Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson Set to Reprise Roles in Hunger Games Prequel: Sunrise on the Reaping

Fans of The Hunger Games universe have reason to celebrate as Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are slated to reprise their iconic characters, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, in the upcoming prequel The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. This new installment will explore the backstory of Woody Harrelson's character, Haymitch Abernathy, according to various reports.

While most of the film focuses on Haymitch's past, Lawrence and Hutcherson are expected to appear in a flash-forward sequence near the conclusion. This scene is inspired by the epilogue of Suzanne Collins’ novel adaptation, where Katniss and Peeta meet with Haymitch after the Capitol uprising depicted in Mockingjay, learning about his painful history.

In the epilogue, Haymitch reflects, “I didn’t want anything to do with their memorial book after the war. What’s the point? Just to relive the pain.” Despite this, Katniss and Peeta offer him a gift: a flock of geese connected to his late love, Lenora Dove Baird.

Haymitch comments, “Like the geese, we truly mated for life,” as he opens up about the trauma he endured as a tribute during the second Quarter Quell. He draws parallels between himself and Katniss, acknowledging Peeta’s observation that she is difficult but clever, even more so than he was. He concludes that she was the one who prevented the sun from rising on that fateful day.

Though Woody Harrelson’s return to the screen remains unconfirmed, his voice was heard in a recent teaser trailer proclaiming, “I think these games are gonna be different.”

Release Date and Cast Highlights

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. The film stars Joseph Zada as a young Haymitch alongside Glenn Close, McKenna Grace, Elle Fanning, Ralph Fiennes, Jesse Plemons, Kieran Culkin, Billy Porter, and Whitney Peak.

Plot Overview

The story takes place 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s debut, focusing on the morning of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. Twice the number of tributes will be selected, escalating the fear across Panem’s districts.

Haymitch Abernathy, from District 12, struggles to cope with the terrifying reality of the day, his only hope being to survive and stay close to the woman he loves.

Key Cast and Their Roles

Joseph Zada leads as Haymitch Abernathy, a role originally portrayed by Woody Harrelson. Zada's previous work includes We Were Liars and The Speedway Murders.

Whitney Peak plays Lenora Dove Baird, Haymitch’s girlfriend, known for her roles in Gossip Girl and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.

McKenna Grace appears as Maysilee Donner, a fellow tribute from District 12, recognized for her performances in Gifted, The Haunting of Hill House, and The Handmaid’s Tale.

Jesse Plemons takes on Plutarch Heavensbee, the future Head Gamemaker and rebellion leader, previously played by Philip Seymour Hoffman. Plemons has earned acclaim for roles in The Power of the Dog, Fargo, and Breaking Bad.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. portrays Beetee, the winner of the 34th Hunger Games and father of tribute Ampert Latier. Harrison’s credits include Genius and It Comes at Night.

Maya Hawke will embody Wiress, a former victor and mentor, following Amanda Plummer’s portrayal in Catching Fire. Hawke is known for her roles in Stranger Things and Little Women.

Lili Taylor assumes the part of Mags, a mentor figure originally played by Lynn Cohen. Taylor boasts a strong résumé with appearances in American Crime and The Conjuring.

Ben Wang is cast as Wyatt Callow, another District 12 tribute, with previous roles in Karate Kid: Legends and American Born Chinese.

Ralph Fiennes will portray President Snow, taking over from previous actors Tom Blyth and Donald Sutherland. Fiennes is a multiple-time Oscar nominee celebrated for films like The English Patient and Schindler’s List.

Molly McCann plays Louella, a District 12 tribute with credits in Bad Sisters and Never Grow Old.

Iona Bell portrays Lou Lou, a lookalike of Louella, known for her work in Fing! and Frayed.

Elle Fanning takes on Effie Trinket, who serves as Haymitch’s stylist in this film. Fanning has starred in Maleficent, The Beguiled, and earned an Emmy nomination for The Great.

Kieran Culkin replaces Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman, the charismatic host of the Games. Culkin has appeared in Succession and won an Oscar for Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.

Glenn Close inhabits the role of Drusilla Sickle, the escort for District 12 tributes. Producer Nina Jacobs praised Close as “a dream Drusilla,” highlighting her ability to bring depth and memorability to her characters.

Billy Porter joins the cast as Magno Stift, an estranged associate of Drusilla.

This star-studded ensemble promises to bring fresh perspectives to the beloved universe, building on the legacy while exploring the darker history behind the games.