Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson Return for New Hunger Games Prequel Film

Major stars are heading back to Panem. Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are officially returning for the next Hunger Games film. The announcement was confirmed on December 10, 2025. The actors will reprise their iconic roles in “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.”

This news marks a huge moment for the franchise. Both actors have been absent from the series since 2015. Their comeback is a direct response to massive fan demand and adds major star power to the 2026 prequel.

Original Cast Reunion Sparks Widespread Fan Excitement

Jennifer Lawrence will return as the legendary Katniss Everdeen. Josh Hutcherson is confirmed to play Peeta Mellark once again. According to Deadline, their roles in the prequel narrative are substantial.

The story is set decades before the original films. It focuses on the 50th annual Hunger Games. Lawrence and Hutcherson’s appearances are expected to provide crucial connective tissue to the saga fans know.

Director Francis Lawrence returns to helm the project. His involvement ensures visual and tonal consistency. The combination of original stars and creative leadership has generated immense online buzz.

Sunrise on the Reaping Assembles a Stellar Supporting Cast

The film features an impressive ensemble beyond the lead duo. Joseph Zada will play a young Haymitch Abernathy. Mckenna Grace takes on the role of tribute Maysilee Donner.

Elle Fanning joins as a younger version of Effie Trinket. Veterans like Glenn Close, Billy Porter, and Ralph Fiennes fill key Capitol roles. This deep cast adds significant dramatic weight to the prequel.

The film adapts Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novel. It explores the early, formative years of the Games. The plot will reveal how the competition became the brutal event Katniss later faced.

The return of Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson perfectly bridges the franchise’s past and future, making “Sunrise on the Reaping” the most anticipated Hunger Games chapter in a decade.

A quick knowledge drop for you

When is The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping released?

The film is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. It will be distributed by Lionsgate in theaters worldwide. Marketing and trailers will ramp up throughout 2026.

How will Lawrence and Hutcherson appear in the prequel?

Exact plot details are kept secret. Industry reports suggest they will appear in sequences that frame the narrative. Their roles are designed to link this story directly to the original film series.

Who is directing the new Hunger Games movie?

Francis Lawrence is back as director. He directed three of the four original films, including “Catching Fire.” His return is seen as a guarantee of quality for the prequel.

Is this movie based on a book?

Yes. It adapts Suzanne Collins’ novel “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” published in 2024. The book is the fifth installment in the overall Hunger Games book series.

Who else is in the cast?

The cast includes Joseph Zada, Mckenna Grace, and Elle Fanning. It also features stars like Kieran Culkin, Jesse Plemons, and Maya Hawke in supporting Capitol roles.

Why is this prequel important?

It explores the 50th Hunger Games, a pivotal historical moment in Panem. This event set important precedents and rules that shaped the Games Katniss eventually entered.