Jennifer Lawrence recently reminisced about her experiences on the iconic set of The Hunger Games franchise during her appearance on the podcast Call Her Daddy on 28 October. Reflecting on her role as Katniss Everdeen, the actress shared insights into the demanding stunts she undertook while filming, some of which came with significant risks.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/jennifer-lawrence-the-hunger-games-102826-40a1318307684c3fbc9da64eedbc3b4a.jpg)
The Hunger Games series, which debuted in 2012, has captivated audiences worldwide and launched Lawrence into superstardom. As preparations ramp up for the release of the latest installment, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, scheduled to hit cinemas on 20 November, Lawrence took the opportunity to look back on her groundbreaking journey through the franchise.
During her chat with host Alex Cooper, Lawrence recalled a particularly thrilling scene where she had to run down a mountain while fireballs were set off around her—an intense visual that was achieved without the use of CGI. “Everything really was exploding and catching on fire,” she recalled, emphasising the real sense of danger that permeated the filming process.
Lawrence explained the challenges faced by the cast and crew during such scenes, noting that performers had to stick closely to their marked paths to avoid serious injury. “If you strayed away from your trail, which is not clear, you could face disastrous consequences,” she remarked. It was this palpable sense of peril that added authenticity to the film’s electrifying action.
After the initial release of The Hunger Games, the franchise delivered several sequels, including The Hunger Games: Catching Fire in 2013, and two adaptations of the Mockingjay books in 2014 and 2015. Following her last appearance in the series with Mockingjay – Part 2, released over eight years ago, fans are eager to see Lawrence reprising her celebrated role once again.
The upcoming film, set 24 years prior to the events of the original Hunger Games, explores the backstory of prominent characters such as Haymitch Abernathy, played by Joseph Zada. The narrative introduces the first Quarter Quell—a harrowing event that doubles the number of tributes forced to compete in the deadly games.
In the recent interview, Lawrence expressed excitement about reuniting with her fellow cast mates, Josh Hutcherson and Woody Harrelson. Both actors have played paramount roles in the franchise, with Hutcherson portraying Peeta, Katniss’s love interest, and Harrelson taking on the role of their mentor, Haymitch. “It was so emotional to be back with them,” she stated, noting the strong bond that had developed over the years. “Josh and I didn’t even walk to the bathroom without our arms around each other. It was beautiful.”
Reflecting on the reunion, Lawrence shared her elation at working with the original crew once again. “It was so crazy because it was the same crew. The same camera guys, the same assistant directors—all familiar faces I’ve worked with numerous times because I love them,” she added. This sense of nostalgia and connection further underscored the special atmosphere on set.
The anticipation for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is palpable, with the franchise’s passionate fanbase eager to witness the next chapter unfold on screen. As Lawrence takes up her bow and arrow once more, she continues to embody the character who has inspired countless individuals around the world.
With the release date fast approaching, all eyes will be on Lawrence and the cast as they step back into the dystopian future that has so profoundly influenced popular culture. The Hunger Games franchise, with its rich storytelling and compelling characters, promises to captivate both long-time fans and new audiences alike when it returns to theatres in just a few weeks.
