Hunger Games Star Begs Author for New Book to Revive Franchise

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Author Suzanne Collins, known for writing The Hunger Games, received a small push to pen another book for the series from one of the film franchise’s prominent actors, Josh Hutcherson (who starred in Five Nights at Freddy’s). During an event at Dream It Con (as reported by Deadline), Hutcherson expressed his desire to reprise his role as Peeta Mellark, returning to a series that marked the start of his acting career. Collins has recently published her second prequel to the original trilogy, entitled Sunrise on the Reaping, which is the fifth book in the series. This new novel follows the earlier prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and both have already secured film adaptations. Production for Sunrise on the Reaping is set to begin before its planned release in fall 2026.

Josh Hutcherson expressed his eagerness to play Peeta once more, praising the remarkable storyline of The Hunger Games. He found Peeta an extraordinary character to portray and is intrigued to learn about Peeta’s life beyond the family and the story’s end, to grasp how their world evolved. If given the chance, he’d be delighted to collaborate with Suzanne Collins again on a new book, should one be written.

The upcoming books are actually set 24 years prior to the storyline initially presented in the first book featuring Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence and Hutcherson respectively. These prequels delve into the backstory of secondary characters from the primary series, shedding light on the roots of The Hunger Games and the history of Haymitch Abernathy, who was played by Woody Harrelson in the original movies.

The newest book subtly hints at a potential reappearance of Peeta in future literature, although it’s unlikely to happen anytime soon considering Hutcherson’s current age. Interestingly, Peeta’s father, Otho, who wasn’t significant in the initial series, is briefly featured in a prequel that was almost terminated prematurely.

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled at the prospect of more adventures with Katniss and Peeta on the silver screen. The latest book’s epilogue hints at this possibility, as they are seen alongside Haymitch, listening to his tales. However, it remains uncertain about the direction the series might take or if a potential Peeta spinoff could materialize. But should Suzanne Collins pen a sequel to the original novels, I eagerly anticipate whether she’ll continue Katniss and Peeta’s journey together and if their daughter will become the central character in a new trilogy.

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2025-03-29 18:09