Edvin Ryding, the rising Swedish actor known for his leading role in the Netflix series Young Royals, has been cast in “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping”, the upcoming installment of the globally successful dystopian franchise.
International debut and new role
The 21-year-old recently made his international film debut in 28 Years Later, currently showing in cinemas. In the new Hunger Games prequel, set for release on 20 November 2026, Ryding will play Vitus, a university student tasked with assisting a young Haymitch Abernathy in preparation for the deadly games.
Haymitch, a familiar name to fans of the original saga, is portrayed in his youth before becoming the mentor to Katniss Everdeen in the original trilogy. The film explores the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, and is based on a new novel by Suzanne Collins expected in 2025.
High-profile cast and production
Ryding joins a prominent international cast including Glenn Close, Ralph Fiennes, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Kieran Culkin, and Iris Apatow. The film is directed by Francis Lawrence, who also helmed previous entries in the series.
The addition of a Nordic actor to such a major Hollywood production signals the growing presence of Scandinavian talent on the global entertainment scene. It also reflects the increasing interest in European actors for major roles in US franchises.
Sweden’s growing footprint in global cinema
Ryding’s casting reinforces the trend of Swedish actors gaining visibility in international cinema, following in the footsteps of performers like Alicia Vikander, Alexander Skarsgård, and Rebecca Ferguson. As streaming platforms and global productions look for fresh faces, Nordic countries continue to be a rich talent pool.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is expected to be a major box office event and a key title in Lionsgate’s 2026 release calendar.
