With the next prequel in The Hunger Games hitting theaters on Nov. 20, 2026, at least one familiar face is open to returning.
Josh Hutcherson, who originated the role of Peeta Mellark in the 2012 adaptation of Suzanne Collins‘ first novel in the YA series, recently addressed the possibility of reprising the role in Sunrise on the Reaping, which has been rounding out its cast in recent months.
“That’d be cool. No, I know nothing in that world right now,” Hutcherson clarified to Brit + Co. “Hunger Games is amazing, and I’ve loved it for many years and I will love it forever.”
Although the events of Sunrise on the Reaping are set 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games, the book briefly features a grown Peeta and Katniss Everdeen (originated by Jennifer Lawrence) as Haymitch Abernathy (which Joseph Zada is set to take over from Woody Harrelson) recounts the events of his Hunger Game to them.
In March, Collins released the fifth book in the franchise, Sunrise on the Reaping, which marks the second prequel after 2020’s The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. A feature adaptation is set for a fall 2026 release.
Josh Hutcherson in ‘The Hunger Games’ (2012)
Murray Close/Lionsgate/Courtesy Everett Collection
The cast also includes Whitney Peak as Haymitch’s love interest Lenore Dove Baird, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Billy Porter as Magno Stift, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Maya Hawke as Wiress, Lili Taylor as Mags and Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, among others.
Hutcherson previously portrayed Peeta in The Hunger Games (2012), The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013), The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1 (2014) and Part 2 (2015), alongside Lawrence, Harrison and Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne.
The actor has previously said he “would happily play Peeta again,” adding: “I think Peeta’s an incredible person to get to bring to life. I’m curious to know what happens between when they have their family and when the story ends, just to understand what happened in the world, how they got to that place. But I’m down. If you can talk to Suzanne Collins and tell her to write a book, I’m in. Sign me up.”
