At a Glance
- Maya Hawke appeared to confirm Jennifer Lawrence will reprise Katniss Everdeen in Sunrise on the Reaping
- Hawke, cast as Wiress, called Lawrence’s performance her inspiration for acting
- The film, based on Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel, arrives in theaters November 20, 2026
- Why it matters: Fans get another glimpse of Katniss while diving into Haymitch’s backstory
Maya Hawke’s Jan. 8 chat with Jimmy Fallon has Hunger Games fans buzzing. The actor, booked as Wiress in the franchise’s next chapter, seemed to let slip that Jennifer Lawrence is stepping back into Katniss Everdeen’s boots for Sunrise on the Reaping.
The Tonight Show Slip
Fallon asked point-blank whether Lawrence returned for the prequel. Hawke nodded and replied, “We’re allowed to say that? People know?” Fallon answered, “They know now!”-effectively sealing the reveal on live television.
Hawke gushed about Lawrence’s influence on her career:
> “Jennifer Lawrence’s performance in the first four movies is a big part of the reason why I want to be an actor. She’s amazing.”
She also mentioned watching Lawrence’s latest film, Die My Love, while shooting in Germany.
What We Know About the Prequel
- Source material: Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel centers on a young Haymitch Abernathy in the 50th Hunger Games-24 years before Katniss volunteered.
- Lead actor: Joseph Zada plays Haymitch.
- Returning faces: Multiple outlets report both Josh Hutcherson (Peeta) and Lawrence are expected to appear.
- Timeline note: Katniss and Peeta surface only in an epilogue, so their screen time may be brief.
Josh Hutcherson’s Take
Josh Hutcherson told Variety in November he’d “be there in a heartbeat” if asked, adding:
> “I would love to be back on set with Francis, with Jen, with Liam, with Woody.”
When pressed specifically about Sunrise on the Reaping, he teased:
> “That would be a dream come true. Do dreams come true? Sometimes.”
On-Set Glimpse
Hawke also praised co-star Glenn Close, who portrays District 12 escort Drusilla Sickle. Filming on a frigid German tarmac, Hawke recalled:
> “She was so stone-cold… if she’s not complaining, I can’t complain.”
Key Takeaways
- Hawke’s comments make Lawrence’s return appear official, though no trailer or promotional stills have been released.
- Hutcherson’s enthusiasm suggests Peeta’s cameo is likely locked.
- Sunrise on the Reaping opens November 20, 2026-marking a decade since the last Hunger Games installment.
Expect more casting confirmations-and probably a teaser-before summer.
