In the novel "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," a young Plutarch serves as a cameraman who captures the reaping of the tributes in District 12. The new prequel film will begin filming in July. Francis Lawrence will direct the movie, which revisits the world of Panem 24 years before the events of the original "Hunger Games" story.

Jesse Plemons is stepping into the shoes of late actor Philip Seymour Hoffman. Plemons will star in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping as Plutarch Heavensbee, the character Hoffman portrayed in his final film roles, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay—Parts 1 and 2. He joins stars Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak and Mckenna Grace.

The next Hunger Games movie, titled Sunrise on the Reaping, takes place 24 years before the events of the first film, when Plutarch is a younger man and not yet Head Gamemaker or leader of the rebellion. Erin Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, commented on the exciting casting announcement (per Deadline) with these words: