Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson Will Be Back For Prequel Film The Hunger Games Sunrise on the Reaping In 2026

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Hunger Games fans, get ready to be emotionally devastated yet again next year as Katniss and Peeta are set to make an appearance in the prequel film. That's right, original stars Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson will make an appearance in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, directed by Francis Lawrence. The film is releasing in theatres on November 20, 2026. Here's all we know about their return to the franchise.

Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson's return to The Hunger Games

According to reports in The Hollywood Reporter and The InSneider, who first revealed the news, Jennifer Lawrence will return as Katniss Everdeen, and Josh Hutcherson will reprise his role as Peeta Mellark. Their characters are appearing in a flash-forward in the film. In the original franchise, also directed by Francis Lawrence, Woody Harrelson plays Haymitch Abernathy, the District 12 former winner and mentor to tributes Katniss and Peeta. In the last film, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2 (2015), Katniss and Peeta marry and have children.Written by Suzanne Collins, Sunrise on the Reaping is the prequel story that focuses on the winning tournament of young Haymitch, played by Joseph Zada. Other characters that are returning for the franchise, with new actors, include Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, and Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket. The rest of the ensemble cast features Glenn Close, Mckenna Grace, Maya Hawke, and Whitney Peak in key roles.ALSO READ: The Hunger Games Sunrise On The Reaping Teaser: Joseph Zada Introduced As Young Haymitch - Watch

More about The Hunger Games Sunrise on the Reaping

Adapted by Billy Ray, the prequel film takes place in Panem, 24 years before the events of the first The Hunger Games film in 2012. The 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy is reaped as a tribute for the 50th Hunger Games, or the Second Quarter Quell, which sends double the number of children for the milestone games. Produced by Lionsgate, the previous five films in the franchise have grossed more than $3 billion at the box office.