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Jennifer Lawrence has confirmed she is back as Katniss Everdeen in "Sunrise on the Reaping," the next film in "The Hunger Games" franchise, and says reuniting with her original co-stars was deeply emotional.
Lawrence spoke about the project on a podcast. She said she is once again working with Josh Hutcherson, who plays Peeta Mellark, and Woody Harrelson, who plays Haymitch Abernathy.
The prequel follows a young Haymitch during the 50th Hunger Games.
Francis Lawrence directs, adapting Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel. The film also includes an epilogue featuring an older Katniss and Peeta. It is due in theaters Nov. 20, 2026.
Lawrence said the set felt like a homecoming. The core crew from the original films returned, including camera operators and assistant directors she has worked with many times.
She described the experience as "so emotional" and said she and Hutcherson stayed close throughout filming.
The actress also joked about Harrelson’s habit of barging in on her. By her account, he once came through her hotel room window uninvited rather than use the door, and she said she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Fans have responded with excitement to the return of the District 12 trio. Many are planning emotional trips to the theater for a film that blends the old story with the new.
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