Ben Wang is joining one of Hollywood’s biggest franchises as Wyatt Callow in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. In an exclusive interview with POC Culture, Wang discussed growing up with the franchise, his excitement about joining the cast, and how he personally pursued the role after reading Suzanne Collins’ novel.
Having previously worked with director Francis Lawrence on The Long Walk, Wang was familiar with the filmmaker but initially knew little about the new Hunger Games story. Once the book was released, however, he immediately recognized an opportunity. “I really like this character. I like what he represents,” Wang said about why he felt so strong about Wyatt Callow. “And I think I could do something interesting and good with this character if I were given the chance.”
Wang also discussed his approach to portraying Wyatt Callow, a highly intelligent character whose kindness and vulnerability aren’t always immediately apparent.
“I’m not worried about the likability of the character when I’m playing them. I’m just worried about playing the truth of the character, you know?” Wang explained. “I just want to make him as real as possible.”
He added that Wyatt is frequently misunderstood because of his family and how society perceives him, but audiences eventually discover that there is much more to the character.
Ben Wang on Filming The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Wang also praised the production’s use of real locations, particularly the arena sequences filmed in Spain.
“There were very few days that I remember seeing a a green screen or any kind of masking, like almost every day we were in real places,” Wang shared.
He explained that the natural landscapes helped the cast react authentically to their surroundings, with much of the spectacle already present on location. Wang also reflected on joining major franchises like The Hunger Games and Karate Kid, acknowledging the challenge of honoring beloved stories while bringing something new to audiences.
“It definitely is intimidating because I know how that feels. I’m a fan of stuff, you know, and when they make continuations of those things that I’m a fan of, I want them to do a good job,” Wang explained. “I want them to stay true to what it was that I loved about those stories, and I want them to innovate. I want them to show me something new at the same time. It’s such a hard sweet spot to hit. You know, franchises are hard.”
Watch our full exclusive interview with Ben Wang below. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping releases November 20, 2026 in theaters.
About The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping:
From acclaimed director Francis Lawrence, THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING follows sixteen-year-old Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada) from District 12, beginning on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Annual Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, the biggest Games yet with twice as many tributes.
Set in the world of Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games, the story follows Haymitch into the arena, where he forms an unlikely alliance with fellow tribute Maysilee Donner (Mckenna Grace) and joins a coalition determined to challenge the Capitol’s control under President Snow (Ralph Fiennes). As the competition unfolds, Haymitch risks everything to take down the Games from within the arena — setting in motion the rebellion that will change Panem forever.
Based on Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel, THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING also stars Jesse Plemons, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Whitney Peak, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. Produced by Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson and Francis Lawrence. Screenplay by Billy Ray and Michael Lesslie.
Ron is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of POC Culture. Â He is a big believer in the power and impact of pop culture and the importance of representation in media.
