Lionsgate has announced plans for a new film titled “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” based on Suzanne Collins’ freshly revealed novel. The news was shared on Thursday by Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, highlighting the studio’s ongoing commitment to the beloved dystopian franchise.
The upcoming movie is set to be directed by Francis Lawrence, who previously helmed “Catching Fire” and both “Mockingjay” films. Lawrence is currently in talks to direct the new adaptation under Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson’s Color Force banner. This team has already delivered four successful film adaptations of Collins’ earlier works, which collectively grossed $3.3 billion at the box office.
The announcement comes in tandem with Collins and her publisher Scholastic’s reveal of the fifth book in the series. “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” will be published simultaneously in print, digital, and audio formats in North America and other English-speaking regions on March 18, 2025.
While casting details remain under wraps, Lionsgate has slated the film for a wide theatrical release on November 20, 2026. The storyline of “Sunrise on the Reaping” takes us back to Panem, 24 years before the original Hunger Games events, focusing on the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell.
“The Second Quarter Quell is legendary and looms large over the history of the Games, even into the time of Katniss Everdeen a quarter-century later. Like fans around the globe, we are eagerly anticipating this exciting return to Panem,” Fogelson remarked, hinting at the new chapter’s thrilling potential.
The 50th Hunger Games are significant as they marked the victory of Haymitch Abernathy, District 12’s only winner before Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark’s historic dual win 24 years later. Haymitch, portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the previous films, went on to become a mentor to future tributes from his district.
This film will be the sixth installment in the Hunger Games series by Color Force, following “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” prequel movie. Lionsgate first launched the Hunger Games phenomenon in 2012 with Jennifer Lawrence starring as Katniss Everdeen. The franchise’s portrayal of a dystopian America captivated audiences and became a cultural touchstone, inspiring other young adult series like “The Maze Runner” and “Divergent.”
In addition to its cinematic success, the Hunger Games franchise has expanded into theme parks, live events, and stage productions. Notably, “The World of the Hunger Games” at the Motiongate Dubai theme park and an upcoming stage production in London continue to engage fans globally.
“From the beginning, Lionsgate has been a wonderful home and partner for the Hunger Games franchise, and I’m very excited to be collaborating with Adam and the team as we bring this next story to theaters in 2026,” Collins shared in her statement.
Meredith Wieck and Scott O’Brien will oversee the production for Lionsgate, ensuring the continuation of this dynamic and influential franchise.
Stay tuned for more updates on “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” here on Trevor Decker News.
