Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson Set for Hunger Games Return

After ten years out of the spotlight, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are gearing up to step back into the world of Panem. The pair are confirmed to appear in the upcoming prequel film, Sunrise on the Reaping, with Lawrence once again taking on the role of Katniss Everdeen and Hutcherson returning as Peeta Mellark. The news, confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, has fans buzzing about what’s in store for the much-loved characters.

Those who’ve kept up with Suzanne Collins’ latest Hunger Games novel might have seen this coming, as both Katniss and Peeta make brief appearances in the story. The first time we met these two was back in 2012, when Lawrence’s determined archer and Hutcherson’s reserved baker were thrown into a brutal televised contest, all in the name of keeping the peace. The following films—Catching Fire, Mockingjay Part 1, and Mockingjay Part 2—saw them continue their fight against President Snow’s harsh rule.

Back to Where It All Began

Sunrise on the Reaping takes the story back 24 years before the original events, focusing on the 50th Hunger Games. This time, the spotlight is on a new group of twelve unlucky kids, including Hamish Abernathy, who would later become a mentor to Katniss and Peeta. With the timeline set decades before the original, many are curious about how the familiar faces will fit in. Lionsgate hasn’t spilled the beans yet, but it’s likely we’ll see Katniss and Peeta in a flash-forward sequence.

The cast for this prequel is shaping up to be a strong one. Joseph Zada steps in as Hamish, with Ralph Fiennes playing Snow, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, and Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket. The line-up also includes Glenn Close, McKenna Grace, Maya Hawke, and Whitney Peak.

Passing the Torch

Before the official announcement, Hutcherson shared his thoughts on the franchise’s future in a chat with GamesRadar+:

"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."

Fans are keen to see how the next chapter unfolds, with a fresh cast stepping into the arena and the original stars making their return. The film is set to hit cinemas on 20 November 2026, and punters are already marking their calendars.

What’s Next for the Franchise?

With Sunrise on the Reaping on the horizon, there’s plenty of excitement about where the story will go next. The Hunger Games universe continues to expand, drawing in both long-time fans and newcomers alike. For those looking to catch up, there’s no shortage of sci-fi flicks to tide you over until the next big release.