'Hunger Games' bombshell: Maya Hawke hints Jennifer Lawrence's comeback

Maya Hawke has sent Hunger Games fans into a frenzy after seemingly confirming Jennifer Lawrence’s long-rumoured return to the blockbuster franchise.

Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the Stranger Things star appeared to let slip that Lawrence will reprise her iconic role as Katniss Everdeen in the upcoming prequel The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. 

When host Fallon pressed her on the rumours, Hawke nodded before asking, slightly nervously, “We’re allowed to say that? People know?” 

The 51-year-old host quickly replied: “They know now!”

The 27-year-old actress, who stars as Wiress in the new film, spoke warmly about Red Sparrow star’s impact on her own career, calling the Oscar winner “a big part of the reason why I want to be an actor”. 

She added that simply being involved in the Hunger Games world was “a dream come true”.

The prequel, based on Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel, follows Haymitch Abernathy during the brutal 50th Hunger Games, set 24 years before Katniss’ story begins.

Joseph Zada takes on the role made famous by Woody Harrelson, while Glenn Close appears as District 12 escort Drusilla Sickle.

Reports last month claimed both Lawrence, 35, and Josh Hutcherson, 33, will return as Katniss and Peeta, believed to appear in an epilogue chapter. 

Hutcherson has since admitted he’d “be there in a heartbeat” if asked.

Hawke also praised her time working with Close, joking that filming in freezing German conditions taught her never to complain after watching the Hollywood legend power through the cold “like a pro”.

It's worth noting that The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping hits cinemas on November 20, 2026.

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