Jennifer Lawrence Confirms Katniss Is Back in Sunrise on the Reaping

Jennifer Lawrence is returning as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, reuniting with Josh Hutcherson and Woody Harrelson more than a decade after the original films. She confirmed their return during an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast on 28 October.

Directed by Francis Lawrence, the prequel follows a young Haymitch Abernathy during the 50th Hunger Games, an event that takes place 24 years before Katniss’s story begins. The film will arrive in North American cinemas on 20 November 2026, with selected early-access screenings on 18 November.

Tickets are now available through Fandango and participating cinema websites, with prices varying by cinema and screening format.

The return of the original cast brings the prequel closer to the films that introduced audiences to Panem, while giving viewers a glimpse of the events that shaped Haymitch long before he became Katniss and Peeta’s mentor.

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Jennifer Lawrence Confirms Her Return

Lawrence confirmed that she had reunited with Hutcherson and Harrelson for the new film after months of speculation about whether Katniss and Peeta would appear. Speaking on Call Her Daddy, she described the experience as “unbelievable” and said working with familiar crew members made the reunion particularly emotional.

“Josh and I, like, didn’t walk to the bathroom without our arms around each other,” she said, describing how close she and Hutcherson felt during filming. Hutcherson will reprise his role as Peeta Mellark, while Harrelson returns as Haymitch, the mentor who guided Katniss and Peeta through their own Hunger Games. Joseph Zada plays the younger version of Haymitch for most of the prequel.

The reunion brings back characters Lawrence last played in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2, which was released in 2015.

Sunrise On The Reaping Tickets And Early Access

Tickets went on sale on 28 October, with selected US cinemas offering early-access screenings from 6 pm local time on Wednesday, 18 November. These screenings include premium formats such as IMAX, Dolby Cinema, 4DX and ScreenX, depending on the participating venue. The film’s wide North American release follows on Friday, 20 November.

Fans can check Fandango or their local cinema’s website or app to find showtimes and book tickets. There is no single standard ticket price: the final cost depends on the cinema, location, date and format. Fandango also lists a limited-time US offer for eligible purchases of two or more IMAX tickets, with a discount of up to $14 using the code SOTRIMAX, subject to its terms.

Who Else Stars In Sunrise On The Reaping?

The film features a new ensemble around Zada’s younger Haymitch. Mckenna Grace plays fellow District 12 tribute Maysilee Donner, while Whitney Peak portrays Lenore Dove Baird.

Other cast members include Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Maya Hawke as Wiress, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman and Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle.

Francis Lawrence returns to direct, having previously helmed several films in the franchise. Lionsgate announced the adaptation in June 2024, confirming the planned 2026 cinema release.