Summary
One might think Josh Hutcherson has his hands full with theFive Nights at Freddy’sfilm franchise, but that apparently isn’t the case. TheHunger Gamesstar is game for more antics in Panem, which should delight fans of the YA series.
It can be easy to forget just how big a deal the originalHunger Gamesfilms were in the 2010s. For example, whenThe Hunger Games: Catching Firewas released in 2013, it ended up raking in over $865 million at the worldwide box office. In contrast, whenThe Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakescame out in 2023, it brought in $348 million. Now, that is nothing to scoff at per se, but it is a far cry from the moneymaking heights of the original films. Prequel films are always a harder sell than you might imagine. Just ask Warner Bros. how theFantastic Beastsseries is doing. That isn’t stopping Lionsgate from moving forward with moreHunger Gamesprequel stories, however, asThe Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reapingis set for release in 2026.
Brit + Corecently caught up withJosh Hutchersonat the Pasadena Humane Society during a humanitarian campaign event. Unsurprisingly, the upcomingHunger Gamesprequel came up in conversation, and Hutcherson was asked if he would return for the film.“Yeah, no, that’d be cool,“Hutcherson said.“No, I know nothing in that world right now.“Could Hutcherson return forSunshine on the Reaping? Of course. But don’t expect him to spoil that surprise this early in the game if it is going to happen.
Josh Hutcherson Is Open To Returning ToThe Hunger GamesAs Peeta Mellark
Why Wouldn’t He Be Willing To Keep That Door Open?
WhileSunshine on the Reapingis a prequel, there is a chance that Hutcherson, Jennifer Lawrence, and Woody Harrelson could all return and reprise their roles from the original films. The prequel novel features an epilogue where Harrelson’s Haymitch Abernathy opens up to Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen and Hutcherson’s Peeta Mellark about the events of the 50th Hunger Games he competed in. Filming such a scene would be a pricy endeavor for the production team and almost impossible to keep secret, but it would delight the fanbase at large.
“[The]Hunger Gamesis amazing, and I’ve loved it for many years and I will love it forever.” - Josh Hutcherson
After finding himself in a bit of a post-Hunger Gamesrut following 2015’sThe Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2, Hutcherson has been having a bit of a career resurgence of late. TheFive Nights at Freddy’sfranchise has been huge for him, he had a delightful villainous turn in the 2024 Jason Statham vehicleTheBeekeeper, and he booked a main role on Rachel Sennott’s upcoming HBO series.Sunrise on the Reapingwould be a feather in his cap, although it’s not like that film islacking in star power. The 2026 prequel features Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, Elle Fanning, Kieran Culkin, Billy Porter, Jesse Plemons, Maya Hawke, and Mckenna Grace in its extensive cast list. Not too shabby.
The Hunger Games: Sunshine on the Reapingis set to release in 2026.
