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Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are reportedly set to return to the cut-throat world of The Hunger Games in the dystopian franchise’s hugely anticipated 2026 prequel.
The prequel will be based on Suzanne Collins’ novel Sunrise on the Reaping, which focuses on Haymitch Abernathy’s victory in the Games 24 years prior to when we first met Katniss Everdeen.
Haymitch was first played by Woody Harrelson on screen and will now see Joseph Zada – who TV fans might recognise from this summer’s We Were Liars – take on the younger version of the role.
It has now been reported that the original franchise star Lawrence will once again be donning her side braid to take on the iconic role of District 12’s saviour Katniss.
The Hollywood Reporter has said that the 35-year-old Oscar winner will be back alongside Hutcherson, 33, as Peeta Mellark.
The stars did not appear in the upcoming film’s first trailer and the publication reported that details were not disclosed on how exactly the pair will be back in their roles as competitors-turned-allies-turned-couple.
But it’s likely their scenes will take shape as part of a flashforward in the film, to flesh out an epilogue at the conclusion of the Collins novel.
They will be joining the previously confirmed starry cast members, including Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee and Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket.
Lawrence and Hutcherson first hit screens as Katniss and Everdeen when they were reaped into the vicious Battle Royale-style death match in the hit 2012 film.
They then reprised the roles in an increasingly nightmarish version of America with the Capitol’s grip on rule weakening in Catching Fire, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and Part 2.
Hunger Games fans have already shared their huge excitement at the news on X, with YL2SI_ predicting that the film ‘is about to break records’.
Meanwhile, Chief noted that it was a fitting cast addition as ‘it wouldn’t be Hunger Games without them.’
Nick wrote: ‘Jennifer Lawrence AND Josh Hutcherson returning… cinema is so back.’
Are you excited to see the pair back in The Hunger Games?
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I’m seated
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I was excited anyway
Metro contacted Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson’s representatives for comment.
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