As the Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Harvest prepares for its theatrical release on November 18, 2026, the Hunger Games franchise is seeing a revival. Alongside the main series, the prequel The Ballad of the Snake and the Bird is also returning to the big screen, with one film set to be released each week. Jennifer Lawrence, who plays Katniss Everdeen, was nearly not cast in the role. She spent three days deciding whether to accept, worried about the project's scale and the intense media attention it might bring, similar to what Kristen Stewart faced with the Twilight series. Her mother ultimately convinced her to take the part. Lawrence then underwent strict physical training that included combat techniques, climbing, and yoga to prepare for the role. According to Entertainment Weekly, over thirty actresses auditioned or met with the production in 2011. Among them, Shailene Woodley, who was best known for The Secret Life of an American Teenager at the time, admitted she did not perform well during her auditions. Brie Larson, who was 21 at the time, mentioned in 2020 that she had a failed audition for Hunger Games, likely for the role of Katniss. Kaya Scodelario, revealed by the series Skins, was a favorite among fans of the book, according to Bustle, but the production ultimately chose Jennifer Lawrence. Saoirse Ronan, who was 16—like Katniss in the books—also tried out for the role. Lyndsy Fonseca, known for How I Met Your Mother, auditioned in front of director Gary Ross, and her name even appeared on a shortlist published by Lionsgate. Other actresses were considered too young, as the production sought a more mature heroine. Chloe Grace Moretz and Hailee Steinfeld, both 14 at the time, as well as Abigail Breslin, who was 15, were among those considered. Isabelle Fuhrman, also 14, caught the eye of Gary Ross, who later offered her the role of Clove. Emma Roberts (Scream 4), Emily Browning (Sucker Punch), and Troian Bellisario (Pretty Little Liars) also auditioned. Several of these actresses went on to appear in other dystopian series. Shailene Woodley became Tris in Divergent after consulting with Jennifer Lawrence, and Kaya Scodelario joined the Maze Runner series in 2014. The first Hunger Games film earned $694 million worldwide, becoming the biggest box office success for a film starring a woman in history. This achievement made Jennifer Lawrence the most profitable action heroine of all time.