Lionsgate’s blockbuster Hunger Games franchise is poised for a monumental reunion as original stars Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson confirm their return for the upcoming prequel “Sunrise on the Reaping.” The actors, who haven’t shared the screen since 2015’s “Mockingjay – Part 2,” will reprise their iconic roles as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark in what industry reports describe as a flash-forward sequence integral to the new film’s narrative.
According to exclusive reports from The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline, both actors expressed overwhelming enthusiasm for returning to the franchise that launched their careers. Lawrence, now 35, previously stated she’d be “totally” receptive to revisiting Katniss, while Hutcherson, 33, told Variety he’d join “in a heartbeat” without “any convincing at all.”
The announcement has ignited passionate reactions across the Hunger Games fandom, with supporters comparing the news to “Rihanna returning to music” and “Jesus returning to Earth.” However, some fans expressed disappointment that the surprise element was revealed prematurely, suggesting it could have been an emotional cinematic moment.
“Sunrise on the Reaping,” based on Suzanne Collins’ record-breaking novel that sold 1.5 million copies in its debut week earlier this year, features an ensemble cast including McKenna Grace, Maya Hawke, and Ralph Fiennes. The film continues the extraordinary commercial legacy of a franchise that has generated $3.3 billion since the 2012 premiere and recently expanded into theatrical productions.
The Hunger Games maintains a formidable cultural presence over a decade after its initial release, with the new installment scheduled for global cinema release in November 2026. Lionsgate has not officially commented on the casting revelations.