Josh Hutcherson Reacts to JLaw's 'The Hunger Games' Reveal: "We're Back"
Sunrise on the Reaping hits theaters on November 20, 2026.
Josh Hutcherson followed Jennifer Lawrence's commentaries about joining The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping with an Instagram stories also confirming his appearance as heartthrob Peeta Mellark. "Well, we're back", he said while sharing Lawrence's Call Her Daddy interview.
To those who haven't read the latest book written by Suzanne Collins, the duo's return was already expected among fans due to their appearance in the epilogue. The last pages of the book focused on a young Haymitch Abernathy (played by Joseph Zada) later show him, Katniss and Peeta Mellark reunited during the events of the original trilogy, attempting to reveal how Sunrise on the Reaping's male protagonist is doing in life in the modern days and circle back to the start.
As Lawrence stated, Woody Harrelson was also present for the filming and will help conclude his character's story, now led by Zada.
Everything you need to know about The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Once again directed by Francis Lawrence, who helmed every feature film in the saga except the first, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping adapts the book of the same name released early in 2025. It was also announced that Billy Ray wrote the screenplay.
The film’s cast includes some major names. Joseph Zada will play the lead, Haymitch Abernathy, who was portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the films starring Jennifer Lawrence. Elle Fanning will play Effie Trinket, McKenna Grace is Maysilee Donner, Maya Hawke will play Wiress, and Ben Wang plays Wyatt Callow. Among the older characters are Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle, Scot Greenan as Burdock Everdeen, Grace Ackary as Astric March, Melody Chikakane Brown as Meeney, and Jefferson White as Mr. McCoy.
The the official synopsis of the book reads: "As the day dawns on the 50th annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes. Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves. When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight ... and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena".
Sunrise on the Reaping hits theaters on November 20, 2026.
