Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are reportedly set to reprise their roles in the Hunger Games franchise. The actors will appear in Lionsgate’s upcoming prequel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, marking their first on-screen reunion as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark since the original films concluded. Although the prequel is set 24 years before Katniss volunteers as a tribute, it will thoughtfully incorporate Lawrence and Hutcherson’s characters, as confirmed by Deadline.
The storyline connects through a new Suzanne Collins book, which features a scene where an adult Katniss and Peeta listen as Haymitch Abernathy recounts his own intense arena experience. This narrative device enables Lawrence and Hutcherson to return without disrupting the prequel’s timeline, offering fans a glimpse into their characters’ futures.
The prequel centers on a 16-year-old Haymitch, portrayed by Joseph Zada. The story kicks off on the morning of the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell, which notoriously pits 48 tributes against each other in the arena. Haymitch, a clever District 12 boy, must fight to survive and eventually become the mentor for Katniss and Peeta. Directed by franchise veteran Francis Lawrence, the film has already generated significant excitement. Its first teaser trailer amassed 109 million views within 24 hours. The recent confirmation settles months of speculation about the cast.
Hutcherson previously addressed rumors about their involvement, telling Brit + Co in August, “That’d be cool. No, I know nothing in that world right now.” He added, “Hunger Games is amazing, and I’ve loved it for many years and I will love it forever.” Both actors are experiencing notable career momentum; Lawrence received her seventh Golden Globe nomination for Die My Love, while Hutcherson was part of the blockbuster Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, which opened to $64 million. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026.
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