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Josh Hutcherson would "happily play" his 'Hunger Games' role again
While attending Dream It Fest in Paris to meet fans, Josh Hutcherson, who starred in The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay – Part 1, and Mockingjay – Part 2, said he would "happily play Peeta [Mellark] again."
"The Hunger Games world is incredible," the actor expressed while reflecting on the experience. "I think Peeta's an incredible person to get to bring to life. I’m curious to know what happens between when they have their family and when the story ends, just to understand what happened in the world, how they got to that place."
Could the new and old "The Hunger Games" casts ever merge on a new project?
— Good Morning America (@GMA) January 11, 2024
Josh Hutcherson says, "Send a script in! I would love to." pic.twitter.com/wE9rTMNfFP
Fans might actually get to see him and Jennifer Lawrence, who played Katniss Everdeen, sooner than they think in Sunrise on the Reaping. The prequel is currently set to release on November 20, 2026, and follows a younger Haymitch Abernathy, who was originally played by Woody Harrelson.
“But I’m down. If you can talk to Suzanne Collins and tell her to write a book, I’m in. Sign me up.”
The epilogue does include a look at who Haymitch considers to be his new family: Peeta and Katniss, who are writing a memorial book since we last saw them. Haymitch shares the details of his life that he kept hidden and tells them about those he lost, a sign that their mentor has finally let the couple all the way in.
As for Lawrence, she's already confirmed that she would "totally" reprise her beloved role. "If Katniss ever could ever come back into my life, 100 percent," she told Variety. Naturally, if she and Hutcherson returned, fans would hope to see Haymitch do so as well.
The Hunger Games recently celebrated its 13-year anniversary after premiering in theaters on March 23, 2012. Mockingjay – Part 2 came out on November 20, 2015.
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TODAY'S BEST
Aaron Rodgers responds to criticism from Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw
The Pittsburgh Steelers' signing of quarterback Aaron Rodgers was an immediately polarizing move that did not sit well with large portions of the fan base. It also did not sit well with one of the team's all-time greatest players, four-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Terry Bradshaw. Bradshaw initially referred to the signing of Rodgers as a "joke" and that he should "stay in California and go chew bark" in reference to Rodgers isolating himself in a darkness retreat last year. On Saturday, Rodgers finally had a chance to respond to Bradshaw and did so with a combination of taking the high road, and also trying to make light of it. “I whisper to the gods every single day. I’ve known Terry for a long time, being a part of Fox. Terry’s a legend. He’s an absolute legend. He won four Super Bowls. He’s had a legendary career in the media. But Terry, like a lot of people, doesn’t know me. And so, he’s got an idea of what he thinks about me based on what I’ve done, the documentary, what I’ve said, darkness retreat, whatever the hell you want to talk about. I’d love to get to know Terry on a deeper level. I feel like if he gave me a chance to get to know him, then we’d have a good friendship." He ended the answer by saying, "So, I’d love to get to know Terry on a deeper level if he’s open to it. And maybe we can go chew some bark or whatever the hell he’s talking about together.” The Steelers were in a pretty desperate quarterback situation this offseason after completely overhauling the position for a second year in a row. They missed out on the chance to re-sign Justin Fields, let Russell Wilson walk, missed out on every other veteran who changed teams and passed on the opportunity to select a quarterback near the top of a weak quarterback draft class. (They ultimately selected Ohio State's Will Howard in the sixth round.) The whole Rodgers saga has been quite a soap opera for the Steelers as they waited around for months while he decided on whether or not he wanted to play this season, and if he wanted to play for the Steelers. Add in the fact he has had a tendency to cause some off-field distractions with his comments and weekly "Pat McAfee Show" appearances, as well as the fact he will turn 42 years old this season and hasn't been a top-tier quarterback in three years, and a lot of Steelers fans — and former players — were put off by the idea. The only thing that will matter in the end, however, is how Rodgers plays on the field. He has said all of the right things since joining the team, and his new teammates have all spoken highly of him so far, but it will still come down to results on the field. The Steelers have not won a playoff game in eight years and are facing added pressure each year to end that drought. They are hoping Rodgers has one more good year in him to help them advance in the postseason.
Important trade stalls as Maple Leafs dangle bottom-six forward
The Toronto Maple Leafs are still looking for a solution to their bottom-six surplus, and veteran forward Calle Jarnkrok remains at the center of trade discussions. However, according to The Fourth Period, trade talks surrounding the 33-year-old winger have failed to gain momentum. They write: “He has a $2.1M cap hit and owns a 10-team no-trade list. The market hasn’t been vibrant, to this point, but the Leafs will continue to dangle him.” Why can’t the Maple Leafs find a taker for Jarnkrok? Jarnkrok has quietly been on the trade block for much of the offseason, but general manager Brad Treliving has yet to find a taker. After adding several depth forwards this summer, the Leafs now face a crowded bottom six — and Jarnkrok’s age, injury history and $2.1M cap hit through 2025–26 aren’t helping his value. Since joining Toronto, Jarnkrok has appeared in only 71 games over two seasons, scoring a modest 28 points. While his defensive versatility and penalty-killing ability are assets, his declining offensive production and durability concerns have made teams wary. With training camp approaching, the Maple Leafs may be forced to keep Jarnkrok on the roster — or retain salary in a deal — if they want to create space and flexibility. Dropping his cap hit down to just over $1M would open up the market a little. Until then, the Swedish forward remains a trade candidate in limbo. This isn’t great news as moving Jarnkrok from the roster is an important item on the team’s to-do list. Treliving would like more cap space, and with Jarnkrok and David Kampf both still on the roster, it hampers the GM’s ability to do other things.
