Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson set to return to the Hunger Games franchise in 2026

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Even though ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is a prequel, two popular characters from the original movies will still make an appearance.

Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are both returning to their roles as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, respectively, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The actor’s final role in the series was in the 2015 film Mockingjay Part 2, which ended with Katniss and Peeta getting married and starting a family.

While it hasn’t been officially confirmed, many believe Katniss and Peeta will reappear in ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ through a scene set in the future. This is because the new movie takes place 24 years before the original ‘Hunger Games’ film.

This movie is based on Suzanne Collins’s book and tells the story of Haymitch Abernathy, who becomes a tribute in the 50th Hunger Games. He later becomes Katniss Everdeen’s mentor, and the film shows how he survived the Games himself, representing District 12.

The movie boasts a fantastic cast, including Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket and Ralph Fiennes as the villain, President Coriolanus Snow.

Kieran Culkin will play Caesar Flickerman and Jesse Plemons will take on the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, characters previously portrayed by Stanley Tucci and Phillip Seymour Hoffman in the original movies.

Other stars joining the world of Panem include Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak and Kelvin Harrison Jr.

Francis Lawrence, the director of all the Hunger Games movies except the very first one, will direct the new film. Billy Ray, known for writing the screenplay for Captain Phillips, will write the script.

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The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled for a cinema release in November 2026.

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Molly MossTrends Writer

Molly Moss writes about the newest happenings in TV, movies, and other entertainment for TopMob. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and has also contributed to major publications like The Guardian, The Times, and The Sun Online.

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2025-12-11 14:06