Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson Set for Hunger Games Return
After a decade away, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are stepping back into their iconic roles for the Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping. Find out what to expect from their return and how the story will unfold.
After ten years away from the world of Panem, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are making a comeback in the next chapter of the Hunger Games saga. The two original leads are confirmed to appear in Lionsgate’s upcoming prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping, reprising their roles as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. This news, first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, has sparked excitement among longtime fans eager to see the beloved characters on screen once again.
Returning to the Arena
Lawrence and Hutcherson first brought Katniss and Peeta to life in the 2012 film adaptation, where their characters fought for survival in a brutal televised contest. Over the next three movies —Catching Fire, Mockingjay Part 1, and Mockingjay Part 2—the duo battled to overthrow President Snow’s oppressive rule. Their performances became synonymous with the franchise, making their return a major event for audiences.
Fans of Suzanne Collins’ latest Hunger Games novel may have anticipated this reunion, as both Katniss and Peeta make brief appearances in the book. However, Sunrise on the Reaping is set 24 years before the original story, focusing on the 50th Hunger Games. This raises questions about how the two will fit into a timeline decades before their own journey began. While details remain under wraps, it ’s likely their roles will be featured in a flash-forward sequence.
New Faces and Familiar Names
The prequel introduces a fresh cast, with Joseph Zada taking on the role of Hamish Abernathy, the mentor who would later guide Katniss and Peeta. Ralph Fiennes steps in as Snow, while Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Kieran Culkin, and Elle Fanning round out the ensemble as Plutarch Heavensbee, Beetee Latier, Caesar Flickerman, and Effie Trinket, respectively. The film also features Glenn Close, McKenna Grace, Maya Hawke, and Whitney Peak in supporting roles.
In a recent interview, Hutcherson reflected on the franchise’s legacy, saying,
"It's amazing. And for me, I think it's so cool to pass it off to another generation. You know, to have been a part of The Hunger Games was one of the coolest things I've gotten to do in my whole life. And to see now a new wave of actors coming into these roles and coming into this world."
Looking Ahead to Sunrise on the Reaping
Sunrise on the Reaping will transport viewers back to a pivotal moment in Panem’s history, where twelve young tributes are chosen for the 50th Hunger Games. With the return of Lawrence and Hutcherson, the film promises to bridge the gap between past and present, offering a fresh perspective on the events that shaped the world of the original trilogy.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set to premiere in theaters on November 20, 2026. As anticipation builds, fans can look forward to seeing how the story unfolds and what surprises await in this highly anticipated prequel.