Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson Set for "Unbelievable" Franchise Return in Sunrise on the Reaping
More than a decade after wrapping up their roles in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are officially returning to the blockbuster dystopian franchise. Lawrence confirmed during an appearance on the Oct. 28 episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast that both she and Hutcherson will reprise their iconic roles as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark in the upcoming prequel film, Sunrise on the Reaping.
Reflecting on her return to the set, Lawrence described the experience as emotional and surreal. She noted that reuniting with familiar crew members, including camera operators and assistant directors she had previously worked with, made the homecoming special. The actress also shared that she and Hutcherson remained close throughout production, calling their reunion beautiful.
Based on Suzanne Collins' novel, Sunrise on the Reaping explores the events of the 50th Hunger Games—the first Quarter Quell—focusing on a young Haymitch Abernathy (played by Joseph Zada) 24 years before Katniss and Peeta entered the arena. Despite being set decades earlier, the book's epilogue features scenes involving the older mentor figures.
The star-studded cast for the new installment also features Mckenna Grace, Maya Hawke, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Ralph Fiennes, and Jesse Plemons. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled to premiere in theaters on November 20, 2026.
