Short News: From Hunger Games Origins to Predator Crossovers and Pee-wee's Legacy: Exploring the Next Big Stories in Film

Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak to Star in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

Lionsgate has confirmed Joseph Zada as young Haymitch Abernathy and Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird in the highly anticipated Hunger Games prequel.

Set 24 years before the original series, the prequel explores Haymitch's origin story during the 50th Hunger Games, featuring 48 tributes in a brutal twist for the Second Quarter Quell.

Directed by Francis Lawrence and written by Billy Ray, the film is slated for a November 20, 2026 release, continuing the franchise's legacy, which has grossed over $3.3 billion globally. 

Thia's Shocking Secret: The Predator: Badlands Teaser Reveals Major Alien Connection

Elle Fanning’s character, Thia, is revealed to be a Weyland-Yutani synthetic, marking a significant tie to the Alien franchise.

This film represents the first direct connection between the two franchises since Alien vs. Predator (2004) and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007), though those films are not considered canon.

Set on a remote planet, the story follows a young Predator and Thia forming an alliance to seek the ultimate adversary, with the movie set to release on November 7, 2026, from 20th Century Studios.

Paul Reubens Unveiled: HBO’s Pee-wee as Himself Premieres May 23

Pee-wee as Himself is a two-part, posthumous HBO documentary showcasing an in-depth, soul-baring portrait of Paul Reubens, including his life, career, and the evolution of his iconic alter ego, Pee-wee Herman.

Featuring over 40 hours of interviews with Reubens, 1,000 hours of archival footage, and never-before-seen photographs, the documentary explores his influences, challenges, legal battles, and eventual resurrection as a cultural icon.

The documentary premieres on May 23, 2025, on HBO and Max, celebrating Reubens’ legacy of joy, creativity, and acceptance while offering a candid reflection on his life, career, and enduring impact on pop culture.