Lionsgate has officially announced the development of a new Hunger Games film, titled “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” based on Suzanne Collins’ newly revealed novel. This exciting news was shared by Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. The film adaptation is set to be directed by Francis Lawrence, who has previously directed four films in the Hunger Games series. The production will be under the Color Force banner, led by franchise producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson.
The new film is scheduled for a theatrical release in North America on November 20, 2026. “Sunrise on the Reaping” will take audiences back to the world of Panem, 24 years before the events of the original Hunger Games series. The story will begin on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. This prequel is highly anticipated and will be published by Scholastic in print, digital, and audio formats on March 18, 2025, across multiple regions including the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Hunger Games franchise has been a monumental success, with over 100 million copies of the books sold worldwide in print and digital formats. The series has been translated into 54 languages and adapted into five feature films that have collectively grossed more than $3.3 billion globally. The films have featured star-studded casts, including Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, and many others.
The new novel and film will delve into the history of the Hunger Games, focusing on the Second Quarter Quell, a significant event in the series’ lore. This particular Hunger Games is notable for its victor, Haymitch Abernathy, who later becomes a mentor to Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. Haymitch’s victory and its aftermath are expected to be central to the new story, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the character and the brutal world of Panem.
Suzanne Collins expressed her excitement about the new project, stating that Lionsgate has been a wonderful partner for the Hunger Games franchise. She looks forward to collaborating with the team to bring this new story to theaters. Adam Fogelson also praised Collins as a master storyteller and expressed confidence that fans worldwide will be captivated by this new chapter in the Hunger Games saga.
The Hunger Games universe continues to expand beyond books and films. The franchise has inspired theme park attractions, live events, and stage productions. Notably, “The World of the Hunger Games” at Motiongate Dubai and a major stage production set to debut in London are among the latest additions to the franchise’s global presence.
Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien will oversee the production of the new film for Lionsgate. The rights for the book were managed by Patricia Laucella and Phil Strina, with Collins represented by Jason Dravis from The Dravis Agency and Diane Golden and Sarah Lerner from Katz Golden Lerner LLP.
The announcement of “Sunrise on the Reaping” has generated significant buzz among fans and industry insiders alike. The Hunger Games franchise has a proven track record of success, and this new installment is expected to continue that legacy. With a talented team of producers, directors, and writers, the film promises to deliver the same level of excitement and intrigue that fans have come to expect from the series.
As the release date approaches, more details about the cast and production will likely emerge, further fueling anticipation for this highly awaited film. For now, fans can look forward to the publication of the novel in 2025 and the film’s release in 2026, marking a new chapter in the beloved Hunger Games saga.
