Jennifer Lawrence returns as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, reuniting with familiar co-stars. Josh Hutcherson and Woody Harrelson will also appear in the upcoming film, scheduled for release on November 20, 2026.
Lawrence confirmed the news during an appearance on a podcast hosted by Alex Cooper on Wednesday. The reunion marks the first time the three actors have filmed together since Mockingjay Part 2 arrived in cinemas in 2015.
For fans, the announcement brings back familiar faces from one of the franchise’s most recognisable stories. Moreover, Lawrence described returning to the production as an emotional experience because many original crew members joined the project.
She explained that working with the same camera operators and assistant director made the experience feel familiar. Reuniting with Hutcherson and Harrelson also carried emotional significance after years apart from the franchise.
Lawrence recalled spending time with Hutcherson throughout filming, describing their reunion as particularly moving. She also joked that Harrelson once entered her hotel room through a window without an invitation.
Although Sunrise on the Reaping takes place decades before Katniss’s story, the returning actors still have roles. The film adapts Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel, which explores events surrounding the 50th Hunger Games.
The story follows Haymitch Abernathy at age 16, when authorities force him to compete in the deadly tournament. This edition introduces the second Quarter Quell, a particularly significant event in the fictional nation of Panem.
The novel also includes a present-day epilogue featuring an older Haymitch speaking with Katniss and Peeta. That section offers a possible explanation for the original characters’ appearances in the film.
However, the studio has not confirmed how much screen time Lawrence, Hutcherson or Harrelson will receive. Joseph Zada portrays the younger Haymitch throughout the main storyline.
Francis Lawrence directs the latest instalment after leading every franchise film since Catching Fire in 2013. Billy Ray wrote the screenplay for the new adaptation.
The supporting cast includes Ralph Fiennes as President Snow and Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee. Elle Fanning plays Effie Trinket, while Mckenna Grace portrays Maysilee Donner.
Other cast members include Whitney Peak, Kelvin Harrison Jr, Maya Hawke, Billy Porter, Glenn Close and Kieran Culkin. The film is scheduled to reach cinemas worldwide on November 20.
The Hunger Games reunion gives longtime viewers a chance to reconnect with central characters from the original films. Nevertheless, the prequel will focus primarily on Haymitch’s experience during an earlier chapter of Panem’s history.
Lawrence Raises Concerns About Film Set Safety
During the same interview, Lawrence also discussed safety standards on film productions. She described an incident involving an unnamed project where unauthorised crew members entered during a nude scene.
The actress said she challenged the situation because she wanted production teams to respect performers’ boundaries. She also highlighted the pressure younger actors might face when deciding whether to report misconduct.
According to Lawrence, an inexperienced performer might fear being labelled difficult after raising concerns. Therefore, she believes established actors should speak up when productions fail to follow agreed safety procedures.
Lawrence did not connect the incident to the upcoming Hunger Games film. Her comments instead addressed wider responsibilities surrounding consent and professional conduct on film sets.
Lawrence was 21 when the first Hunger Games film premiered in 2012. Now, her return alongside Hutcherson and Harrelson adds a nostalgic element to the franchise’s next chapter.
