# Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson return for Hunger Games prequel

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/jennifer-lawrence-says-playing-katniss-again-after-11-years-in-hunger-games-sunrise-on-the-reaping-was-crazy-unbelievable-and-so-beauti/
- Published: 2026-11-04T10:59:34+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-04T17:56:15+00:00
- Original publisher: Variety
- Original article: https://variety.com/2026/film/news/jennifer-lawrence-katniss-hunger-games-sunrise-on-the-reaping-1236933329/
- Topics: Celebrity, Entertainment, Film

## Key points

- Lawrence, Hutcherson and Harrelson return in the prequel.
- The story centres on young Haymitch’s 50th Hunger Games.
- The film reaches cinemas on 20 November.

## Summary

Jennifer Lawrence has confirmed that she, Josh Hutcherson and Woody Harrelson will appear in *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping*, returning as Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark and Haymitch Abernathy. Lawrence said reuniting with Hutcherson and the original crew after 11 years was emotional, adding that Harrelson’s unannounced visit to her hotel was part of what made it feel familiar.

The prequel follows a young Haymitch, played by Joseph Zada, competing in the 50th Hunger Games and is due in cinemas on 20 November. Its source novel ends with a flash-forward featuring the older Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch, indicating the film may include a scene with them. Lawrence previously said she would return if the right opportunity arose; the franchise has earned $3.3 billion worldwide.

## Coverage

- [Variety: Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson return for Hunger Games prequel](https://variety.com/2026/film/news/jennifer-lawrence-katniss-hunger-games-sunrise-on-the-reaping-1236933329/)
- [Deadline: Jennifer Lawrence On Reprising ‘Hunger Games’ Role For ‘Sunrise On The Reaping’: “It Was So Emotional”](https://deadline.com/2026/10/jennifer-lawrence-reprising-hunger-games-sunrise-on-the-reaping-1237207102/)
- [The Hollywood Reporter: Jennifer Lawrence Finally Confirms ‘Hunger Games’ Return, Reunites With Two Former Co-Stars](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/jennifer-lawrence-hunger-games-return-sunrise-reaping-1236741782/)

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.