Culture October 28, 2026

Jennifer Lawrence confirms she's returning as Katniss in 'Sunrise on the Reaping'

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If you were hoping Katniss Everdeen would return for the new "Hunger Games" film, the odds are in your favor.

Actress Jennifer Lawrence confirmed on Wednesday's episode of Alex Cooper's "Call Her Daddy" podcast that she will once again be playing the role in "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping."

Lawrence played the role of Katniss in the first four films of the "Hunger Games" franchise, the first of which was released in 2012.

Lawrence told Cooper that it was "unbelievable" stepping back into the role with the same crew and her costars, Josh Hutcherson and Woody Harrelson, who return as Peeta Mellark and Haymitch Abernathy, respectively.

"It was so crazy because it was the same crew," she said. "It was the same camera guys, the same AD [assistant director] who I've worked with a million times too 'cause I love him, and Josh [Hutcherson] and Woody [Harrelson], and it was so emotional."

Lawrence and Hutcherson were initially rumored to be returning for "Sunrise on the Reaping," though it hadn't been officially confirmed. 

The actress said she and Hutcherson "didn't walk to the bathroom without our arms around each other," calling the experience "so beautiful."

She added, "And Woody obviously came through the window of my hotel room uninvited 'cause it wouldn't be the same if he listened to boundaries and used a door."

"Sunrise on the Reaping" follows a teenage Haymitch, played by Joseph Zada, as he faces the arena in the 50th annual Hunger Games.

The film also stars Whitney Peak, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Maya Hawke, Ralph Fiennes, Elle Fanning, Glenn Close, Billy Porter and Kieran Culkin.

"The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," based on the Suzanne Collins novel of the same name, arrives in theaters on Nov. 20.