"I barely recall receiving a callback," reminisced the actor, heaping praise on Josh Hutcherson, who portrayed the role with such finesse. Imagine if the ensemble of The Hunger Games franchise had taken a different turn. In a candid Buzzfeed interview alongside his Bikeriders co-star Jodie Comer, Austin Butler disclosed his unsuccessful audition for a part in the blockbuster series. "I auditioned for The Hunger Games, and to be honest, I didn't stand a chance," Butler confessed, admitting that he didn't even recollect a follow-up call.
He further revealed that he had aimed for the role of Peeta Mellark, the male tribute representing District 12 in the 74th Hunger Games alongside the female tribute Katniss Everdeen, portrayed brilliantly by Jennifer Lawrence. "Truth be told, I don't even recall getting a callback. What's the character's name? Peeta? Josh Hutcherson nailed it; he's exceptional," Butler added.
Hutcherson shined alongside Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth throughout the four Hunger Games films, catapulting the trio to global stardom. Meanwhile, Comer disclosed that she had auditioned for Mamma Mia! around the same time she was vying for a role in Killing Eve.
Reflecting on the audition process for The Hunger Games, director Gary Ross shared with The Hollywood Reporter, "Frankly, I had a clear vision of who I wanted before the auditions. But because it was a monumental franchise, the studio insisted on a wider casting call, which was actually quite enjoyable. Jennifer blew us away. Josh was spot on. I didn't realize Liam wasn't American until after the reading. They were all superb. Making those decisions was effortless."
Even though the final installment of The Hunger Games franchise hit theaters in 2015, the saga has been reignited and continues to captivate audiences. Last year, Lionsgate released The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, starring Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler, a prequel chronicling Coriolanus Snow's formative years before ascending to the tyrannical presidency of Panem, a role portrayed by Donald Sutherland in the films.
Earlier this month, Lionsgate unveiled plans for a new Hunger Games film, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, based on Suzanne Collins' latest novel. The narrative unfolds in Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games, coinciding with the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. The victor of the 50th Hunger Games was Haymitch Abernathy, brilliantly portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the film adaptations.
"The Second Quarter Quell holds a legendary status in the Games' history, overshadowing even the era of Katniss Everdeen a quarter-century later. Like our global fanbase, we are eagerly anticipating this thrilling return to Panem," said Adam Fogelson, head of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, in a statement.
Francis Lawrence is in discussions to helm the adaptation under Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson's Color Force banner. Lawrence, screenwriter Michael Arndt, and producer Jacobson have previously collaborated with Lionsgate on the four Hunger Games film adaptations - The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay, which was split into two parts. These films raked in a staggering $3.3 billion at the box office.
Scholastic will release Sunrise on the Reaping simultaneously in print, digital, and audio formats in North America and other English-speaking territories on March 18, 2025. Lionsgate has set a wide theatrical release for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping on November 20, 2026.
