The iconic duo may appear in flash-forward scenes as Lionsgate ramps up anticipation for the November 20 release
The Hunger Games universe is about to get a major nostalgic boost! Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are reportedly set to reprise their beloved roles as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark in the upcoming prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping. While Lionsgate has kept the details under wraps, fans are speculating that their appearances will likely be in flash-forward sequences, echoing the novel’s epilogue, where Katniss and Peeta appear alongside a young Haymitch Abernathy.
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The prequel, based on Suzanne Collins’ latest novel, focuses on the 50th Hunger Games, occurring 24 years before Katniss and Peeta first entered the deadly arena. The story will center on a 16-year-old Haymitch, played by Joseph Zada, with Woody Harrelson having portrayed the older mentor in the original franchise.
Francis Lawrence, who directed every installment of the original franchise starting with Catching Fire in 2012, returns as the helmer for this prequel. The screenplay is penned by Billy Ray, while producers Brad Simpson and Nina Jacobson are back on board, promising a seamless continuation of the dystopian saga that has grossed over $3.3 billion worldwide to date.
Fans of the original films will be thrilled to see familiar faces in key roles. Elle Fanning plays a young Effie Trinket, Ralph Fiennes takes on President Snow, and Kieran Culkin portrays TV host Caesar Flickerman. Jesse Plemons is cast as Plutarch Heavensbee, and an ensemble including Kelvin Harrison Jr., Glenn Close, Maya Hawke, Mckenna Grace, Billy Porter, Whitney Peak, Ben Wang, Molly McCann, Iona Bell, and Percy Daggs IV rounds out the star-studded lineup.
Lawrence’s involvement adds a glittering touch to the prequel. The actress recently earned her seventh Golden Globe nomination for Die My Love, adding to her already impressive resume, which includes an Academy Award for Best Actress. Hutcherson, meanwhile, has been busy with projects like Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 and the HBO series I Love L.A., but he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to the franchise.
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In a candid chat with Variety, Hutcherson shared his excitement, saying, “I would love to be back on set with Francis, with Jen, with Liam, with Woody. It would not take any convincing at all. I’d be there in a heartbeat.” When asked about the potential coda scene featuring Katniss and Peeta, he teased, “That would be a dream come true. Do dreams come true? Sometimes. Sometimes not. Sometimes, yeah.”
The original Hunger Games films catapulted Lawrence, Hutcherson, and co-star Liam Hemsworth into megastardom over a decade ago. Now, fans are buzzing at the thought of seeing these iconic characters return in a prequel that promises to explore the gritty, high-stakes world of Panem’s games decades before Katniss and Peeta’s first challenge.
Lionsgate is keeping a tight lid on plot specifics, but the anticipation is palpable. The inclusion of Lawrence and Hutcherson, even in cameo roles, is a strategic move to connect longtime fans of the franchise with the next generation of characters. Their presence is expected to add emotional resonance and bridge the prequel to the original saga in a way that will delight audiences worldwide.
The release of Sunrise on the Reaping is slated for November 20, 2025, giving fans plenty of time to speculate, create fan theories, and revisit the previous films before the prequel hits theaters. With a talented ensemble cast, an acclaimed director, and appearances from fan-favorite original stars, this prequel is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about films of the year.
While Lionsgate has not commented officially, media outlets and fans alike are eagerly awaiting further announcements. Lawrence is represented by LBI Entertainment, and Hutcherson is repped by Gersh Agency and TFC Management. Their involvement, first reported by The Insider, confirms that Lionsgate is intent on blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling to create a blockbuster that appeals to both old fans and newcomers.
With a combination of star power, gripping storytelling, and the proven success of the franchise, Sunrise on the Reaping looks poised to dominate conversations—and box office charts—this fall. Fans can expect a return to Panem that honors the original films while providing a fresh lens through the eyes of young Haymitch, with a special nod to Katniss and Peeta’s enduring legacy.
This prequel is not just a movie—it’s a reunion of the characters who first captured hearts worldwide. Whether it’s Lawrence’s fierce determination as Katniss or Hutcherson’s quiet charm as Peeta, audiences are counting down the days until they step back into the world that made them iconic.
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