Hunger Games prequel book of the same name, the next movie in the franchise takes place during the second Quarter Quell and sees a young Haymitch Abernathy trying to survive in an arena where kids will fight each other to the death until only one remains. Directed by Francis Lawrence, the movie's cast stars Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow, Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow, and Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman.

While speaking to ScreenRant's Liam Crowley at the Karate Kid: Legends NYC premiere ahead of the movie's worldwide release on May 30, Wang offered some insight on when the next Hunger Games prequel will start production. When asked whether filming would begin in July as reported, Wang confirmed that this is his "understanding" and they are already "starting" to prepare for the movie. He also discussed keeping his casting a secret, even from his own mother, along with the thrill of adapting the recently published novel. Check out Wang's comments below:

ScreenRant: You kept a secret from me when we filmed coffee chats. What? Sunrise on the Reaping. You kept a secret from me.

Ben Wang: Even my mom didn't know! I didn't tell. I am sorry for keeping a secret from you, but I had to do what I had to.

ScreenRant: Now that it's out there, what can you tell me about your preparation for Wyatt, and you're filming in July, right?

Ben Wang: Yes, we're starting... yeah, that's my understanding. Honestly, right now I'm just getting onboarded so I know about as much as you.

ScreenRant: Have you read the book yet?

Ben Wang: Oh yeah. Oh yeah. Day one.

ScreenRant: It's so good, right?

Ben Wang: Dude, I'm so excited.

ScreenRant: Isn't it cool to adapt something that literally just came out too?

Ben Wang: It's so cool, and this is my second time working with Francis Lawrence because I work with him on The Long Walk, so he's really incredible. I can't wait to see what he does with this one.

What This Means For The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping

Sunrise On The Reaping Is In Pre-Production

Wang's casting announcement came out early this month when the Karate Kids: Legend actor was revealed to have been cast to play Wyatt Callow, one of the two male tributes from District 12 in the Hunger Games prequel. While Wang didn't reveal a concrete start date, it does sound like there's a lot of behind-the-scenes movement as the project is gearing up for production soon.

Suzanne Collins' latest Hunger Games novel has achieved significant commercial and critical success since its release in March, and the film adaptation already has a release date set for November 20, 2026, and its core cast. Meanwhile, Wang is coy when it comes to revealing specific details about the movie and his Sunrise on the Reaping character. The fact that he didn't tell his own mother about his Hunger Games casting indicates the high level of secrecy around the project.

Our Take On The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping's Production Update

The Adaptation Is Swiftly Moving Forward

It sounds like things are moving very quickly for Sunrise on the Reaping. As a major production in an ongoing popular franchise, the movie is reportedly going to have a large budget, making it the most expensive installment since Mockingjay - Part 2. Since The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is in pre-production, and filming is set to start soon, it will not be long until more news is released about casting, plot, and book changes.