‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ Brings Back Two Familiar Faces
Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are set to return to the Hunger Games world, as they are expected to appear again as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark in the upcoming prequel film “Sunrise on the Reaping.”
Their involvement is described as a cameo, and the studio has not revealed how they fit into the story. Fans of the book know the two characters show up with Haymitch in the epilogue, which suggests the movie may include a short future scene.
The new film is based on Suzanne Collins’ latest novel and goes back to the 50th Hunger Games. This takes place more than two decades before Katniss and Peeta ever stepped into the arena.
The story focuses on Haymitch Abernathy when he was a teenager and was forced to fight in the games himself. Joseph Zada plays the young Haymitch, a character originally portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the earlier films. The movie follows his difficult experience in the arena and the moment that shaped him long before he became a mentor.
“Let the 50th Hunger Games begin.”
— The Hunger Games (@TheHungerGames) November 20, 2025
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – in theaters & IMAX November 20, 2026. pic.twitter.com/QrViO2Ss1t
“Sunrise on the Reaping” is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 20, 2026. Francis Lawrence returns to direct after leading the series since “Catching Fire.” Billy Ray wrote the script, and producers Brad Simpson and Nina Jacobson are also back. The franchise has already earned more than $3.3 billion worldwide, and Lionsgate is continuing to grow the series with this new chapter.
The cast includes several actors taking on younger versions of well-known characters. Elle Fanning steps in as Effie Trinket.
Ralph Fiennes appears as President Snow, taking over for Donald Sutherland and Tom Blyth, who played different versions of the character in past films. Kieran Culkin appears as Caesar Flickerman, and Jesse Plemons joins as Plutarch Heavensbee. The movie also features Kelvin Harrison Jr., Glenn Close, Maya Hawke, Mckenna Grace, Billy Porter, Whitney Peak, Ben Wang, Molly McCann, Iona Bell and Percy Daggs IV.
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