(Image: Lionsgate)
Suzanne Collins' second prequel novel in "The Hunger Games" series, "Sunrise on the Reaping," was just published in March, and the first trailer for its film adaptation dropped last month. Now, prominent entertainment journalist Jeff Sneider has revealed on his blog, The InSneider, that original series stars Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are set to reprise their roles in the upcoming prequel.
(Image: Lionsgate)
Sneider stated he was unsure if Lawrence and Hutcherson had already filmed their new scenes, but confirmed their return as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. This news has since been corroborated by major international outlets, with widespread speculation that their appearances will be brief flashback sequences. "Sunrise on the Reaping" centers on their mentor, Haymitch Abernathy, and his participation in the 50th Hunger Games, a time when Katniss and Peeta had not yet been born.
(Image: Lionsgate)
"Sunrise on the Reaping" will be directed by Francis Lawrence, who helmed the latter three films in the original series and the first prequel, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes". Billy Ray, screenwriter for the original "Hunger Games" film, is penning the script. The story primarily follows 16-year-old Haymitch as he competes in the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. The film is slated for release on November 20, 2026.
The ensemble cast for this installment includes Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee (a young cameraman for the Hunger Games), Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket (a Capitol stylist), Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Ralph Fiennes as President Coriolanus Snow, Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle, Billy Porter as Magno Stift, Lili Taylor as Mags Flanagan, Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow, Maya Hawke as Wiress, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Latier.
via： The InSneider