Jennifer Lawrence has confirmed her return to the “Hunger Games” franchise, describing the experience as “unbelievable” and “so emotional” in a recent interview. The confirmation comes as Lawrence opted to skip the London premiere of the prequel film “Sunrise on the Reaping,” which debuted Wednesday.
Lawrence, who reprised her role as Katniss Everdeen in the original film series, appeared on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast where she discussed the reunion with cast members, including Josh Hutcherson, who played Peeta Mellark, and Woody Harrelson, who portrayed Haymitch Abernathy. She noted the unique experience of working with a crew that also included returning members from the original films.
“Josh and I didn’t walk to the bathroom without our arms around each other,” Lawrence said of her dynamic with Hutcherson, reflecting on their time together 11 years after the final installment of the original series. She also shared a humorous anecdote about Harrelson, joking that he “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.”
The “Sunrise on the Reaping” premiere in London was attended by a cast that included Glenn Close, who plays Drusilla Sickle, McKenna Grace, portraying twins Maysilee and Merrilee Donner, and Elle Fanning, who stars as Effie Trinket. Other attendees included Kieran Culkin, Jesse Plemons, Kelly Rutherford, Joseph Zada, and Ralph Fiennes.
The new film, “Sunrise on the Reaping,” is set 24 years before the events of the first “Hunger Games” and focuses on Harrelson’s character, Haymitch Abernathy.
Lawrence had previously expressed her openness to returning to the franchise. In an interview with Variety in 2023, she stated, “Oh, my God – totally!” when asked about the possibility of reprising her iconic role as Katniss, adding, “If Katniss ever could ever come back into my life, 100 percent.”