Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are set to reprise their iconic roles as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark in the forthcoming prequel to “The Hunger Games,” titled “Sunrise on the Reaping.” This much-anticipated film, produced by Lionsgate, draws inspiration from Suzanne Collins’ latest novel and explores the pivotal events of the 50th Hunger Games, which took place 24 years before the original saga introduced Katniss and Peeta as tributes for District 12, guided by mentor Haymitch Abernathy.
In this new narrative, Haymitch’s experiences as a young participant in the games will take center stage, with actor Joseph Zada portraying the character at age 16, a role previously held by Woody Harrelson in the original film series. Details surrounding Lawrence and Hutcherson’s roles remain undisclosed; however, fans familiar with the book series might recognize that their characters make an appearance in the epilogue, hinting at a possible flash-forward moment.
“Sunrise on the Reaping” is scheduled for release on November 20, with Francis Lawrence directing, marking his continued association with the franchise since “Catching Fire.” The screenplay is crafted by Billy Ray, with Brad Simpson and Nina Jacobson returning as producers. To date, the previous five films of the franchise have grossed over $3.3 billion collectively.
Despite rising to fame through the original “Hunger Games” films more than a decade ago, both Lawrence and Hutcherson have kept busy with their careers. Recently, Lawrence received her seventh Golden Globe nomination for her performance in “Die My Love,” further highlighting her impressive achievements, including an Oscar for Best Actress. Hutcherson, on the other hand, has been celebrating successful projects such as “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” and the HBO series “I Love L.A.”
In a recent interview, Hutcherson expressed enthusiasm about reuniting with the original cast and director. He remarked, “I would love to be back on set with Francis, with Jen, with Liam, with Woody,” underscoring his excitement for the potential of the film. When asked if the film might include a pivotal coda scene, he coyly replied, “That would be a dream come true… Do dreams come true? Sometimes. Sometimes not. Sometimes, yeah.”
The talented cast of “Sunrise on the Reaping” also features Elle Fanning as a younger Effie Trinket, Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, and Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, among others, contributing to a diverse and star-studded ensemble.
As fans eagerly await this new installment, the return of Lawrence and Hutcherson not only revives beloved characters but also adds a layer of nostalgia for audiences who grew up with the franchise, furthering the legacy of “The Hunger Games.”