Summary
Following the conclusion ofThe Hunger Gamesseries in 2013, it seems unlikely that star Jennifer Lawrence would return for a follow-up story. But director Francis Lawrence – no relation – has offered one caveat that might entice the actor back to the stage.
Based on the dystopian YA series by Suzanne Collins,The Hunger Gamesstood apart from other similar franchises.The Hunger Gameswas not only about the romance. In fact, as a protagonist, Katniss (Lawrence), is largely uninterested in that part.The Hunger Gamesis about survival at any cost in a brutal world. Lawrence had been gaining popularity after appearing in some of the betterX-Menfilms and elevated the material even further.The Hunger Gamesis seeing a renaissancedue to the President Snow prequel,The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
But don’t count onLawrence returning to theHunger Gamesfranchise. Not unless one thing comes to pass. Francis Lawrence said as much in an interview withYahoo Entertainment. “I think that if for whatever reason [Collins] had some thematic idea that made sense to tell another Katniss story, I’d be in, and then I’m sure Jen would be in. But it really all comes from theme and idea, and Suzanne.”
Many agree that Katniss' story is complete. At the end ofMockingjay Part 2, Katniss has put the games behind her. Snow (Donald Sutherland) and the duplicitous President Coin (Julianne Moore) have been put to rest, and now Panem can do the work to make a democratic society. Katniss can have a family knowing they will never be shoved into a battle for entertainment. No one needs another story with Katniss, and if one came about, it would probably mean something would have gone wrong.
To even put Katniss back in a story with merit would mean that her happiness would be short-lived. After all her struggles, PTSD, and Peeta’s (Josh Hutcherson) brainwashing, it would be devastating to see Katniss or her family be subjected to the Hunger Games again. If fans intend to see more stories in Panem, it would have to be inHunger Gamesprequel form alaSongbirds and Snakes. And even clamoring for moreThe Hunger Gamescontent for entertainment goes against what the books are about, to begin with.The Hunger Gameshas made a point of saying that children killing each other for sport is what is wrong with this society, and maybe the franchise should be put to bed.
