Lawrence returns to Hunger Games for one final scene

Jennifer Lawrence is back as Katniss Everdeen for one last appearance.

The Oscar winner appeared on the Call Her Daddy podcast to discuss her return to the franchise. Lionsgate will release the prequel film Sunrise on the Reaping in theaters on November 20.

Lawrence described the reunion with her former co-stars as deeply emotional. She noted that the production crew remained largely the same, including her assistant director. She said she and Josh Hutcherson frequently kept their arms around one another during the shoot. She also joked that Woody Harrelson entered her hotel room through a window without asking.

Variety first reported in December 2025 that Lawrence and Hutcherson would return as Katniss and Peeta Mellark. The new film focuses on a young Haymitch, played by Joseph Zada, as he enters the 50th Hunger Games. The movie follows the structure of the source novel, which ends with a flash-forward featuring the three characters.

Lawrence expressed openness to a comeback during her 2023 press tour for No Hard Feelings. She told Variety at the time that she would play the role again if the opportunity was right. She starred in four Hunger Games movies between 2012 and 2015. The entire franchise has grossed $3.3 billion at the global box office.

The actress also reflected on her initial hesitation to join the series at age 20. She worried about how the massive franchise might affect her career and personal life. She compared the situation to the release of Twilight, which changed the public perception of young actors. She wanted to ensure she could still pursue motherhood and independent films.