Hunger Games Star Josh Hutcherson Addresses Potential Peeta Return Following Sunrise On The Reaping's Book Release
The article contains some spoilers from the Sunrise on the Reaping book.Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson reveals whether he would be open to reprising his role as Peeta Mellark. Hutcherson portrayed the iconic District 12 tribute in all four movies, as his character became the key love interest to Jennifer Lawrence's heroine, Katniss Everdeen. During their journey, Peeta was mentored by previous Hunger Games winner, Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson), who also became a crucial player in the rebellion. While the main story has ended, the franchise has since continued with prequels, with the recent book release of Sunrise on the Reaping focusing on Haymitch's Second Quarter Quell.
Days after the book's release, Hutcherson was asked a general question about whether he would be interested in reprising Peeta at the Dream It Conventions (via @frconventions/TikTok). He stated that he would "happily play Peeta again" and even suggested a possible sequel story that would focus on his family with Katniss and what has happened to Panem since the rebellion, encouraging author Suzanne Collins to write a book about it. Read his full comment below:
I would happily play Peeta again. The story is incredible. The Hunger Games was incredible.
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.
Why Hutcherson's Response Is Good News For The Hunger Games Franchise
Sunrise On The Reaping Has Opened The Doors To A Peeta Return
Although the chances of a sequel are unlikely, the Sunrise on the Reaping book may have opened the door for Peeta and Katniss to appear in the upcoming movie, set to release in November 2026. The latest prequel provided more insight into Haymitch's games, such as how he won and the tragedies that came after. It has been one of the most requested stories by the fandom, with the next step focused on the prequel film. Lionsgate has already confirmed the movie's development, with key castings like Haymitch and Maysilee Donner being highly anticipated.
Why President Snow Really Lets Haymitch Live In The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping
Leaving Haymitch alive after Sunrise on the Reaping seems counterproductive, but President Snow’s actions after the 50th Hunger Games make sense.
The new Hunger Games book concludes with an epilogue, with what sounds to be an older Haymitch reflecting on his life since the Second Rebellion. With the mentions of Katniss and Peeta, it's possible that Lawrence, Hutcherson, and Harrelson could reprise their roles, marking a potential reunion between them. While none of the trio has confirmed their returns yet, Hutcherson's willingness to reprise Peeta is a good sign that the epilogue could be recreated on the big screen. Since his recent comments seem general to the franchise as a whole, it's unclear if the actor has read the new book and learned of the details.
Our Take On Hutcherson's Potential Hunger Games Return
I Hope He Comes Back!
This is the shortest development between the book and the movie's release, so I can only hope that there is already talk of Hutcherson and Lawrence reprising their iconic roles. I have read the book, and the epilogue is easily the most emotional part due to important revelations about Haymitch and his current state since the Second Rebellion. I can already imagine how the epilogue could be replicated in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, and if they manage to pull it off with the trio's return, I will be weeping for hours after leaving the theater.
Source: Dream It Conventions (via @frconventions/TikTok)
- Created by
- Suzanne Collins
- First Film
- The Hunger Games
- Cast
- Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Lenny Kravitz, Willow Shields, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth, Viola Davis, Peter Dinklage, Hunter Schafer, Jason Schwartzman
- Movie(s)
- The Hunger Games, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
