Franchise leads Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are confirmed to appear in the new Hunger Games series film, Sunrise on the Reaping.
News has broken that original stars Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are returning to their iconic characters in the newest chapter of the Hunger Games film series, titled The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Production is currently underway.
A Significant Reunion for Fans
The actors are returning as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, respectively. Industry whispers indicate their roles will take the form of a brief glimpse ahead, given that the main film series concluded with their characters settled into family life.
This represents the sixth installment in the highly successful Hunger Games franchise.
Delving Into the Prequel
Sunrise on the Reaping is adapted from a 2025 novel by author Suzanne Collins. It will be the second prequel film after 2023's The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Returning to the director's chair is Francis Lawrence, who directed most of the previous films in the series.
The Storyline and Fresh Faces
The film's events are set roughly two decades prior to the first Hunger Games, focusing on a young Haymitch Abernathy. Haymitch, destined to become Katniss's mentor, is shown as a tribute in the deadly 50th Hunger Games.
The film welcomes several prominent actors in pivotal roles:
- Jesse Plemons steps into the role of Plutarch Heavensbee.
- Ralph Fiennes is cast as a younger version of the menacing President Snow.
What the Stars Are Doing Now & The Film's Schedule
Meanwhile, Jennifer Lawrence stars in the film Die My Love. Josh Hutcherson is part of the hit horror film Five Nights at Freddy's 2.
Regarding the filming timeline:
- Principal photography began in the summer of 2025.
- Filming was completed in November of the same year.
- The eagerly awaited film is targeting a November 2026 premiere.
Audiences worldwide can now anticipate the comeback of these defining characters to the cinema.
