Jennifer Lawrence confirms return to ‘The Hunger Games’ after 11 years: ‘It was so crazy’
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Jennifer Lawrence has officially confirmed her return to 'The Hunger Games' franchise, and the experience has been just as emotional for the actress as for longtime fans.
The Oscar-winner is returning as Katniss Everdeen in the upcoming prequel 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' and will be reuniting with familiar faces after 11 years.
Lawrence confirmed her return during a recent appearance on Alex Cooper’s 'Call Her Daddy' podcast and shared how she felt about being back on set with her former co-stars Josh Hutcherson and Woody Harrelson.
Jennifer Lawrence opens up about returning to ‘The Hunger Games’
During the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast, Lawrence spoke about reprising the role of Katniss after nearly a decade. “It was unbelievable,” she said.
“It was so crazy. It was the same crew. It was the same AD, who I’ve worked with a million times because I love him. And with Josh (Hutcherson) and Woody (Harrelson)... it was so emotional,” the 'Silver Linings Playbook' star added.
Lawrence also spoke about reconnecting with Hutcherson, who played Peeta Mellark in the original films. The duo shared a close bond while working on the franchise. “Josh and I didn’t walk to the bathroom without our arms around each other. It was so beautiful,” she recalled.
Jennifer Lawrence confirms she is returning as Katniss in "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" alongside Josh Hutcherson as Peeta and Woody Harrelson as Haymitch. "It was unbelievable. It was so crazy. It was the same crew. It was the same AD, who I've worked with a million times because I love him. And with Josh [Hutcherson] and Woody [Harrelson] … it was so emotional. Josh and I didn’t walk to the bathroom without our arms around each other. It was so beautiful. Woody, obviously, came through the window of my hotel room uninvited. It wouldn't be the same if he listened to boundaries or used a door." (via Call Her Daddy) https://t.co/WUWSvmfS5N
— Variety (@Variety) October 28, 2026
The actress also shared a funny detail about Harrelson, who played Haymitch Abernathy in the original movies. “And Woody, obviously, came through the window of my hotel room uninvited. It wouldn’t be the same if he listened to boundaries or used a door.”
For Lawrence, returning to the franchise was not just about playing a familiar character again; it was also about reuniting with the people who had been part of a major chapter in her life.
All about ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’
'Sunrise on the Reaping' is based on Suzanne Collins’ novel of the same name and takes place 24 years before the events of the original 'Hunger Games' story. The film follows a young Haymitch Abernathy as he competes in the 50th Hunger Games.
Joseph Zada plays the younger version of Haymitch, the character originally portrayed by Harrelson. The prequel also features a cast that includes Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Maya Hawke, Ralph Fiennes, Elle Fanning, Glenn Close and Kieran Culkin.
Their appearances connect the new film to the original saga while keeping the main focus on a younger generation of tributes. Lawrence previously expressed interest in returning to the role.
The new film is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 20, 2026.
