Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson return for 'Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

Fans rejoice at confirmation that the two will reprise the roles of Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark for the prequel

Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson will return to the world of Panem in Lionsgate’s forthcoming prequel film The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, which reaches cinemas on November 20, 2026.

The studio has confirmed that the pair will reprise their roles as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, with their appearance expected to take the form of a flash-forward, although no further details have been disclosed.

Francis Lawrence directs the new adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel, continuing his long association with the franchise. Previously announced cast members 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. Joseph Zada, Glenn Close, Mckenna Grace, Maya Hawke and Whitney Peak complete the core ensemble.

Set during the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, Sunrise on the Reaping takes place 24 years before the first novel, published in 2008. The five existing films have collectively earned more than $3.3 billion worldwide since The Hunger Games debuted in 2012 with Lawrence, Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth in leading roles.

The actors last appeared in the series in 2015’s The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2, which concluded with Katniss and Peeta raising a family. Lawrence has recently received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in Die My Love, while Hutcherson currently stars in Five Nights at Freddy’s 2.

The screenplay for the new film is written by Billy Ray, with Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson producing for Color Force and Cameron MacConomy serving as executive producer. The project follows 2023’s The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Lionsgate declined to comment on the casting news, which was first reported by The InSneider.

Fan reactions have ranged from “For non Hunger Games fans this is like rihanna returning to music” to “the best dystopian couple of all time is back.