Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are reportedly set to reprise their iconic roles in the next installment of the “Hunger Games” franchise, sending waves of excitement through the fandom. The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline reported that Lawrence, 35, will return as Katniss Everdeen, while Hutcherson, 33, will again play Peeta Mellark in the upcoming prequel, “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.”
The actors last appeared together in 2015’s “Mockingjay – Part 2,” which concluded the original saga. Their return would reportedly occur in a flash-forward sequence included in the novel the new film is adapting. BBC Newsbeat has contacted the production company, Lionsgate, for comment.
Both stars had previously signaled their eagerness to return. Lawrence once said she would be “totally” up for it, and Hutcherson told Variety last month, “I’d be there in a heartbeat. It would not take any convincing at all.”
Fans erupted on social media upon hearing the news. One likened the return to “Rihanna returning to music,” while another quipped, “It’s basically Jesus returning to Earth.” However, some expressed disappointment, wishing the reveal had been kept an “emotional” surprise for the cinema.
By James Kisoo
