Maya Hawke has come full circle with her latest role in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The 28-year-old actress, best known for her breakout part as Robin Buckley in Netflix's Stranger Things, recently revealed that it was Jennifer Lawrence's performance as Katniss Everdeen in the original Hunger Games film that first inspired her to pursue an acting career. Speaking to People magazine, Hawke reflected on the profound impact that Lawrence's work had on her and how joining the franchise feels like a dream fulfilled.
"I credit the original Hunger Games movie a lot with inspiring me to want to be an actor, honestly," Hawke stated. "It's so hard to give a good performance in a big action movie because so many pieces in the machine are usually working against the capacity to give a good performance." She praised Lawrence's ability to deliver a performance that was "singularly excellent and weird" and "painted a true individual that was not at all neutralised by the genre."
Hawke's admiration for Lawrence is rooted in the actress's capacity to bring depth and authenticity to a role set within a sprawling dystopian franchise. The original Hunger Games trilogy, based on the novels by Suzanne Collins, follows the story of Panem, a nation divided into 12 districts ruled by the oppressive Capitol. Each year, one boy and one girl from each district are chosen via a lottery—the Reaping—to compete in the televised Hunger Games, a brutal fight to the death. Lawrence's Katniss Everdeen became a cultural icon, embodying rebellion, survival, and compassion.
The franchise has since expanded with prequels, including The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which explored the early days of Coriolanus Snow, the eventual tyrannical president of Panem. Now, Sunrise on the Reaping continues this narrative thread, set after the events of Songbirds and Snakes but before the original trilogy. The film adaptation, due for theatrical release on November 20, 2026, boasts an ensemble cast that includes Joseph Zada, Ralph Fiennes, Elle Fanning, Jesse Plemons, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Kieran Culkin, and Lili Taylor. Hawke takes on the role of Wiress, a character originally portrayed by Amanda Plummer in Catching Fire, the second film of the original series. Wiress is known for her inventive and somewhat eccentric nature, a tribute to the district's skilled workers.
Hawke admitted feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension about joining such a celebrated franchise. "My part is very small, but I'm excited. I love my character. I am so excited to get to see the movie and to be a fan," she said. However, she also voiced concerns about ensuring her performance aligns with the film's established tone. "There are so many incredible actors in it, and, in a totally egoless way, I hope I didn't ruin it," she continued. "You know when you watch a movie, and there's a ton of people in it, and sometimes someone comes in, and you're like, 'Nope, they didn't understand the tone'. I hope I'm not the outcast who didn't get it."
The journey to this role has been a remarkable one for Hawke, who has steadily built a reputation for playing complex and compelling characters. Born to actors Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, she grew up immersed in the performing arts. Her early career saw her take on roles in period dramas like Little Women (2017) and the acclaimed thriller Ladyworld, but it was her casting in Stranger Things that propelled her into the global spotlight. As Robin Buckley in the hit Netflix series, Hawke brought a blend of wit, vulnerability, and defiance that resonated deeply with audiences. The character's arc—from a shy band geek to a courageous ally fighting supernatural threats—showcased Hawke's range as an actress.
Beyond Stranger Things, Hawke has also ventured into music and voice acting. She recently lent her voice to the Audible Original The Summer Oath, further demonstrating her versatility. Yet, her connection to The Hunger Games remains deeply personal. The original films were a defining moment for a generation of young viewers, and Hawke was among those who found inspiration in Lawrence's work. Jennifer Lawrence herself became a household name after the first Hunger Games film, earning an Academy Award for Best Actress for Silver Linings Playbook shortly after. Her portrayal of Katniss set a new standard for heroines in blockbuster cinema—strong, flawed, and fiercely independent.
The Hunger Games series has always been more than just action and spectacle. At its core, it is a commentary on inequality, propaganda, and the human cost of war. Suzanne Collins drew inspiration from Greek mythology, particularly the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, and mixed it with contemporary reality television to create a chillingly plausible dystopia. The books have sold tens of millions of copies worldwide, and the films grossed over $2.9 billion at the global box office. The franchise's enduring appeal lies in its ability to combine thrilling storytelling with profound social critique.
