The Hunger Games Cast: Where Are They Now And Which Stars Are Returning For The New Prequel?

The legacy of Panem’s defiant heroes and villains continues to dominate headlines in late 2025, proving that the star-studded cast of *The Hunger Games* franchise remains one of Hollywood's most powerful ensembles. From the original trilogy’s main trio—Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark, and Gale Hawthorne—to the new generation of stars from the prequel, *The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes*, the actors are all securing major, high-profile projects, including a massive return for two fan favorites in the newly announced film, *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping*. The latest updates reveal a fascinating mix of blockbuster sequels, indie dramas, and a major shift in a beloved fantasy series.

The biggest news is the confirmed adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ new 2025 novel, *Sunrise on the Reaping*, which will explore the 50th Hunger Games, the Second Quarter Quell, and the backstory of a pivotal character. This new film has already secured a fresh cast to play the younger versions of iconic figures, while simultaneously fueling speculation about surprise returns from the original stars.

The Original District 12 Trio: Where Are Katniss, Peeta, and Gale Now?

The core actors who brought the rebellion against the Capitol to life have gone on to forge diverse and highly successful careers. Their 2025-2026 project slate is arguably the most intriguing since the original films wrapped, with two major stars potentially returning to the arena.

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Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen)

Lawrence, who won an Academy Award shortly after the first *Hunger Games* film, has focused on producing and starring in more intimate, character-driven projects. In 2025, she is set to star alongside Robert Pattinson in the psychological drama *Die, My Love*, a highly anticipated pairing that marks their first time sharing the screen.

• Character Role: Katniss Everdeen, the 'Girl on Fire' and Mockingjay of District 12.
• Current 2025 Project: *Die, My Love*, a drama-thriller.
• Franchise Future: Reports suggest Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are expected to return for the new prequel, *Sunrise on the Reaping*, likely in a flash-forward epilogue or bookend scenes to provide context for the new story, which centers on the Second Quarter Quell.

Josh Hutcherson (Peeta Mellark)

Hutcherson’s career saw a massive resurgence with the horror hit *Five Nights at Freddy’s* (2023). He is set to reprise his role as Mike Schmidt in the announced sequel, *Five Nights at Freddy's 2*, which is slated for a 2025 release, continuing his foray into the horror genre.

• Character Role: Peeta Mellark, the 'Boy with the Bread' from District 12.
• Current 2025 Project: *Five Nights at Freddy's 2* (2025), a major horror sequel.
• Franchise Future: Like Lawrence, Hutcherson is also widely expected to return for a cameo or supporting role in *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping*, reinforcing the connection between the original trilogy and the new prequel.

Liam Hemsworth (Gale Hawthorne)

Hemsworth is undergoing one of the most significant career transformations of the entire cast. He has taken over the iconic lead role of Geralt of Rivia in the Netflix fantasy series *The Witcher*, replacing Henry Cavill for Season 4, which is expected to stream in 2025.

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• Character Role: Gale Hawthorne, Katniss's best friend and fellow rebel from District 12.
• Current 2025 Project: Geralt of Rivia in *The Witcher* Season 4, a high-stakes fantasy role.
• Other Projects: He is also starring in the upcoming movie *Lonely Planet*, alongside Laura Dern.

The New Generation: Stars of The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

The 2023 prequel introduced audiences to a new era of Panem and a talented group of young actors. Their careers have exploded following the film's success, with several securing major roles in upcoming 2025 and 2026 releases.

Tom Blyth (Young Coriolanus Snow)

Blyth's chilling portrayal of the future President Snow launched him into leading man status. In 2025, he is focusing on diverse genres, starring in the romantic comedy *People We Meet on Vacation* and the queer drama *Plainclothes*, showcasing his range beyond the dystopian world of the Capitol.

• Character Role: Coriolanus Snow, the ambitious mentor who evolves into the tyrannical President Snow.
• Current 2025 Projects: *Plainclothes* (Drama) and *People We Meet on Vacation* (Rom-Com).

