Following reports confirming Jennifer Lawrence’s return in the Hunger Games franchise, the star has finally broken her silence. While Lawrence has had an illustrious career, including an Oscar win for Silver Linings Playbook, her most iconic role was the District 12 victor, Katniss Everdeen.
The Hunger Games franchise became a prominent part of her early career, portraying the heroine in four movies from 2012 to 2015. Her final appearance was in 2015’s Mockingjay – Part 2, which also ultimately ended Katniss’s story as a key leader in the rebellion against President Snow’s dictatorship.
While speaking with Josh Horowitz on Happy, Sad, Confused, the Katniss actor was asked about catching up with director Francis Lawrence, replying: “Maybe we already have.” A moment later, Horowitz hinted at the reports of her return, which Lawrence seemingly confirmed, saying: “Oh yeah it is out on the internet isn’t it.”
The Katniss star doesn’t elaborate beyond that, but she did speak of her experience with the franchise earlier in the Q&A.
Before outlets confirmed her return in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, it was heavily speculated that Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Woody Harrelson would reprise their roles as Katniss, Peeta Mellark, and Haymitch Abernathy, respectively.
Although the upcoming prequel follows Haymitch’s games in the 50th Hunger Games, the book contains an epilogue, as an older Haymitch reflects on his tragic life. While audiences speculated that the cameos would be revealed when the film dropped in theaters, it came as a surprise that Lawrence and Hutcherson’s returns were confirmed, marking their homecoming in over a decade.
As of writing, however, Harrelson’s reprisal as Haymitch has not been confirmed. Meanwhile, Joseph Zada will portray the 16-year-old District 12 victor in the prequel. New cast members also include McKenna Grace, Ben Wang, Elle Fanning, and Maya Hawke. Ralph Fiennes takes over as the middle-aged version of President Snow. Francis Lawrence will return as the director.
Sunrise on the Reaping follows the events of the 50th Hunger Games, which was also known as the Second Quarter Quell. Haymitch ultimately won, with his victory partially detailed in the Catching Fire book. However, the upcoming prequel expands on his story, especially the shocking circumstances of how he became one of the 48 tributes.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will be released in theaters on November 20, 2026.