Lawrence's co-stars in the original films include Josh Hutcherson (Peeta Mellark), Liam Hemsworth (Gale Hawthorne), Woody Harrelson (Haymitch Abernathy), Donald Sutherland (President Snow), Elizabeth Banks (Effie Trout), Julianne Moore (President Coin), Stanley Tucci (Caesar Flickerman), Sam Claflin (Finnick Odair), the late Philip Seymour Hoffman (Plutarch Heavensbee), Jeffrey Wright (Beetee Latier), and Lenny Kravitz (Cinna). Each contributed to the richly textured world that Hawke is now stepping into. The new prequel Sunrise on the Reaping promises to delve deeper into the history of Panem, exploring the early years of the Hunger Games and the origins of the rebellion.
For Hawke, the role is not just a professional milestone but a personal one. Growing up, she watched the films with her family and was captivated by Lawrence's raw power on screen. "It's so hard to give a good performance in a big action movie," she reiterated, highlighting the technical and artistic challenges of balancing emotional truth with the demands of blockbuster filmmaking. Her comments underscore a broader conversation about genre cinema and the respect it deserves within the film industry. Too often, performances in sci-fi and action films are dismissed as less nuanced than those in dramas, but Lawrence's work—and now Hawke's—demonstrates that great acting can flourish in any setting.
The anticipation surrounding Sunrise on the Reaping is immense. Following the success of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which grossed over $400 million worldwide, fans are eager to see how the new story will connect to the original saga. The film is directed by Francis Lawrence (who helmed Catching Fire and both Mockingjay parts) and written by Michael Lesslie. The involvement of top-tier talent like Ralph Fiennes and Elle Fanning ensures that the cast will deliver powerful performances. Hawke's small but crucial role as Wiress—a character known for her intelligence and resourcefulness—adds another layer of excitement.
Beyond The Hunger Games, Hawke remains focused on the fifth and final season of Stranger Things, which is one of the most anticipated television events of the coming years. The show has been a cultural phenomenon, and Robin Buckley has become a fan favorite. Balancing her commitments to both franchises, Hawke has demonstrated an ability to navigate the demands of high-profile projects while maintaining her artistic integrity. She has also spoken openly about the influence of her parents on her career, noting that they taught her to approach acting as a craft rather than a vehicle for fame.
The broader Hunger Games universe continues to expand, with Suzanne Collins recently publishing Sunrise on the Reaping as a novel. The book explores the themes of memory, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of violence. It also introduces new characters and revisits familiar ones, offering fresh perspectives on the rebellion that eventually topples the Capitol. For fans, the transition from page to screen is always a delicate process, but the film's creative team has a track record of respectful and innovative adaptations.
Hawke's journey from admiring Jennifer Lawrence to sharing the franchise stage is a testament to the power of inspiration. Her story resonates with countless young people who have been moved by films and performances to pursue their own dreams. As she steps into the role of Wiress, Hawke carries with her the same commitment to authenticity that she admired in Lawrence. Whether or not her performance meets her own high standards, her willingness to be vulnerable and honest about the challenges of acting in such a massive production is refreshing.
The film industry has changed significantly since the original Hunger Games premiered in 2012. Streaming services have reshaped how audiences consume content, and the pandemic disrupted theatrical releases. Yet the allure of a shared cinematic experience, especially for a franchise as beloved as The Hunger Games, remains strong. Sunrise on the Reaping is poised to capture that magic once again, drawing in both longtime fans and new viewers. For Hawke, it is a chance to give back to the story that gave her so much. She concluded her interview by expressing hope that her performance would honor the tone set by the earlier films and contribute something meaningful to the saga.
In the end, Maya Hawke's story is one of gratitude and determination. She credits Jennifer Lawrence with lighting a spark that guided her toward a career in acting, and now she has the opportunity to carry that flame forward. As the release date for Sunrise on the Reaping approaches, audiences can look forward to seeing how her interpretation of Wiress enriches the already intricate tapestry of Panem. Her journey serves as a reminder that art has the power to inspire and connect across generations, and that sometimes, the most profound influences come from the most unexpected places.
Source: Theadvocate News