Jennifer Lawrence Teases and Basically Confirms Return to Hunger Games Franchise in Sunrise on the Reaping

It appears the Katniss secret is finally out. Jennifer Lawrence was previously rumored to be joining the cast of the upcoming Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping, but the actress has now all but confirmed her involvement in the project.

During a recent episode of journalist Josh Horowitz’s podcast Happy Sad Confused, the host brought up Francis Lawrence, who has directed all the Hunger Games films except for the 2012 original. Horowitz suggested that Lawrence and JLaw should speak, noting that he is also directing Sunrise on the Reaping.

“Maybe we already have,” Lawrence teased. This prompted Horowitz to reply, “If you believe everything on the internet.”

“Oh yeah, it is out on the Internet, isn’t it?” Lawrence responded, referencing reports from last month about her and co-star Josh Hutcherson, who portrays Peeta Mellark, Katniss Everdeen’s love interest, joining the cast. Horowitz then asked, “So I should expect to see that Hunger Games movie, is that what you’re saying?” The actor offered a subtle smile and confirmed, “Yes. Yeah.”

Lawrence, who won an Oscar for her role in the 2012 film Silver Linings Playbook, starred in the first four films of the franchise, with her final appearance as Katniss in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2.

Regarding the return of Lawrence and Hutcherson, there is no official confirmation on how their characters will be integrated into the film, which is set 24 years before the original trilogy begins. However, fans speculate that Katniss and Peeta will appear at the end of the movie, as the source book features a present-day epilogue where both characters listen to former victor and close friend Haymitch Abernathy (played by Woody Harrelson in the films) recount his own story of competing in the Games.

Francis Lawrence returns to direct the upcoming film from a screenplay by Billy Ray. The cast includes Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy, Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Ralph Fiennes as Coriolanus Snow, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket, and Maya Hawke as Wiress.

Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled for release in theaters on November 26.