Jennifer Lawrence Returns as Katniss for 'Sunrise on the Reaping'

Jennifer Lawrence reprised her role as Katniss Everdeen in the upcoming film "Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping." The movie, which also features Josh Hutcherson and Woody Harrelson, is scheduled to open in theaters on November 20 from Lionsgate.

Lawrence discussed her return on the latest episode of the "Call Her Daddy" podcast. She described the experience of working with the original crew as "unbelievable" and "so beautiful." The group had not worked together in 11 years. Lawrence noted that the associate director had worked with her numerous times previously. She said that she and Hutcherson kept their arms around each other when walking to the bathroom. Harrelson, who plays Haymitch, also returned for the production. Lawrence joked that he entered her hotel room through the window without using the door.

Variety first reported in December of last year that Lawrence and Hutcherson would return for a scene in the prequel. The film focuses on a young Haymitch, played by Joseph Zada, as he enters the 50th Hunger Games. The story follows the plot of Suzanne Collins' novel, which concludes with a flash-forward epilogue involving the original characters.

Lawrence had expressed interest in returning to the role in 2023. During the press tour for her film "No Hard Feelings," she told Variety that she was "totally" open to reprising Katniss if the right opportunity arose. She stated at the time that she would say yes "100 percent" if the character came back into her life.

The original "Hunger Games" franchise includes four movies starring Lawrence between 2012 and 2015. The series also includes the 2023 prequel "The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes," which stars Rachel Zegler. The entire franchise has earned $3.3 billion at the worldwide box office.

Lawrence addressed her initial hesitation about joining the franchise when she was 20 years old. She explained on the podcast that she worried about the impact on her personal life and acting career. She cited the success of "Twilight" as a cautionary example of how a major franchise could change an actor's trajectory. She noted that she had always wanted to be a mother and feared the role would look different from working on independent films.

The full interview with Lawrence is available on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast.