The Hunger Games trilogy star Jena Malone expresses interest in reprising her role as Johanna Mason. Malone first played the District 7 victor in the second film, Catching Fire, and also played the character in Mockingjay – Part 1 and Mockingjay – Part 2. As the franchise continues to expand with the recent announcement of the Sunrise on the Reaping novel and film, so do the possibilities for Johanna and other characters to return to the franchise.

When asked by Entertainment Tonight about Johanna’s potential to return in a Hunger Games sequel, Malone replied, “Come on, where’s Johanna Mason? I’m like, I’m just waiting.“ She elaborated on her enthusiasm for returning to the franchise by discussing aspects of Johanna’s character and of the world of Panem that could be explored in a sequel or spinoff that takes place after the events of Mockingjay – Part 2. Check out Malone’s comments below:

I mean, and let’s not even do a prequel, let’s do an after. Let’s see what happens in the world, you know, 10 years later.

Where does the government land? Where have we gotten in the revolution? I think that’s a really important part of our society. Like, yes you can rebel, but then how do you rebuild?

How Johanna Could Return In The Future

There Are Viable Sequel And Prequel Possibilities

Since Johanna wins the 71st Hunger Games, and Sunrise on the Reaping tells the story of the second Quarter Quell, Johanna won’t be able to appear in the franchise’s next installment. There are still other ways for her to appear in the future, though, such as the sequel idea that Malone suggests. The Mockingjay novel ending and the Mockingjay – Part 2 ending focus on the aftermath of defeating the Capitol through the eyes of Katniss Everdeen, a narrative decision that works with Katniss being the protagonist and the book trilogy’s sole point-of-view character.

Nevertheless, this decision limits knowledge of Panem’s full transformation after the Capitol’s downfall. A sequel or spinoff that takes place ten or so years after Mockingjay can tell a more expansive story of how Panem has progressed since the revolution and since Commander Paylor was elected president. Johanna and other surviving characters, including Katniss, Peeta Mellark, Gale Hawthorne, and Haymitch Abernathy can return to provide more perspective on the changes that have occurred and the challenges that have arisen. Another possibility is for a prequel that could follow a variety of stories.

These could vary from Johanna’s childhood in District 7, winning the Hunger Games, or the years in between her victory and having to return as a tribute in the third Quarter Quell in Catching Fire. The years in between can explore the friendship she formed with District 4 victor Finnick Odair, and possibly even shed more light on how she, Finnick, and other third Quarter Quell tributes coordinated ahead of time to commit to protecting Katniss in the arena. Thanks to Suzanne Collins and the rich world she’s created and continues to create, there are intriguing possibilities for Johanna’s Hunger Games future.

Source: Entertainment Tonight