Jennifer Lawrence says "it's too soon" for The Hunger Games prequels

It seems like only yesterday that we were bidding The Hunger Games franchise a three-fingered farewell with the release of Mockingjay - Part 2 last month (read our review here). Then came the announcement of plans for prequel movies, and we realised that Lionsgate were going to do everything in their power to keep the lucrative franchise going.

At the US premiere for her latest film Joy, Katniss Everdeen herself, Jennifer Lawrence was asked about her thoughts on the studio's plans, and even she admitted that "it's too soon" for prequels to The Hunger Games, adding that "they need to let the body get cold".

With Mockingjay - Part 2 still yet to complete its cinematic run, Lawrence's statements make sense. From a studio standpoint it's easy to see how they came to such a decision. However, with the prequels taking place well before Katniss' adventure, the question remains - can the franchise be as successful without Lawrence at the helm? If Lionsgate have their way, the odds are in our favour that we'll soon find out.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 is out in UK and US cinemas now.

Images: Lionsgate

Amon Warmann

Amon is a contributing editor and columnist for Empire magazine, but is also a Film and TV writer for GamesRadar+, Total Film, and others. He has also written for NME, Composer Mag, and more, along with being a film critic for TalkSport. He is also the co-host of the Fade to Black Podcast, and a video mashup creator. Can also do a pretty good Bane impersonation.