It was recently announced that Suzanne Collins will be releasing another Hunger Games novel, set to debut on March 18, 2025. With this exciting news, it comes as no surprise that Lionsgate has given the green light for another movie in the franchise. The film adaptation of the upcoming prequel, titled “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping”, is scheduled to hit theaters on Nov. 20, 2026. Francis Lawrence, the director behind the last four movies, is currently in negotiations to return and helm this new installment.
In addition to Lawrence's potential return, Hunger Games producer Nina Jacobson, along with Brad Simpson, will once again produce the film under their Color Force production banner. This marks Color Force's sixth collaborative venture with Lionsgate since first bringing the series to the big screen in 2012. The storyline of “Sunrise on the Reaping” is situated 24 years before the events of the original trilogy, focusing on the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, and the victor of that brutal competition, Haymitch Abernathy.
Author’s Inspiration
Suzanne Collins shared her thoughts on the upcoming prequel, citing her influences from philosopher David Hume's concept of implicit submission. She also alluded to exploring the themes of propaganda and the manipulation of narratives within the narrative of the new book. Collins emphasized the relevance of questioning reality in today's world with the familiar phrase “Real or not real?”, hinting at the thought-provoking nature of the story.
Excitement from Collaborators
Both Collins and Lionsgate expressed their enthusiasm for the continuation of the Hunger Games franchise. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson praised Collins as a “master storyteller” and expressed his confidence in her ability to captivate audiences once again. The focus on the Second Quarter Quell in the upcoming prequel is expected to shed light on the history of the Games and engage fans worldwide.
The production of “Sunrise on the Reaping” will be overseen by Meredith Wieck and Scott O'Brien on behalf of Lionsgate. The negotiations for the book rights were managed by Patricia Laucella and Phil Strina within the studio. Fans of the franchise can anticipate the release of the new novel on March 18, 2025, in multiple formats across various regions, including the US, Canada, the UK and Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
Continued Global Success
The Hunger Games franchise has achieved immense success both in print and on screen, with over 100 million copies of the books sold worldwide and translations in 54 languages. The four movie adaptations have collectively grossed over $3.3 billion at the global box office, solidifying the franchise's status as a pop culture phenomenon. With the anticipation building for “Sunrise on the Reaping”, it is clear that the Hunger Games legacy will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.