Hunger Games: Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson Set for Return
A wave of excitement is sweeping Hunger Games fans as Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are reportedly slated to reprise their iconic roles in the franchise’s upcoming prequel.
The duo last shared the screen in Mockingjay – Part 2, the finale of the original film series. Now, reports from US outlets The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline indicate that Lawrence, 35, will return as Katniss Everdeen, while Hutcherson, 33, will again portray Peeta Mellark in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.
insiders suggest the pair may appear in a flash-forward sequence that is featured in the novel upon which the new film is based.
BBC Newsbeat reached out to Lionsgate, the film’s production company, for comment.
Lawrence, who became a global household name as Katniss, previously stated she would be “totally” open to returning to the character. Similarly, Hutcherson told Variety last month that he would “be there in a heartbeat” if asked to come back, adding that it would require no convincing at all.
Fans reacted with glee at the prospect of seeing these beloved characters again. One social media user compared the news to Rihanna's return to music, while another quipped that it felt like a return of a historical figure.
Not everyone welcomed the reveal, however. Some fans argued that such news should have been kept under wraps to preserve an emotional surprise for audiences.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping also stars McKenna Grace, Maya Hawke, and Ralph Fiennes, with a release slated for cinemas in November 2026.
Suzanne Collins’ latest book bearing the same title has already achieved significant milestones, selling over 1.5 million copies in its debut week, marking the strongest start for any of her works.
The Hunger Games franchise has reportedly generated around $3.3 billion in global box office since the first film debuted in 2012, and a stage adaptation has also opened recently.
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