive quality of the arena—something fans haven’t experienced since Catching Fire.
The deadly elegance of the arena will feel palpably real, thanks to its natural settings. It captures the mix of breathtaking beauty and hidden peril that defined the 50th Hunger Games. With cameras rolling soon, we are just moments away from reliving Haymitch’s experiences on the big screen.
Our Take On Sunrise On The Reaping’s Set Pictures
This Arena Has the Potential to Be the Franchise’s Most Memorable
The Second Quarter Quell arena is more than just a backdrop in Sunrise on the Reaping; it is a powerful narrative force. Filming in the Somiedo Natural Park lends a profound authenticity to the story. Haymitch Abernathy has always been one of the most complex figures in the franchise, and this film finally delves into his backstory.
Shooting in such a raw, immersive environment promises to amplify the tension and horror of the arena, enhancing the performances of the actors. If executed well, this setting could very well become the most iconic and psychologically intense Hunger Games ever captured on film.
Source: La Nueva España