Franchise leads Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are confirmed to appear in the latest Hunger Games film, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.
It has been confirmed that fan-favorite 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. The project is now in the works.
A Major Return to Panem
The actors are returning as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, respectively. It is believed their cameos will likely occur in a brief glimpse ahead, given that the main film series concluded with their characters married and with children.
This represents the sixth installment in the global Hunger Games franchise.
Delving Into the Prequel
Sunrise on the Reaping is based upon a newly published work by series creator Suzanne Collins. It serves as the second film set before the original story after 2023's The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. For this project is Francis Lawrence, who directed most of the previous films in the series.
The Storyline and Fresh Faces
The film's narrative are set in the years leading up to the first Hunger Games, spotlighting a young Haymitch Abernathy. Haymitch, destined to become Katniss's mentor, is featured as a tribute in the brutal 50th Hunger Games.
The supporting roles feature several prominent actors in important characters:
- Jesse Plemons will portray Plutarch Heavensbee.
- Ralph Fiennes will appear as a earlier incarnation of the menacing President Snow.
Current Projects and Release Timeline
Meanwhile, Jennifer Lawrence has been nominated for a Golden Globe for the film Die My Love. Josh Hutcherson recently appeared in the hit horror film Five Nights at Freddy's 2.
Regarding the shoot:
- Principal photography started in the summer of 2025.
- Filming reportedly wrapped in November of the same year.
- The highly anticipated film is targeting a November 2026 premiere.
Fans of the franchise can now anticipate the return of these defining characters to the big screen.