One of the many things we all love about Oscar-winning Jennifer Lawrence is that she’s so real. She’s not one to lie or talk around a point. She’s straightforward and matter-of-fact. For example, over the past year, there have been rumors that Lawrence would be reprising the role of Katniss Everdeen in the upcoming Hunger Games movie. And most actors, when asked about something like this, would be coy and noncommittal. Not Lawrence.
Appearing on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Lawrence was revisiting her memories and thoughts about the various films in the franchise when she was asked what it was like returning for the new film, Sunrise on the Reaping, which comes to theaters on November 20. “Unbelievable,” she said. “It was so crazy because it was the same crew. It was the same camera guys, the same AD, who I’ve worked with a million times… and Josh and Woody, and it was so emotional. Josh [Hutcherson] and I, like, didn’t walk to the bathroom without our arms around each other. It was so beautiful.”
Sunrise on the Reaping is a prequel to the original Hunger Games books and films, telling the story of Woody Harrelson’s character, Haymitch Abernathy, and what happened during the Games that he survived. In the novel, Katniss appears in a quiet, poignant epilogue. And while it’s unclear if Lawrence’s appearance will mirror that or not, coming back to the franchise clearly meant a lot to her.
“And Woody obviously came through the window of my hotel room uninvited ’cause it would not be the same. It wouldn’t be the same if he listened to boundaries and used a door,” she continued.
What’s kind of funny about this is that while it’s newsworthy that Lawrence confirmed her appearance in the film, it wasn’t something the host had to drag out of her. It was discussed as if it was common knowledge. And, sure, news of Lawrence and Hutchinson returning broke last year, but usually a famous star returning to a beloved franchise is kept secret for as long as possible. Not the case here.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, featuring a whole slew of young stars along with Lawrence, Hutcherson, and Harrelson, opens on November 20. Here’s the podcast synced up to the question about the new film.
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