Josh Hutcherson Open to Returning as Peeta Mellark in Upcoming Hunger Games Prequel
As excitement builds for the upcoming prequel to The Hunger Games, titled Sunrise on the Reaping, set to hit theaters on November 20, 2026, there’s buzz about the potential return of a beloved character. Josh Hutcherson, who famously portrayed Peeta Mellark in the 2012 film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ groundbreaking YA series, recently shared his thoughts on reprising his role.
In an interview with Brit + Co, Hutcherson expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “That’d be cool. No, I know nothing in that world right now.” He added, “The Hunger Games is amazing, and I’ve loved it for many years and I will love it forever.”
Although Sunrise on the Reaping takes place 24 years before the events of the original Hunger Games, the narrative does feature a grown Peeta alongside Katniss Everdeen, originally played by Jennifer Lawrence. In this prequel, Haymitch Abernathy, a role now taken over by Joseph Zada from Woody Harrelson, shares stories of his past Hunger Games with them.
The fifth installment in the Hunger Games franchise, Sunrise on the Reaping, was released in March and follows The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which debuted in 2020. Fans can look forward to the feature film adaptation, set for a fall 2026 release.
The impressive cast of Sunrise on the Reaping includes Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle, and Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, along with 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, who has portrayed Peeta in The Hunger Games (2012), Catching Fire (2013), and Mockingjay Parts 1 and 2 (2014-2015), previously expressed his eagerness to return to the role, stating, “I would happily play Peeta again. I think Peeta’s an incredible person to get to bring to life. I’m curious about what happens between when they have their family and when the story ends, just to understand how they got to that place. If you can talk to Suzanne Collins and tell her to write a book, I’m in. Sign me up.”
As fans eagerly await this new chapter in the Hunger Games saga, the prospect of Hutcherson’s return adds an exciting layer to what promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience. Stay tuned for more updates as the release date approaches!