Rachel Zegler (Lucy Gray Baird)

Zegler, the charismatic tribute from District 12, has a packed schedule, solidifying her status as a major Hollywood star. Her most talked-about upcoming project is the title role in Disney's live-action adaptation of *Snow White*, which is scheduled for a 2025 release.

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• Character Role: Lucy Gray Baird, the enigmatic female tribute from District 12 and the original victor songstress.
• Current 2025 Project: *Snow White* (Live-Action Disney film).
• Other Projects: She has also secured a role in the comedy-drama *She Gets It from Her* with Marisa Tomei.

Hunter Schafer (Tigris Snow)

Known for her role in the hit series *Euphoria*, Schafer brought a nuanced performance as Coriolanus's cousin, Tigris Snow. She continues to gravitate towards high-profile, auteur-driven projects, including the psychological drama-thriller *Mother Mary*, which is slated for a 2026 release.

• Character Role: Tigris Snow, Coriolanus's kind-hearted cousin who later becomes a Capitol stylist.
• Current 2025-2026 Project: *Mother Mary*, a major psychological drama.
• Fashion/Modeling: She remains a major figure in the fashion world, notably featuring in the Gentle Monster 'The Hunt' Fall 2025 campaign.

The Shocking Cast Reveal for ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’

The announcement of *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping*—the film adaptation of the novel set during the 50th Hunger Games—has generated enormous buzz, particularly with the confirmed casting of key characters from the original timeline. This prequel will focus on the Games that made Haymitch Abernathy a victor.

Key Confirmed Cast Members for the New Prequel (2026)

The new film, directed by Francis Lawrence, will introduce a fresh set of tributes and mentors, along with younger versions of established figures, linking the *Ballad* era to the *Mockingjay* era.

• Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy: Zada is confirmed to play the young Haymitch Abernathy, the eventual mentor to Katniss and Peeta, during his own harrowing experience as a tribute from District 12 in the Second Quarter Quell.
• Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner: Grace, a rising star, will portray Maysilee Donner, the female tribute from District 12 in the 50th Games who allies with Haymitch.
• Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman: The Emmy-winning actor is confirmed to step into the role of a younger Caesar Flickerman, the flamboyant host of the Games, a role originally played by Stanley Tucci.
• Ben Wang as Wyatt Callow: Confirmed to play Wyatt Callow, another male tribute from District 12.
• Jesse Plemons and Ralph Fiennes: Other confirmed cast members include Jesse Plemons in an undisclosed role, and Ralph Fiennes, who played the older President Snow in the original movies, is also listed in the ensemble, hinting at a potential narrator or flash-forward role, similar to the original cast rumors.

The Veterans: Woody Harrelson and Donald Sutherland Updates

The seasoned actors who anchored the original series continue to deliver powerful performances across film and television.

Woody Harrelson (Haymitch Abernathy)

Harrelson, the original Haymitch Abernathy, remains one of the busiest actors in Hollywood. In 2025, he is starring in the drama *Last Breath*, alongside Simu Liu, a film based on the true story of a deep-sea diving emergency. He is also part of the star-studded cast for the comedy *Ella McCay*.

• Character Role: Haymitch Abernathy, the cynical but brilliant mentor from District 12.
• Current 2025 Projects: *Last Breath* (Drama) and *Ella McCay* (Comedy).

Donald Sutherland (President Snow)

The late Donald Sutherland, who portrayed the chilling President Coriolanus Snow, passed away in 2024. At the time of his death, he was still actively working on new projects, leaving behind a profound legacy of over 60 years in film and television, including his iconic role as the tyrannical leader of Panem.

• Character Role: President Coriolanus Snow, the iron-fisted ruler of Panem.
• Legacy: His final projects will be released posthumously, cementing his place as one of the great character actors in cinematic history.

The enduring popularity of *The Hunger Games* franchise, driven by the compelling narratives of Suzanne Collins and the masterful direction of Francis Lawrence, ensures that the original and new casts remain highly relevant. With the original stars potentially returning for the new film and the new generation taking on major blockbuster roles, the world of Panem continues to shape the future of Hollywood talent.