Josh Hutcherson Expresses Interest in Hunger Games Prequel Return Expected 2026

Josh Hutcherson, known for his role as Peeta Mellark in The Hunger Games franchise, has expressed openness to reprising his role in the upcoming prequel movie, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, though no solid plans have been confirmed. The prequel, set approximately forty years after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and twenty years before the original series, focuses on a young Haymitch Abernathy and the Quarter Quell, with no current narrative inclusion of Katniss or Peeta. The film, scheduled for release in 2026, features a cast including Ralph Fiennes as a young President Snow and Joseph Zada as Haymitch, with potential for original cast members to make cameo appearances as suggested by the book's epilogue. Hutcherson has stated he is unaware of the film’s full plans but is supportive of the franchise and open to returning if the author Suzanne Collins approves. Fans are hopeful for cameos from original stars Jennifer Lawrence, Hutcherson, and Woody Harrelson, as these appearances would provide emotional closure linking the prequel to the original series. The original Hunger Games films remain highly successful, and Lionsgate continues to expand the franchise with these new stories.