'Hunger Games' prequel brings back Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson after a decade

Highlights

• Lawrence and Hutcherson reprise their roles as Katniss and Peeta.
  
• The prequel opens in theaters on November 20, 2026.
  
• Francis Lawrence directs the adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ novel.
  

Lawrence and Hutcherson head back to Panem

Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson return to the Hunger Games franchise for Sunrise on the Reaping, Lionsgate’s upcoming prequel film. The studio confirms both actors will reprise their roles as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, likely appearing in a flash-forward sequence. Plot details about their involvement remain undisclosed.

Lionsgate releases the film in theaters on November 20, 2026.

A major cast joins the new chapter

Francis Lawrence directs the adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ book. Previously announced cast members include Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, and Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket. Joseph Zada, Glenn Close, Mckenna Grace, Maya Hawke and Whitney Peak also join the core ensemble.

Where the story begins

Sunrise on the Reaping takes place on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, set 24 years before the events of the first novel published in 2008. The book explores Panem long before Katniss becomes the face of the rebellion.

The first five films in the franchise have earned more than $3.3 billion worldwide. The original series began with 2012’s The Hunger Games and featured Lawrence, Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth in leading roles.

A return after a decade

Lawrence and Hutcherson last appeared in 2015’s Mockingjay, Part 2, which ended with Katniss and Peeta living together with their children. Lawrence recently earns a Golden Globe nomination for Die My Love, while Hutcherson stars in Five Nights at Freddy’s 2.

Behind the film

Francis Lawrence directs from a script by Billy Ray. Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson produce for Color Force, with Cameron MacConomy serving as executive producer. The movie follows 2023’s The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, the previous entry in the franchise.