Mariners' Cal Raleigh makes history with 40th home run
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh clubbed his 40th home run of the season on Saturday night against the Los Angeles Angels, not only extending his major league lead but also making him the first player in baseball to reach the 40-home run mark this season. It also helped him make some history. With his 40th home run, Raleigh became both the first catcher and the first switch-hitter in baseball history to reach the 40 home run mark before the end of July. Here is a look at his 40th home run. He is already in the process of having one of the best seasons ever for a Mariners player, and also one of the best seasons ever for a catcher, for any team. Especially when you add in his defense, where he is one of the best defensive catchers in the league. His only serious competition for the American League MVP Award remains New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge. But with Judge sidelined for a period of time now due to an elbow injury, it might open the door for Raleigh to really put himself in the lead for that award.
This is the Weakest Spot on NY Giants' Defense
The New York Giants were forced to take a hard look in the mirror after losing a franchise-worst 14 games last season, which followed a 6-11 campaign. When they glanced at their reflection, it had become unrecognizable. Big Blue lost its identity, the same one that instilled pride in its fan base for decades. The team's defensive edge was gone. Yes, Dexter Lawrence II is arguably the best defensive tackle in the league today, and Brian Burns is a reliable contributor on the edge; however, the unit as a collective was lacking the intensity and productivity that define the franchise's best years. General Manager Joe Schoen invested a significant amount of money and draft capital to try to address that problem. The revamped depth chart paints a pretty picture, with analysts and fans alike predicting big things for the Giants' defense. There are still a couple of key question marks, though. And if they are not answered, New York will remain vulnerable against opposing offenses. Although Schoen prioritized the secondary in free agency, I believe the outside cornerback situation is the biggest weak spot at this time. Dru Phillips enjoyed a solid rookie campaign and could quickly establish himself as one of the better slot corners in the NFL, but uncertainty clouds the perimeter. Although modern quarterbacks do not let the ball rip like they used to, having someone who could prevent big plays and shut down top wide receivers is crucial. Paulson Adebo proved himself to be a ball hawk with the New Orleans Saints, and there is growing optimism that former Giants first-round draft pick Deonte Banks can keep his emotions in check and finally break out in his third season. But both of these outside CBs come with drawbacks. Will the cornerback room come through for NY Giants? New York signed Adebo to a $54 million contract, tapping him to be the lockdown corner the squad has been missing. He has found success in zone coverage, a scheme defensive coordinator Shane Bowen loves to employ. There is reason for concern, however. The 26-year-old broke his femur last October. Adebo was moving well during spring workouts and looked ready for the new season, but he could still face physical challenges during in-game action. It is only natural for a player who relies so much on his legs to struggle a bit after suffering such an injury. The Giants think the former Stanford star will shake off the rust and overcome any potential limitations. They made a hefty commitment, in large part because of what he displayed before his season-ending injury. Adebo recorded three interceptions,10 pass breakups, and 43 solo tackles in seven games for the Saints. If he can build on his 2024-25 success, the 2021 third-round draft pick could be an undeniable difference-maker. He has other elements in his game to iron out, though. Adebo finished with a sub-65 coverage grade in three of his four years in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus. Was the 80.5 mark he posted in 2023 an outlier or a sign of what he can do moving forward? The Giants better hope it is the latter. Even if the notable addition excels with his new team, it is still unclear how Banks will perform. A liability in the secondary can overshadow the overall strength of the group. Experienced and talented QBs will pick apart the weak link. Banks has to show that he is not a soft spot in this defense. He has to remind the organization why it selected him with the 24th overall pick more than two years ago. Until he does, fans are completely justified in expressing skepticism. The polarizing cornerback struggled profusely in zone and recorded a 50.3 coverage grade last season. If he cannot grasp Bowen's system in 2025, management will have a huge decision to make regarding his future with the franchise. Aside from what he does on the gridiron, Banks has to display a positive attitude. A healthy mindset will increase the likelihood of him making strides. Former third-rounder Cor'Dale Flott and rookie Korie Black will also be called upon to log meaningful snaps in the upcoming season. Still, the onus is on Paulson Adebo and Deonte Banks to combat aerial attacks. This duo must take advantage of a potentially ferocious front-seven and make plays when opportunities arise. Otherwise, the Giants' hopes of having an upgraded secondary will just be an unfulfilled promise. And that is a theme fans are sick of by now. What happens next with the NY Giants? Find out! Follow and like us on Facebook. Visit our YouTube channelfor the latest videos. Want to send a question in for our mailbag? You can do so here.
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