According to reports, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are poised to reprise their roles in the highly anticipated prequel of the Hunger Games franchise, set to captivate audiences next year. The duo last shone together in Mockingjay - Part 2, the thrilling conclusion of the original film series' saga.
The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline, two prominent US magazines, have revealed that Lawrence, now 35, will reprise her iconic role as Katniss Everdeen, while Hutcherson, 33, will return as Peeta Mellark in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The actors are expected to appear in a flash-forward sequence inspired by the novel on which the new film is based.
Despite Lionsgate, the production company, not responding to a request for comment, both Lawrence and Hutcherson have expressed their excitement about returning to the beloved characters. Lawrence previously stated that she would "totally" be up for a comeback as Katniss, while Hutcherson told Variety last month that he would "be there in a heartbeat" if asked.
Hunger Games fans were overjoyed by the news of their beloved characters making a new appearance. One fan exclaimed it was "like Rihanna returning to music" for non-Hunger Games fans, while another described it as "basically Jesus returning to Earth." However, there were also those who were disappointed that the information was revealed, arguing that it could have been kept as an "emotional" surprise.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping also stars McKenna Grace, Maya Hawke, and Ralph Fiennes and is scheduled to hit cinemas in November 2026. Suzanne Collins' book of the same name sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide during its release week earlier this year, marking the biggest debut for one of her books. The Hunger Games series has reportedly grossed $3.3 billion since the release of the first movie in 2012, and a theatre version has recently launched as well.
